How I delt with my rescued TAG with deep trust and emotional issues

[Deke]

I also posted this message in the training room...

 

My wife and I received a rescued TAG that came from a very abusive home. Gracie had no problems with my wife or any other female but became almost violent when around a male. This is how I turned Gracie around.

I put Gracie's cage in the kitchen right behind where I sit. The kitchen is where I spend most of my time as I love to cook and have a nice TV to watch my sports. I first ignored Gracie and just let her rant and rage while getting use to me walking around and being almost next to her when I sit. Once she got use to me being around I would talk softly to her at a distance. Then would sit down, look right at her while again talking softly. When I felt confident she was relaxed with me I then opened the cage door and allowed her to come out where she would go to the top and play in her playground. This happened while I was sitting and ignored her as she played. I then took a homemade floor perch and stood it right in front of her cage which she came out to perch on. At this point she was only a foot away. After some time and trust, I would move her perch, with her on it, well away from her cage. (You must get your Grey well away from her territory!) That is when the real training started. I taught her to step up and lay on her back in my hand while rubbing her tummy.

Gracie and I are now the best of buddy's and at the same time no longer fears males. Even though I am the only male she will interact with she will not get mean with my friends. This whole process did not happen overnight! It takes a lot of time, patients, compassion, and love.

If you decide to use this method then remember this, no matter how loud your Greys whistles and screams, never, and I mean NEVER sound off to him/her! Never punish by tapping their beak or spraying with water. If they get too loud then simply walk away. Good luck to all who is in the situation that we were at one time. Best wishes

[katana600]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Gracie. Slow gentle progress and trust building exercises with your technique of being near without approaching too soon helped her overcome the great fear she had of you. Congratulations on becoming her friend.

[JeffNOK]

It can take work--but building a relationship with an African Grey has such rewards. Thank you for sharing and keep us posted on your growing relationship.