musicluvr

I have to disagree with the opinion of thinking that greys who have been handled/touched should be forced: "All of these places recommend that some type of physical bonding be started in order for the birds to calm down." I believe the STRESS of being approached physically when the bird has no need or interest is damaging to it's trust in us, and has the opposite effect of "calming down." And let's face it, if the owner is not aware of improper petting/stroking, then the bond becomes that of a mate, and you start all sorts of trouble! We need to recognize that we really don't know 100% of what these wild animals need. They operate by instinct b/c they are not very far removed from their ancestors. Until we remember that, I'm afraid the human's need to stroke will outweigh the need of the bird, and we will continue to find them in rescue situations. Not because we haven't touched them, but because we HAVE TOO MUCH. It's all very scientific and hormonal, and we can't begin to understand it.

My Ziggy, 8 yrs.old from previous owners, is also VERY afraid of things; movements & big things especially. Have YOU ever owned a parrot before? If not, then a "used" Grey is a very difficult one to start with! They are VERY intelligent and yet like to be sociable, too.....sometimes difficult when they are not friendly. Just changing your birds' cage is enough to send some into a full-blown panic. My best advice, and what's working SO FAR with Ziggy, is to spend time NEAR his cage. They get very curious, esp. if you're eating!! Also, I've experimented with various textures to see what he likes to play with (he likes making noises) and to see what he is interested in eating (everything). Best of luck!

My Ziggy, 8 yrs.old from previous owners, is also VERY afraid of things; movements & big things especially. Have YOU ever owned a parrot before? If not, then a "used" Grey is a very difficult one to start with! They are VERY intelligent and yet like to be sociable, too.....sometimes difficult when they are not friendly. Just changing your birds' cage is enough to send some into a full-blown panic. My best advice, and what's working SO FAR with Ziggy, is to spend time NEAR his cage. They get very curious, esp. if you're eating!! Also, I've experimented with various textures to see what he likes to play with (he likes making noises) and to see what he is interested in eating (everything). Best of luck!

My rescued CAG and he is so scared of hands that I can't even begin to train him. Even when he's scared and landed on the floor, he will only step up long enough to flap to somewhere else. Anyone have any suggestions for sticks (which he flies away from) and hand training? I have many years exp. with rescues, and this little guy is just not making progress. He is very cute and interactive, and if he never learns to step-up, that will not be the end of the world...... Thanks for any suggestions: email me @ music.luvr@comcast.net

Absolutely, positively. Just think about how they learn things in the wild....from each other. They learn EVERYTHING by watching and listening their peers/parents. Just give it time. He'll figure it out, esp. if he figures out that you pay more attention to him when he does make those sounds!

Thanks to all of you for your greetings! I'll be taking pics of Ziggy this weekend and hopefully post next week!

I just adopted (heh, heh, bought) a 7 yr old.Congo from a home that left a lot to be desired. His cage is WAY TOO SMALL and way too rusty, so I'm looking for a good deal on a larger cage. He is joining me in my tiny apartment with my 2 doggies. He already started talking, eats just fine and gave my first kiss this morning. He really responded to my adult son, who was able to pet him and pick him up within 10 minutes after meeting him!! I have owned numerous parrots in my adult life (won't admit to exactly how many years....) and have been without any now for about 4 years. I even owned my own little store for a while, and did some rescue/adoptions. THAT was a nightmare, from a logistics standpoint..... Hope to make lots of new friends here~ anyone from West Michigan going to the Ann Arbor bird fair this Sunday (8/3) let me know!!!