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Post by Jaqui on Feb 9, 2005 3:51:01 GMT -7
 Hi i am new to the world of greys and last thursday i bought a 2 yr old suspect male african gray(Sidney), SORRY FOR THE LONG MESSAGE. The problem is, is he has had two owners before me and the 1st owner that has him got him in a whim thinking it would be all strawberries and cream, but when she found that he used his beak she didnt like it and wouldnt go near the cage and when she did she screamed not only this, she wouldnt top up his feed she used to waited till the weekend till her boyfriend came to feed him every week  Now we cant put out hands in the cage or near the bars without him attacking us and also if we touch the plastic at the bottom of the cage (where his food is)he head butts it with great force. He looks sooooo lovely i really really want to hold him. could anyone help please? |
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Post by Jane on Feb 9, 2005 4:25:17 GMT -7
Oh the poor bird, it is such a shame when they get treated like this. You will have to teach him that you are not like his former owners but it will take time and patience. Spend time talking to him, singing to him and being near the cage but don't try and touch him yet. You might be able to offer him treats through the bars, it is all about building trust and it will be a slow process.
Jane
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Preston
Super Talker
NEED HELP? WE WILL ANSWER AS FAST AS WE CAN (Note: Preston passed away in 2012. We hold his memories dearly, he was a great person and super moderator.)
Sisika and Pete
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 5,912
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Post by Preston on Feb 9, 2005 6:48:43 GMT -7
I agree with Jane, but would like to add a bit. We received a Senegal 2nd hand at 5 years old; his water was stagnant, and when he bit you the bleeding seemed as if it would never stop. We had to change his bowls twice a day, and finally decided on an oven mitt for protection. I'd say it was about three months when we found that his anger had switched from us to the mitt. He now talks and plays like a normal bird; and is easy to handle. Put the mitt where he can get it and the attack is on! Back to your Grey; While filling his/her bowls; tell it what you are doing in a low voice and don't flinch at a strike; all you'll feel is pressure. If they sense your fear, power is in their corner, and it will take much longer to tame them. Oh, and don't use loud colors or patterns just a plain mitt
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Post by jaquiscorpio on Feb 9, 2005 7:22:29 GMT -7
hi i am the owner of the african grey forgot to log in last time LOL  I have tried to use a riggers glove and its grey in colour and when i do this all we does is growl and then scream at me. apparently once he is away from the area of his cage he is a totally different bird its just when he is around the cage (APPARENTLY) we dont know if this is true as he hasnt come away from his cage yet. Also they said that you could wrap him in a towel and he will sit there and let u tickle his head |
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Post by Jane on Feb 9, 2005 7:48:53 GMT -7
This sounds like typical territorial behaviour over his cage. They can sometimes view their cage as their sanctuary and be defending their territory. Moving it somewhere else might help.
If he screams at you, whisper to him but continue with what you were doing. He has to learn that you are not a threat to him and you are not frightened of him either. Don't attempt anything with a towel yet though!
Jane
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Hi i am new to the world of greys and last thursday i bought a 2 yr old suspect male african gray(Sidney), 
Now we cant put out hands in the cage or near the bars without him attacking us and also if we touch the plastic at the bottom of the cage (where his food is)he head butts it with great force. He looks sooooo lovely i really really want to hold him. could anyone help please?
