Hi Emma congratulations on your new baby Ash. I got my grey when she was 4 months old also. They are so trusting and affectionate when you first bring them home wanting so much to be part of the "flock". You and your family are doing great by letting Ash explore and get to know the family on his own. When I go get my Ana Grey from her cage or from a hanging perch, I always say "Come here' and use to give her a treat. She now flies to me when I call her with a "come here." It's just automatic to her and she gets a scratch on her head. They are very intelligent as you say and they understand so much more than people give them credit for. I so enjoy hearing the sound of Ana Grey's wings as she flies to me. She is fearless and so trusting. Enjoy your new baby. Welcome to the Grey family, Emma!