African gray

[Tam1010]

Hi I av a 7 year old African gray got her a couple of days ago was just wondering if she to old to talk only that she just wissels she does but her head down for u to stroke her but whn u go to she then goes for you and some time if you go near her she puts her feather up can someone please tell me about this thanks

 

[Bandespresso]

Greys (and parrots in general) really only mimic sounds they like so not all greys talk; some whistle and beep and that is totally fine! I will also say that they are never too old to learn a new thing they like, my grey is almost 20 years old and has started to mimic my voice saying things like "good girl!" and "CHRIS!"

As far as the rest, it sounds like she is nervous still. Give her time and treats! Grey are rarely very cuddly and they take some time to get used to new environments. Don't push her

 

[Terry57]

Hello and welcome!
My grey, Justice, is 17 and we have only had him for a couple of months. He is picking up new things all the time Some birds talk, and others never do, so there is no way to tell, really.
Your grey is still settling in, and it may take some time for her to get used to you and her new home. Patience is key.

 

[BEWolf]

My Grey Lady is 15 yrs. of age and she has been with me for about a year come May. She says a few words , but mostly she beeps and whistles. The feather thing that you describe is just her showing you how big she is, it is a defensive maneuver that they use when the begin to feel threatened or just a little scared. She wants you to scratch her head as shown by bowing her head but she is also a bit scared as you have not been together for any length of time so there has not been enough time for her to trust you just yet. Greys tend to be a bit more cautious of new people and things than many other birds and are usually not much into being touched beyond the occasional head scratch. Just be patient and don't push her and you can have a lifelong friend.
Parrots are capable of learning new things their entire life from tricks to talking. They pick up the words and phrases that they like the best, they also pick up ones that are said with a lot of emotion. Also they love music so they will pick up words that are sung or spoken to a rhythm easier and quicker than others. if you want them to talk, it helps to speak to them a lot, but it is not a guarantee that they will choose to speak.