Odd behavior

[the logician]

I recently bought a 20 year old (so i’m told) Congo Grey . He is nice, likes to be petted and never bites however he constantly touches my hand with an open beak, talks but very quietly and presses his tongue on his upper beak making a sound like he’s whispering. If I take him out of the cage he will flap his wings for some exercise, then drop them down below normal position while he pushes his tongue against the roof of his beak making sounds like his sinus is stuffy. Otherwise his droppings are normal, he is not lethargic and appears healthy. I’m not sure if it is just how he is used to relating to people or if there is a health reason why he constantly moves his tongue against his beak when I’m with him or drops his wings after exercising them.

 

[AprilRobin]

Welcome to the forum! I've never owned an African Grey, but my Sun Conure, Cockatiels, and Budgies do similar things. I don't think you should be concerned, but experienced CAG owners might have different opinions.

 

[the logician]

Thanks, I hope it’s nothing. I have a camera on him and when i’m not with him he doesn’t appear to behave like that. I’m 74 and have had a couple Grey’s in my lifetime but never saw this behavior. However those birds were not as lovey covey as he is. They were great talkers but more high struck. This guy just wants to be caressed and held constantly.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

It sure is nice to have a CAG that's so sweet. Most don't like being touched that much. Have you had him checked out by an avian vet? He's probably fine but it's always recommended to get a new bird checkup in the beginning to establish a health baseline. Good luck!

 

[rheashard2]

Welcome to the forums. The droopy wings with that type of sound could indicate courting, hormonal behavior. Sometimes head is bobbing with wing flutter. Avian vet check is recommended to be sure. When a parrot talks the tongue is put in different portions. It doesn't move and looks weird. My CAG does similar to what you're describing. It's when she's begging for attention, food. It's especially noticeable when she's hormonal. There's other threads on forum that can describe where not to pet to avoid encouraging behavior. Males can become aggressive and females can start laying eggs.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

I agree.... sounds hormonal. As for me.. I just got my brat 2 months ago and I'm still learning, LOL. I'm waiting for the hormonal stuff to start!

 

[the logician]

It sure is nice to have a CAG that's so sweet. Most don't like being touched that much. Have you had him checked out by an avian vet? He's probably fine but it's always recommended to get a new bird checkup in the beginning to establish a health baseline. Good luck!

thanks, that was my plan but I thought i’d check first here to see if anyone had a similar experience. My other Greys were territorial, would only step up onto my hand if they were outside of the cage. Putting my hand in the cage was a sure way to get bit. But this guy doesn’t care at all, wants me to keep my hand in his cage so he can run his beak on it. Kinda makes me think he is acting like a baby parrot with it’s mother.

 

[rheashard2]

Are you it's male? My female does that. When she's wanting attention but doesn't want out of cage. She does it a  lot when she's hormonal!