sbeasley

Hi Guys, Thank you all for responding! As before, I appreciate your advice and help. I read the article you sent, judygram, and WOW! That should be printed out and given to every new grey owner on the planet! I've done research on the internet, of course, and read from cover to cover a book on greys. I learned quite a bit from both sources but the above article was extremely helpful. After having a good cry this morning after getting bitten twice (once while trying to put Cheerios in her bowl), I did a little more research specifically on biting. I tried the distraction technique of waving my left hand while putting food in her bowl with the right, and I gave her a very small treat holding it with my thumb and first finger. Both attempts went off without a hitch! No bites -- and that distraction thing works great! I did some heavy praising after both times, so hopefully, given some time and more patience, she'll come around. It's just VERY important to me to gain her trust and love, and I REALLY don't want to screw up. Those of you that read my previous post know that our other bird, Auggie, is my LOVE! And I'm hoping that Panda will be, too.

Hi again everyone, I need more advice! Our new bird, Panda, who, as I mentioned in my previous post, is very skiddish, has bitten me several times. This morning, the bite was pretty hard. When I talk to her, she comes over and perches on her cage close to me, fluffs up and "pins" me. I talk to her very sweetly and calmly, but she just seems to absolutely despise me. Our other bird, Auggie, gives me kisses all the time, and when I ask Panda for a kiss (which I totally don't expect to get at this point, I just say it for the point of saying it to her), she leans in and if I lean towards her at all, she tries to bite. Today, I asked her to step up and usually if you kind of follow her around with your two fingers out, she will step up after a few seconds. Today, I got a big bite. It didn't break the skin but it's actually still stinging. I know I'm being ridiculous but I take it so personally, and it hurt my feelings pretty bad. My question is how should I react when she does this? I have been very calm and only talk very sweetly to her. When she has bitten, I say no to her but in a very calm voice and ask her to be nice. What's the best way to get her to stop biting? She hasn't bitten my husband, only me. Maybe I'm invading her "space" too much??? I could really use some help. Thanks in advance! Crissy

Hi again everyone, You guys have been so great and very helpful. Just wanted you all to know that as I type this, I am "calling back" to Panda and Auggie! Auggie, of course, sounds like a nut with all her whoo-hoo's,:woohoo: whistles :silly: and words (which I LOVE), and little Panda is calling me in the sweetest little baby voice!!! She hasn't come out with any words yet, but Auggie talks enough for the both of them. Panda is so precious. I wish I could describe her little voice better but to me, she sounds like a baby bird. I think I'm in love. Again. She's coming around for sure and I couldn't be happier. I just wanted so badly for her to feel joy and love again. Hopefully, that process has started. Thank you guys so much for all your advice and kind words, Crissy Beasley (Steve is my husband)

Talon, No need to feel sorry for Auggie. I won't be giving her up. Her owner has offered to let us buy her, and we most definitely will. She is a joy and is very happy here. At her previous home, there were 3 other adult greys and several other birds, so Auggie didn't get much one-on-one time. Here, she's the center of attention and she has really flourished. The new bird, Panda, is the one I had questions about. Obviously, we realize she's going to take lots of time, patience and love to come around. We were just concerned mainly about her being so quiet and if we should be more standoffish towards her or continue giving her the attention we've been giving. I don't want to push her but I also don't want to give her too much "space" and her not become more social. Thanks.

Hi everyone, We are brand new to the forum AND to being grey owners. We "borrowed" a 5-year-old female grey from a friend who breeds them to see how it would be, if having a grey would work in our family, etc. Well, suffice it to say, we have all fallen head over heels in love with Auggie! (Especially me!) She is perfect -- absolutely no problems whatsoever BUT we found a grey that a lady was selling. The bird was living in a room with no windows and had very little interaction with people. She previously had had attention but none lately. The owner also said that she could say a few words. She's been with us for 2 days and nights and so far, has not uttered a word or really made a sound! She has growled a few times when we tried to get her to step up and last night, I heard her chirp a few times while no one was in the room with her. My first question is, is that normal? Not making any sounds at all? And second, what is the best approach to take with her. Should we let her be and only talk to her nicely, or should we continue to try to get her to step up (which she has done a few times for me and my husband), give kisses, etc.? I was talking kind of up close to her this morning and leaned in and asked for a kiss and got bitten. Not hard just enough to let me know she DID NOT want that! (Which I knew, I just thought I would give it a try.) Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Sbeasley