Need help with Miki...

[forummehta]

I got my African grey 2 weeks ago..I got her from a local breeder who told me she is 1 year and 2 months old. First of all..she's pretty big. Is there any way to find out how old she actually is?

Secondly, Im not very sure on how the breeder treated her. But since the time she has come home, she just growls when I get too close. Shes on a perch and doesnt fly from there unless I get too close. When I offer her some food like grapes, tomatoes, bananas etc. she will take them from me but throw it off immediately. I think that she just thinks that I would go away if she takes it from me. She does'nt eat any fresh veggies or fruits and is only having sunflower seeds currently. Shes also not too noisy. Is this normal? how long will it take her to get comfortable with me and is there anything I should do which I am currently missing? Please let me know.

[JeffNOK]

My grey is one year and four months old, so my CAG is close to the age that yours is reported to be. How do her eyes look? If she is 14 months old, the iris of her eyes should be a silver color. When greys are very young they have black eyes. Over time they lighten. At one year they are silver. By two years they become lighter--a yellow straw color that continues to lighten until about three years. Compare your bird's eyes to the picture on the homepage of this website. Those are the eyes of an adult grey probably three years old or older. If your grey has darker eyes--silver or grey at the iris--then she is probably the age that the breeder indicated. If they are light like the picture on the homepage you have an older bird. When I got my grey I got a certificate with her hatchdate. Also, her legband indicates her year of "birth". Now, regardless of age, you just need to be patient. Let your grey take the lead. Don't push too quickly. Some young greys are fearful and hesitant at first. I met a baby Timneh that growled every time I passed its cage. They aren't all cuddle bunnies as babies. Move slowly. Don't motion with your hands a lot. Talk softly. Back off when you sense stress in your bird. Please don't get discouraged. No matter how resistant she seems now--you can earn her trust. Don't have a timetable or personal expectations. Let her grow to trust you in her time. 2 weeks is NOTHING. My grey was a hand fed baby when I got her and it took 2 to 3 months before I started to see headway. Now we are very bonded and happy. Focus on the long journey and just enjoy your bird for where she is right now.She is going to love you.

Edited November 30, 2012 by JeffNOK

[Acappella]

Miki sounds like more of a rescue/rehome than a pet. Is it possible the breeder tried to pair her as a breeder, was unsuccesful, and then sold her as a pet instead? I'm asking because for a young bird she is acting like a breeder, not tame to people. Whatever the reason for her behaviour the response is the same. Lots and lots and lots of patience. I'm talking weeks and months here, not days. Lots of us here have been down this road before you and have, with the encouragement and guidance of other forum members, ended up with wonderful loving companion greys. Take a look at this info from the training room. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?109373-Body-language-most-frequently-seen Also, do some reading in the Rescue forum room. You may even want to start a thread there about Miki. Your most important job right now is to get as much info into you as possible, and make Miki start to feel safe. Lots of time sitting as close to her cage as you can before she starts to shake or show fear. Talking softly to her. Keeping her environment as calm as quiet as possible. If possible, warn her before there is a loud noise, or if you can't, go to her and reassure her after something startles her. 10-12 hours of quiet dark sleep time will help her settle and make her more resilient. Don't rush her or pressure her. This is when you are establishing your bond and laying the groundwork for her to trust you. Thank you for giving Miki a new start. We're here to cheer you on.

[forummehta]

Thanks a lot for the reply...That was really really encouraging...Well..Miki's eyes are pretty yellow..so I guess she's over 3 years old..Also, Accapella..I suppose you're right...even I think shes a rescue..I'll just keep trying...Hope she starts to like me soon :-)

[DanielaWelborn]

Patience and a good routine helped me.

Maybe even ignore her for some time? Just let her get settled and take her lead.

I would still offer fresh food in one dish and nuts/pellets in another. I once adopted a dog that lived under my couch for the first six months.

It could be the same with Miki. She probably has do decompress and settle in.

As I posted yesterday my Jellybean pushed all my buttons He is fine today

[aerial.2000]

I think all that was great advise and definately let Miki get used to you it might take awhile but in the end it will be worth it. and definately keep offering the fresh FOOD!!!!