I have had my parrot Hook for about a year. I was given Hook from a woman who no longer could keep her. She is around 25 years old. I have no idea as to what I'm doing, the right foods to feed her, how often to let her out of her cage, etc. I look up stuff online but I don't always feel the information is reliable. She seems to be healthy but I made an appt at the vet to be sure. I'm the only one that can let her out of her cage. When my husband tries, she bites him which I find strange because he interacts with her all the time, talking, whistling, giving her treats. One day I had her out and when I tried to put her back in her cage she bit me repeatedly. Needless to say all I can do after all this time is to have her get on my finger to get out of the cage. She's not about to let me touch her in any other way. I would like to put her in the shower but not sure how to go about it. She doesn't sing in front of us yet, or talk but that's ok. What I'm asking for is any advice at all especially about food. I have tried her on a couple different types of food which she likes but my complaint is the manufacturer load the bag up with a ton of peanuts and large nuts which she does not eat. I have to dig these out to get to the food. Thanks for listening. Nancy Brown
Hook
- Thread starter Hooky
- Start date
DonnaBudgie
Well-known member
Hi Nancy! Welcome to Parrot Forums where no one will try to make you feel stupid, ignorant or less than in any way. We take care of each other, here.
Thanks you for taking in one of the most amazing birds on Earth, the highly intelligent and sensitive African Grey. Is she Congo (CAG) or a Timneh (TAG)? Congos are larger, lighter grey, with a bright red tail. Timnehs are smaller, a deeper grey with a maroon tail. Both are terrific birds.
We have many members with Greys, mostly CAGs, but a TAG here and there. These members are some of our most experienced and will be great resources for you as you learn about proper care and feeding for Hook. Search the Forum list for threads about African Greys for lots of good information. There's also great information under Parrot food, receipes and diet. What kind of food are you giving her? Seed and nut mixtures are not a good regular diet for any parrots. Most members feed pellets diets and/or "chop" which is a home made blend of cooked whole grains, whole grain pasta, and legumes with chopped vegetables, prepared in large batches and frozen in portions for up to four days. Nuts and fruits are given as treats.
That beak can cause some damage so I suggest you move her around using a stick perch until you're sure she won't hurt you or your husband. Long sleeved tees or sweatshirts will help protect your arms but keep in mind that some parrots are weird about certain colors or patterns. I'd stick with wearing something in a neutral color.
We look forward to lots of pictures of Hook!
Thanks you for taking in one of the most amazing birds on Earth, the highly intelligent and sensitive African Grey. Is she Congo (CAG) or a Timneh (TAG)? Congos are larger, lighter grey, with a bright red tail. Timnehs are smaller, a deeper grey with a maroon tail. Both are terrific birds.
We have many members with Greys, mostly CAGs, but a TAG here and there. These members are some of our most experienced and will be great resources for you as you learn about proper care and feeding for Hook. Search the Forum list for threads about African Greys for lots of good information. There's also great information under Parrot food, receipes and diet. What kind of food are you giving her? Seed and nut mixtures are not a good regular diet for any parrots. Most members feed pellets diets and/or "chop" which is a home made blend of cooked whole grains, whole grain pasta, and legumes with chopped vegetables, prepared in large batches and frozen in portions for up to four days. Nuts and fruits are given as treats.
That beak can cause some damage so I suggest you move her around using a stick perch until you're sure she won't hurt you or your husband. Long sleeved tees or sweatshirts will help protect your arms but keep in mind that some parrots are weird about certain colors or patterns. I'd stick with wearing something in a neutral color.
We look forward to lots of pictures of Hook!
