Building a Relationship with a Mature Bird

[b_carew]

I am the owner of a 13 year-old African Grey Congo who is fully flighted and is quite confident, but standoff-ish when it comes to training and wanting to step up. The guy I bought him off of was a great owner and they had a loving relationship, so I am not working with an emotionally damaged bird, but a bird that doesn't know what to make of me yet. Does anyone here have any tips to help me facilitate a trusting relationship with him? Perhaps some standard does and don'ts? I realize that every bird is different and will have their own specific needs and take their own amount of time to trust their owner (if at all), but any advice from some veteran owners is appreciated

Cheers,

Brian

 

[Julianna]

Patience, patience, and more patience. Your bird will take at least a few days to warm up to you, and it can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to build a real bond with him. Just spend lots of time around him, even if you're not directly interacting with him. Reading, cleaning, etc. nearby will help to get him accustomed to you, and it will take away some of his fear. Do you know what his favorite treat are? If he'll accept these, give them to him through the cage bars so that he associates you with good things. Just spend lots of time showing him in any way you can that you're not going to hurt him and that you're a friendly person. Good luck!

 

[Julianna]

Also, here's a link to an article about trust building: Good Bird Inc Parrot Training Talk: Building Trust with Your Parrot

 

[b_carew]

Thank you for your advice! I got him out today and we did a little 10 minute training session. Since I have had him for about a month now I thought I ought to start some form of training/bonding schedule. I think I will keep the sessions short for now until we are more comfortable with each other.

 

[Allee]

Hi Brian, Congratulations to you and Lozi. I think you are wise to go slow at first. It's good that Lozi had a good beginning and hasn't been mishandled. Some birds are ready to bond with a new person and adapt to a new home immediately. For others, transitions are more difficult. You can tell a lot by spending time with him. Try to let Lozi set the pace while you are getting to know him. Watch his body language and if he gets nervous and fearful, back off a little and continue to talk to him and encourage him to interact with you. Show him a variety of toys and see which ones he shows interest in. Before long, you will know his likes and dislikes and your bond will grow stronger every day. Good luck to you.

 

[b_carew]

Priceless advice! Thank you Yes, I have been trying to let him show me how quickly he would like things to move along. I know he want to get to know me because he is very curious and talkative, but I can see he is still unsure about my hands. All in good time.

 

[Birdman666]

He's a CAG! They're all a bit stand-offish and stubborn. I'd say it's entirely normal. I've had mine from an egg... and he's still standoffish and stubborn at times - (mostly bath times.)

CAG's are one of those birds that like to be handled on their own terms.

 

[Julianna]

If he's more nervous about your hands than other parts of your body you might try luring him with a treat onto your shoulder or upper arm and then work your way down to your hands. Just an idea...

 

[punkindave]

He's a CAG! They're all a bit stand-offish and stubborn. I'd say it's entirely normal. I've had mine from an egg... and he's still standoffish and stubborn at times - (mostly bath times.)

CAG's are one of those birds that like to be handled on their own terms.

I also find this to be true..
We lovingly call my Wife's CAG "Pompous Parrot"