Hi, I just got my first CAG 2 weeks ago ! She's adorable but I have some questions

[Nedy]

Hi everyone!

Savannah is a very sweet, and gifted adult and I believe I am her second home. She is brilliant and talks a 'blue-streak' in context. I am totally amazed by the things that come out of her 'mouth'. Her former owner is in hospice and the husband placed her birds probably because he just couldn't bear to hear his wifes 'voice' calling to him. Savannah called out to him (Paul) the first two days I had her, in the most pitiful voice , but doesn't do that anymore. (Thank goodness...it broke my heart.)

Anyway, I fill totally blessed to have such a wonderful 'little girl'. She is so gentle and cuddly. I have questions about some of her behaviours though-- She sometimes acts almost desperate for me to do something - but I don't know what it is. I feel like it could be a breeding solicitation. It's a peeping noise and she takes her beak and tries to position my hand next to her by she doesn't seem to know what she needs either. I usually distract her by putting her back in or on her cage and giving her something else to concentrate on. She usually does this in the morning or evening = the rest of the day she is active with her 'arts and crafts' projects (shredding, chewing, dropping toys for me to retrieve if she's out of the cage, etc.)

I won't even start on her language skills - they are amazing!

Glad to have this forum available. I'm 'green as grass' when it comes to African Greys. Have always wanted an African Gray and feel like I somehow 'cheated" finding such a wonderful little girl as Savannah. Sorry, I have no idea how old she is -- the husband was too distraught to share any information other than her name with the bird store where she was placed on consignment. I bought her after she had been in the store about 10 days.

She's uncovered when I get up at 5:30am and I cover her up around 5:30 or 6pm. She is on a parrot mix as well as ZuPreem pellets, fresh and dried fruit, a couple of nuts a day, cooked oatmeal, cooked veggies (but most are only given a cursory taste). She's usually will at least taste anything I hand to her, but will fling it if she doesn't like it. I think her diet is pretty enriched compared to what she was given in the bird shop and it might have thrown her into a mating mode. We're getting less than 10 hours natural light here in Kansas right now - but like I mentioned above, I get up early and she is in the kitchen where I head for my first cup of coffee so she's up around 12 hours.

Let me know if her little peeping and needing something is okay, or if I should be concerned. BTW she has beautiful plumage but looks like she may have started plucking her neck a little while at the shop. I don't think she's doing it anymore because I see new feathers coming in now.

Sorry for the long introduction.

Nedy

[Luvparrots]

Hi Nedy, congratulations on your new companion. Nedy sounds like a sweet grey and well cared for in her original home. The peeping may be a wish to be head scratched. I know my greys love to have the top of their heads tickled. Welcome to the Grey family.

[Timbersmom]

Hello and welcome to you and Savannah It sounds like the two of you are a great match! Someone else may have more insight on Savannah's needs. I'm relatively new myself. As luvparrots said though, my TAG will make a little cheeping sound when he want to get on my arm for some serious face scratching time.

[judygram]

Hello Nedy and welcome to our family.

Congrats on finally getting your grey Savannah and she sounds adorable, pictures would be very welcomed.

[BaileysPapa]

She wants you to scratch her head and neck. Do not scratch her anywhere else. Especially her back. You can touch her feet and tweak her beak a bit. But, most any other touching is reserved for mating behavior. If you intend to harness her, you can manipulate her wings, which will also prepare her for handling by the vet. Until you know each other better, let her initiate most touching contact. Later, you'll be able to handle her more. Right now you are in what we call the honeymoon phase. Enjoy her, she sounds delightful. You got yourself a good bird, and with patience and good observation, you'll be a great guardian.

[Muse]

What a sad story. Everyone deals with grief in different ways. I am glad Savannah found a good home with you. They are wonderful companions. Congratulations and enjoy your new girl!

[Michellec]

Congrats and welcome. I don't have advice, as I'm new and have an eight month old female CAG. I'm so glad you have her....what a sad story! My heart goes out to her previous owners.