Hi Everyone...

[dreeves]

I'm having a problem with my African Grey and need help...
His name is Gavin...Actually he is a she but we didn't find out till he laid an egg after 10 years...
I've had her since a bb...26 yrs. She's been thru a lot with me and I'm not sure what to do.
If I accidently type him...You know why. lol
My hubby and I loved him so much...Hubby died 9 yrs ago...That was his bb. The first year, it was rough.
Then other things happened...I had cancer. I'm cancer free now but couldn't give the attention he needed for a while.
Other things happened...So a year ago, I moved. My mom, 2 sisters all sold out houses and moved into a large home.
I have a very large BR, I share the down stairs with my 21 yr old nephew. My bird has fallen in love with him.
So, He's constantly after him wanting attention...He's in and out working and college and he goes to the gym.
My bird is constantly wanting him if he's here or not. He pays attention to Gavin when he can...but.
He has a large cage in my room, a stand in the down stairs living room and a cage outside that he goes when it's nice.
He is constantly flying toward his br...I put up a rod and sheers which works but he won't be still. It's stressful as hell.
He constantly has his wings out like he wants to fly...even if he hears him upstairs. When he knows my nephew is in the house, he won't stop and I can't do anything to grab his attention. sHe won't eat if she knows nephew is home...just wants to be with him.
I have made it my mission to spend more 1 on 1 time but that doesn't work...I have been getting bit.
I have NO Clue what to do. Help
Thanks In ADvance...

 

[rheashard2]

Sorry to hear about the problems. Sadly larger parrots are intelligent. They choose to accept and reject on their own. This is not uncommon. A new move, person, baby or even pet enters the situation. Then a dramatic positive or negative response happens. First you have to take a step back and evaluate the situation. What are you doing when things are going on. That means your voice tone and body language. All animals and especially parrots are excellent at reading body language. They will do whatever to get the reaction wanted. Take a deep breath, step back and quadruple your patience. Set realistic for the two of you goals. Does your nephew have any interest? Or is he like my daughter...hello, good bye and she's off. My grey calls her all rthe time. But in my case it's to annoy my daughter. If your nephew doesn't want to be involved he needs keep contact to a minimum. He needs to ignore her as completely as possible. Look at diet. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere hormone season is approaching, Her behaviors may be hormone related. Unfortunately each bird reacts in his or her way to that. You want high sugar and carbohydrates to a minimum. Fruits, pasta, and similar. Sadly this is not a one kind fits all. You want a regular routine. I've been told by two avian vets in two states that I lived in. For larger parrots especially CAG, distraction, Distraction and even more DISTRACTION. The distraction can be a variety of toys, different textures, colors and features. Some to be distracted easily. Sone to take effort and thought. TV, radio, audiobooks, reading aloud, bouncing a tennis ball to name a few. There is a thread here about shunning. You should read it. If done correctly it is a great way to train your bird no matter the age. It is especially helpful with biting. Patience is your number one asset. Setting realistic goals is number two.