elvis2
Just Hatched
Courage is not freedom of fear but finding the strength to carry on
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
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Newbie
May 10, 2014 0:08:12 GMT -7
Post by elvis2 on May 10, 2014 0:08:12 GMT -7
Hi I have just joined this site, and am picking up my new bird today. He is called Elvis, and is 8 years old. His owner had dementia and was put in a home, and I said I would take him in. My Grandmother had an African Grey, but this is my first time. I am a bit nervous about how to introduce myself to him. I don't want to frighten him. I am buying a small transport cage to carry him separately from the cage so that he does not damage his wings. Any tips from anyone would be greatly appreciated
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Newbie
May 10, 2014 2:49:27 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by lenke on May 10, 2014 2:49:27 GMT -7
Hey there. Welcome. As with any new creature, slow and steady. Lots of patience and good observation skills are a must. Allow the bird to show you what it wants Initially, a more quiet approach may be best -nice calm and gentle voice, then, as you build trust, your interactions can grow into as much or as little insanity as you wish
I always suggest sitting next to the cage and reading a book out loud or singing for at least the first day or so before you even try and put your hands to the bird.
Again, welcome Thank you for taking this little one on
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elvis2
Just Hatched
Courage is not freedom of fear but finding the strength to carry on
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
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Post by elvis2 on May 10, 2014 6:00:11 GMT -7
He seems to have settled in well. Already I have discovered he loves to tear up paper, doesn't like grapes, or chillies, but loves seeds. Apparently he was raised on seeds, but I have read that this is not good for them. He didn't like orange, banana or monkey nuts although he does like to crack the shells. He loves walnuts I bought a big bag of premium food, but it would appear that he doesn't like it. Any suggestions? He is a lovely natured bird and very gentle. My eight year old Grandson was able to feed him without being bitten Because we had to pick him up to put him in a transporter to move him, he doesn't like to be touched at the moment, but will snuggle up to my face. I am delighted to have him and think we are going to become best buddies.
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Newbie
May 10, 2014 12:11:40 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by lenke on May 10, 2014 12:11:40 GMT -7
That sounds like you're on the right track
As to the food.....um......yes......well, my old man, Lucky Doodle, when he came to me 8odd years ago was fed for the previous 60odd years on sunflower seeds and peanuts only and it took me almost 4 years to convince him that food had other things to try Till the day i had to put him to sleep he fought with me about what he considered his best diet, but i think that i outstubborned him, for the most part
You have to be tough and almost enforce the diet change. I did it by decreasing his portions of junk food and increasing the good till there was only good
Maybe your vet might have an easier way
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Newbie
May 11, 2014 12:19:10 GMT -7
Post by Haz on May 11, 2014 12:19:10 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum.
It is great that Elvis is settling in nicely. They often have a hard time accepting a new person. Let Elvis set the pace. Slow and easy wins the game.
Try him with various foods. He may like Avi-cakes which are 50% seeds and 50% pellets. I give Chy one square of Avi-cake a day as a treat. She loves the large size of Zupreem pellets as she likes to dunk them in her water and hold them as she eats.
Greys are a joy to be around and I'm sure you will love Elvis.
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elvis2
Just Hatched
Courage is not freedom of fear but finding the strength to carry on
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
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Newbie
May 12, 2014 4:57:19 GMT -7
Post by elvis2 on May 12, 2014 4:57:19 GMT -7
Thank you all for your comments.
Elvis has settled in very well and very quickly. He is stubborn. His previous owner had plastic bowls, and his new cage came with stainless steel ones which he refuses to eat out of. He went 24 hours without hardly any food, but as soon as I put the plastic ones back he ate from them. He refused to eat grapes when I gave them to him on day one. Now he will eat them if I peel them for him. He refused tomato, but when I held a small piece in my lips, he took it from me and ate it. Finding out his likes and dislikes is great fun, and it is so obvious what he doesn't like. He even turns his back on me if he is not in the mood for interaction.
He sits on top of his cage all day occasionally going inside for food and to play with his toys, and at night he goes in on his own, and I close the cage door. He has started to whistle especially when we leave the room, but has not said any words yet. I am off to work tomorrow and am going to miss him terribly, but will put the radio on for him. Should I leave him out of his cage if we are not there?
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Newbie
May 12, 2014 5:49:19 GMT -7
Post by Haz on May 12, 2014 5:49:19 GMT -7
We all know how stubborn these birds are and their likes and dislikes.
They are like two year old children. If you leave him out while you are away, you may come home to a scene of destruction. Even when you are home, the bird can take chunks out of your woodwork while you are not looking.
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Newbie
May 12, 2014 19:46:54 GMT -7
Post by stef on May 12, 2014 19:46:54 GMT -7
Yes, Hector is obsessed with pulling the thermostat off the wall. He scolds himself as he does it, saying Nooo, or stop that! and then once he get's it off and it crashes to the floor he says Uh Oh!! He also, says Noooo as he bites the corner of the wall or the woodwork and molding. All this from a bird who doesn't really leave the cage!
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elvis2
Just Hatched
Courage is not freedom of fear but finding the strength to carry on
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
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Newbie
Jun 2, 2014 10:17:06 GMT -7
Post by elvis2 on Jun 2, 2014 10:17:06 GMT -7
Can anyone help me on this? Elvis is about 8 years old, and we have had him for nearly 3 weeks now. He is very tame and very gentle. He comes out of his cage and likes to sit on his cage, but it appears he is not used to being handled from the cage. If he takes flight away from the cage, he will step up easily, run up your arm and sit on your shoulder quite happily. At night, we have struggled on occasions to get him back into his cage, so now just lock the cage when he goes in for something to eat. Any ideas?
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Newbie
Jun 2, 2014 12:25:34 GMT -7
stef likes this
Post by Jane on Jun 2, 2014 12:25:34 GMT -7
I think it will help if you get into a bedtime routine - tell him it is bedtime and time to go to sleep. You can try using a treat to get him back in the cage. With mine I don't have overhead lights on in the evening, I have wall lights and lamps so the light level is not too bright as their body clocks need to tell them that night is coming. I cover them at night and after I have covered them I have a little musical toy that I put on, tell them night night, then put all the lights off and close the door.
Jane
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