My grey is scared of me now, help.

[nastyctrout13]

Several weeks ago, my bird and I were best pals but one day i had the cable guy over. He got scared and jumped off the cage, my instinct was to catch him and i kinda did. So i put him on his perch and he was pissed off for some reason. After the cable guy left, i notice that i broke one of his blood feathers. Ever since then i cant even get near him without him being all scared and freaking out. I hate this because now i think he hates me and i'm trying to build trust. Now the only person that kinda get near him is my girlfriend who can feed him treats through the cage. He is about a 1 1/2 year old grey. Any advice would be great.

[Karcar]

TIME AND MORE TIME...lol Just start over from square one he will trust you again talk softly don't push for anything to happen and just offer treats through the bars as your girlfriend is doing, he will come around again in time. Tell him you are sorry and how much you love him etc. Sorry that had to happen for you.

Karen

[Birdnut]

Apparently, if a grey gets startled and panics like that, and then you swoop down from above to catch or pick them up, in their fright they can perceive you as a predator attacking from above. This can result in a phobia, as you are experiencing.

 

To prevent this, it is best to leave the bird on the ground for a minute to collect its wits. Then you can crouch a short distance from them and allow them to come to you when ready.

 

Karcar has given good advice. I know you want your friend back asap. But it will just take some time and patience.