ahoover59

Thanks everyone for the advice, I figured that was the problem...And I've already noticed by acting less cautious he seems more comfortable with me (Even showing some tough love and playing a little hard to get makes him want to be cuddly with me! haha) I never would have thought...he must be quite confident.

Hi Grey Forums! I am proud to announce that my fiance and I have become new African Gray Parrot owners since 5pm yesterday And We are thrilled to have added Toby, our new 9 year old parrot, as a new family member of our apartment. I just have a few questions about Toby and other African Grays that puzzle me...I was a previous bird owner before Toby, having 2 blue and green parakeets, but I am noticing some prominent differences that are quite new to me. I have always known that you must have patience when trying to first handle your bird, especially after just taking them home, and that the initial goals are earning your birds trust and respect. It baffles me that my fiance can almost briskly walk right up to Toby and say to him "Step up" and the bird will just stick out his leg and hop right onto my fiance's hand. If I try to walk carefully and slowly up to Toby while gently offering him my hand to let him know that I wont hurt him and that he can trust me, he just pushes my hand away with his beak and scoots away. I know Toby's previous owner used to be a truck driver, and I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it...but could it be that the bird simply likes men better than he does women? My voice is a good bit lighter and softer than my fiance's...And also does my precaution and slow movements toward Toby make him feel even more uneasy? Do i just need to act more confident and sure of myself when trying to handle him? (And Yes I do know these tings take *time* esp. for a new bird to warm up to you) If anyone can share any insight on these kinds of things I would appreciate it; I won't lie I am getting a tad bit jealous