Honeymoon period

[Zoom]

How long does the honeymoon period last with a baby grey? I feel like I should be taking advantage of this time to teach Simon some things, but I'm not sure what those things are, so mostly we just cuddle and hang out.

[Ray P]

Enjoy this time that they will cuddle and use this time to socialise Simon and build a strong bond and relationship. When you build a strong bond the reast will come alot easer because you will have a conection. Make this a fun time.

[Dave007]

How long does the honeymoon period last with a baby grey? I feel like I should be taking advantage of this time to teach Simon some things, but I'm not sure what those things are, so mostly we just cuddle and hang out.

 

There is no set time but usually when a bird starts to act more independent ( approx 1 yr or so) and wants time by itself to explore things. That's the time a grey is starting to act a bit more aloof which is their personality. A grey may get a little nippy because other things are attracting him/her. It takes a while ( a short time or longer time). Greys are all different so a set time is impossible to give although you'll definitily see the changes. You can always try to teach your birds things as long as you don't do things that'll cause an attitude and fear.

[Zoom]

Simon is surprisingly easy-going about new things. He loves new food and new toys. He likes when I change things around in his house. He's comfortable trying new things again, even if he failed the first time - like flying to the windowsill, for example, when he crashed into the window the first time. He's a little more hesitant about being handled by new people. Should I encourage him to let new people hold him, or should I let him keep his distance, since it makes him uneasy?

[Dave007]

Simon is surprisingly easy-going about new things. He loves new food and new toys. He likes when I change things around in his house. He's comfortable trying new things again, even if he failed the first time - like flying to the windowsill, for example, when he crashed into the window the first time. He's a little more hesitant about being handled by new people. Should I encourage him to let new people hold him, or should I let him keep his distance, since it makes him uneasy?

 

Young greys are nothing like adult greys and eventually you'll see that. There's nothing unusual about what your young grey is doing.

Young greys like new toys. Some don't.----individual personality

Young greys like new foods. Some don't.----individual personality

Young greys have to learn to fly and all will crash into windows, walls, curtains and many other things. Most of them will try and try again. Hesitation won't stop them from trying again.

Most greys won't talk in front of strangers and many times that includes owners that are around them.

Most greys, young and old don't like being handled by strangers. The basics here is that your bird learns to trust the immediate family as far as handling. Don't worry about strangers or casual visitors. Don't force the issue. If your bird bites one of them, you're stuck and more than likely, he'll bite a stranger or casual friend again and because you put him in an uncomfortable position, he may bite you too especially after you do it again. You're gonna be stuck again.

[judygram]

I would enjoy the cuddling as long as it lasts for more than likely it will end soon, it did with my grey Josey, she would allow me to cuddle her when she was young but now she does not like it so I don't do it, cuddling is usually only allowed when they are very young but a few members here do have greys who enjoy cuddling even after they reach adulthood.

[katana600]

I agree that this is the time to enjoy all the closeness and bonding with Simon. Even if you were to teach him now that you wanted him to go to a friend or a stranger to him, he will grow up and have his preferences and individual personality. You are both learning from each other and are nurturing trust and confidence.

[Luvparrots]

I can still cuddle with Ana Grey. She will be three in August. She has chosen a few of my family to trust, my two oldest grandsons and my oldest daughter. Frankly, I don't really want her liking strangers and casual friends as I don't want just anyone to be able to carry her away. Ana Grey has perches throughout the house so if strangers are over she can sit and observe and be left alone.

[danmcq]

Everyone has made such good comments.

 

Your grey, is well, a baby. They are reliant on others for help in learning their way around the jungle, what to eat, where to find it and how to socialize using proper etiquette with the flock dynamics. You are now the one your grey will look to and learn all the necessities for a long, healthy and enjoyable life. They remain in this stage until approximately 2 years of age.

 

There will certainly be changes in attitude as your grey passes through this maturing process. At around 6 to 12 months of age, he will start trying to make some decisions on his own and let you know when he does not wish to do something by perhaps running, flying away or biting. This will become more predominant over the months and most at 2 years of age go through the "Terrible Twos" some are almost demonic (just kidding) and others seemingly breeze right through it and some are some where in the middle of the two.

 

Be careful what you teach and how you interact, it will stay with your grey the rest of it's very long life in some form or fashion.

 

Enjoy these precious times when they are so reliant and pliable.