Need some help!

[peter111]

Hi Everyone!

 

What is the best or most recommended way to ear Peter's trust? I know its only been a week since we took him home with us but I was just wondering if there was other things I can do to better earn his trust. He still hesitates to step up onto my forarm but does it almost instantly when he's on the ground. He sometimes will walk away from me when I call for him when he's on top of his cage. Should I just let him go in and out of his cage by himself for now??? He'll climb out of his cage and hangout on top for bit and sometimes he'd climb all the way to the bottom and onto the floor. He also puffs up alot on me and I know that usually means "back off" so I do. I just felt a few of his bites a couple of days ago so what's the best way to decipline him when he bites??? One last thing...after handing him food or a treat he would bring and twist his head down and then make a high pitch sqeal. What does that mean??? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

Jurey

[judygram]

What is the best or most recommended way to ear Peter's trust?

Consistency is the key, just keep talking to him and allow him to exit his cage before trying to get him to step up, don't push him for more than he is willing to give for now, most greys will step up more readily away from the cage for they view their cage as their safety zone and can be territorial about it.

You need to become more familiar with his body language so you can tell if a bite is forthcoming but if he does bite just tell him "no bite" and turn your back on him for they don't like to be ignored.

I have no clue about that last question, maybe it is something he learned in his former home.

[Timbersmom]

Jurey, the trust thing just takes time. A week is no time at all in "grey time." Most birds will step up easily from the floor, even if they won't any other time. That is normal.

[aerial.2000]

OOOOOhhhh you have to give it time! Routine, consistancy definately. Soft reassuring voice, talking to them. Singing to them, reading to them, including them. I find that with Marco that I have to ASK her to step up otherwise she'll lower her head as well and isnt sure what I am wanting of her. It might take months, dont give up As far as discipline, there is a thread dedicated to that. I hate to hear that word since they are such fragile creatures. A definate stern NO, putting them back in their cage for a "time out" or turning your back and ignoring is what we do as well. I guess Im lucky because Im able to put my hand in Marco's cage just fine (for now) and get her in and out but if Peter is nippy then definately let him come out on his own. Body language and eyes pinning is definately something to be very aware of ... there is a thread dedicated to that as well. And sometimes when you think they are wanting head scratches by their body language lol its just a lure for you to reach out so they can nip ya. Take it slow you'll watch your relationship with him grow!