auntphibian

Red has now been at the house for 5 days. He hasn't been out of his cage since I made him the first day to clean the cigarette smoke off the cage. I hand feed him food and treats and talk to him often. I put my hand and finger near him so he can get used to me, but he has bitten me a couple of times. He isn't ready to come out and see me. Yesterday, I started leaving the cage door open, as he seemed to want that. He sits in front of the open door and checks everything out. I left the room for a little while today and when I came back in, he was on top of the cage. He went back in the cage when I came in the room. My question is: How can I bond with this bird? He gets afraid if I try toweling him and he won't step up on my finger. I know it takes time, my cockatiel took 2 weeks before he'd let me touch him, but I wonder if there is something I can do to help gain Red's trust. He seems to like his new flock....I moved his cage near a wall yesterday and he seems to be more vocal now...maybe because he has the wall and doesn't have to be award of all sides of the cage anymore. He even danced in the cage last night...so, I know he's getting more comfortable....Any suggestions? Thanks! Becky

Thank you everyone for your help. I plan to take him to see an avian vet, just in case....I have to think about my other bird, as well. I do believe what Red is doing is a growl, as he seems to do it at times he is scared. He's eating great, drinking and poop looks normal. Yes, that is a picture of Red...I'd like to get one from the back to show the shape of his feathers, but that's not going to happen. I gave him things he didn't have before that are vital to all birds, vitamins and minerals, seed stick, a sanitized cage and perches, beak conditioner and even a place to cuddle. I also bought him some cat balls with a bell in it. He LOVES them. He picks them up and shakes his head fast back and forth to hear the bell. He'll do that for a long time. Then, he finds a way to pull the bell out of the ball, leaving the ball intact. I have to step in and put the bell back in. He wants to crack the bell open. It's funny to watch him play with them. He seems like a pretty well adjusted bird, so far. I'll keep you posted.

Hi, my name is Becky and I live in Nashville, TN. I love all animals and have many. I volunteer regularly at The Nashville Zoo with the Lorikeets. I'm none as the bird's toy. Through my relationships at the zoo, I was referred to a woman wanting to find a good home for the 4 year old African Grey Parrot. I was interested, of course, and within 2 days, the bird, Red, was mine, free of charge with food, cage, etc. I picked him up and brought him home today and thought I'd post on here for any advice. The woman who owned him is a smoker and smoked in the house, right next to Red. That concerns me. I took pics of Red today and everytime I did it, he made this noise that was either a growl, or a respiratory wheeze. He looks healthy, his eyes are clear, nostrils clear, sleeps on one foot. He's vocal, eats well and seems fine...I'm just concerned of the effects of cigarette smoke and wonder what precautions I should be taking now, even though he seems healthy. He breaths fine, except when I try to take a picture of him, then he makes the funny sound. Thanks.