New congo owner. HELP

[Jayblade]

Hello,

im proud to say that im a new owner of a 6month old african grey congo. Her name is Bella. So its been a bit more than a wk since ive gotten my 6month old african grey congo!..When i went to the breeder to get her, she was really friendly, her biting wasn't even biting, it was more lik just a soft nibble. I brought Bella home, and the breeder said it would take up to a wk for her to adjust. Now that she's in our new home, she never wants to come out of her cage, her biting has gotten more stronger like they actually hurt! There is alot of interaction btwn bella and the family, we spend alot of time with her. She still doesn't want to get out of the cage! she would run away and what not and i have to grab her by the legs and hold her wings down so she wont run away? whats wrong? and she would bite here and there for some reason! she would squak when we try to get her out of the cage or try to bite, but i dont pull back when she bites, i just take it in to show her im not afraid! help?

The cage is fairly large for her to move around in and flap her wings, there is a ladder and a swing i bought for her. I dont kno how to feed her water since she never drinks it herself! and her nails have gotten really long and sharp and hurt ! she lets me pet her on her head and neck once in a while, but there are times when she turns around n tries to bite me when i pet her .

[Luvparrots]

Sounds like Bella just wants some space. I let my grey come out of her cage on her own. She has hanging perches and boings all over the house so she can sit and watch the house revolve. I find that if I let her come and go as she pleases with supervision she will come and hang out with my more often.

[JillyBeanz]

Bella's six months old, she's starting to find her own independence and tell you what SHE wants. I agree that she should be given some space. If you are grabbing her by the legs and holding her wings down then I don't think that this will encourage her to be more friendly towards you. Talk to her, give her little treats, make her warm towards you.

 

Regarding the water - do you have "open bowls" as opposed to a drinking bottle - your baby will find it easier to dunk their head in a water bowl. To be honest - it will be drinking - it wouldn't have survived so long if it hadn't been.

 

Looking forward to some updates

[judygram]

Hello Jayblade and welcome to our family, its great that you could join us and we look forward to hearing more about you and Bella.

 

This must be your first bird since you sound very new to owning a grey. Bella is beginning to show her independence, she wants to do things on her terms and if you want to gain her trust then you are going to have to earn it.

 

Do not grab her legs and hold her wings to get her to stay with you, she doesn't want you to and she is showing her displeasure by biting and if you don't heed her warnings it will only get worse.

 

Open her door and allow her to come out on her own and if she doesn't want to then that is ok, she will when she is ready, don't force her to do anything she doesn't want as it will only make it worse for you.

 

Provide several rough type perches like concrete near her food and water bowls where she has to use them, they do a pretty good job of keeping the nails from getting too long.

 

I want you to read thru as many of the endless threads we have here for lots of useful and helpful information and do ask questions you may have and we will help you in any way we can.

 

We love pictures here so if you have some of Bella you would share with us we would love to see her.

[Summerc25]

Hey Jay and welcome! First, please do not grab Bella by the legs or wings or anything. They are very fragile and she could be injured from that. Greys are very smart and she will learn to step up onto your hand or finger from the cage. The breeder said give her a week but it depends on the bird. They all have their own personalities. It could take her several weeks. Just be sure to talk to her softly alot and leave her cage door open. Maybe even sit near her when you eat so she can have more time to bond with you. Eventually she will come out on her own. Also, my grey, and I am not sure she is the same way, he does not like anyone to ever reach quickly to scratch his head or rub it. He wants to see your hand first and realize that it is not anything trying to get him. I always ask/tell him first like "want a scratch?" and he holds his head down now for scratches. She will come around just hang in there and earn her trust and love and she will be yours forever Most Congos seem to bond with one person too fyi. If you want her to bond to you spend a lot of time with her. I am sure not all are that way. Mine likes my other family members but they are not allowed to touch him or his belongings, other than an occassional scratch lol he will not step up for them or want to cuddle with them.

 

edited to add: Try to acclimate her to your entire family though. It is better for them not to be terrified of other people. I do try to get him to stand on their hands once in a while, etc. It is better for him in case something ever happens and I had to be away, say a hospital visit or anything. I do not want him to be terrified if I am not there. I have even gone on vacation for a week and left him with my sis once. He was fine. I did get him to visit with my sister a lot the month before I went though and I called and talked to him every day though hehe I am sure most people would think I was a freak for that but he knew it was me on the phone and it made him happy...lol<br><br>Post edited by: Summerc25, at: 2010/01/10 02:07

[Jayblade]

hey guys,

 

thanks alot for your input. it has really helped alot!

Bella is now more comfortable with stepping out on the cage, and she is even trying to talk, but in her own bird lingo that is. But she understands what's going on and what not. Though , she is kinda scared of the sandy perch i got her to dull her nails up! Other than that her biting has reduced and she is more friendly with all the family members, even my five yr old nephew! she really loves him, and has conversations with him. ( i read that greys dont like kids? )

 

i will update you guys soon with pics and bella herself!

 

cheers

[Acappella]

Hello and welcome to you and Bella. As you'll learn as you and Bella get to know each other, there are no absolute rules when it comes to what greys like and don't like. I don't think it's that most greys don't like kids. I think it's more due to the noise and fast movements that kids make. Is your nephew quiet and calm around Bella? Just keep reminding him that she's just a baby, and they could end up being good friends. The same rule actually applies to all people who want Bella to trust them. Lots of calm, positive interaction, favourite treats, and praise, praise, praise, goes a long way with our birds. Have fun reading here and ask questions if you can't find the answers. This is a great group of caring and knowledgeable people.

[Luvparrots]

Glad to hear that Bella is fitting into the family much better now. Thanks for the update!