rachel schindorff

Hello, We inherited my father in laws 24 year old african grey buddy. We have had him for almost one week now. We had to put him in a new cage right away, so hes still a bit nervous with that. But anyways, all the reading says birds love toys. He has never had toys in his cage, my hubby said when they first got buddy he was afraid of toys. Whenever one was put in, he would stay on the opposite side of the cage. I feel so bad for him, id love to get him to like toys. Does anyone think thats possible?? With him being older, and never having toys would this be a bad idea for me to try to introduce toys into his cage?? I would appreciate any advice you have. Thanks Everyone!!!!

Hey everyone, This morning when I woke up Buddy was playing with one of his wing feathers. He was scratching his head with it, and chewing on it. I am worried, does this mean hes "plucking"?? Ive been watching him and hes been scratching on his back alot today. My hubby says he always used to do that, and he said just to keep an eye on him. Buddy was so happy when my hubby came home from work yesterday, right when he walked in Buddy said "hello Buddy"! He tends to be more quiet when my hubby isnt here, he is definetely his favorite. But then again he was around him for many years. I just keep talking to him, I think hes at least getting used to me. Although he will not let me change his dishes, whenever i try to remove them to fill, he quickly grabs them from me. But I will keep trying! Hes quite a character already!!

Thank you everyone for the advice! I am happy to say I went ahead and moved Buddy into our living room today, and I think he really likes it!! He wasnt talking much, but was very observant and nosy as to what we were doing. He watched us alot, and seemed to like it. My youngest son was playing and buddy did start to laugh!! When my hubby got home, he said very clearly, "Hello Buddy". He seems to be be very comfortable with him, but warming up to us. I was worried about bringing him in, just for my own lack of knowledge, but you guys are very helpful!!! Thanks for making me feel welcome. Im going to try to post a pic today also!!!

Thank you for the advice. Do you think the new cage and being in the living room will be too much "change"? Since hes used to being alone lately, and not used to us as his "parents"? I am just so worried to shock him. But my plan is definetely for him to be in the living room. His cage has a top for him with dishes, ladder and perch. He seems to really like that. He whistles at us like hes calling a dog, often. We make a point to go ask him what he wants, or just say hi. We have all been able to hand feed him, even my 8 yr old son. He also meows at our dog! lol And he says shut up if we say shhh or stop it to our kids or dog!! So he is already showing his personality off. I hope he likes us, and will continue to thrive!

Hello, My husband recently inherited his fathers approx 24 year old african grey. He passed away, so we are now the happy parents of "Buddy". Just looking for some advice, ive done lots of reading online about this type of bird. What can we do to help him feel more welcome? He is talking a little and eating and drinking, so I think he feels a little comfortable at least. He will "step up" to my hubby, but not me or our kids. Well we havent actually tried yet, to avoid scaring him. He seems to wait and talk after we leave the room. The home he was in, he was kept in a room alone for the last year. He whistles, squacks, and swears! Hes not a huge talker, at least that we know of yet. We had to put him in a new cage right away, for cleanliness factors. He doesnt really like being inside though, he was only hanging from the sides, last night he finally got down on the perch though. We let him stay out during the day on top, and put him in to bed at night. I have him in our bedroom now, since thats what hes used to. But I want to bring him into our living room to be around us, I just dont want to do anything to shock him more. Any advice would be greatly appreciated for these first time grey parents!! Thanks everyone!!