Dealing with biting / handling issues

[400boss]

I adopted an 18yr old African Grey parrot 2 months ago. The first 2 weeks he had a very good attitude but was very hand shy. Over the last few weeks I've been working on trying to hand tame him with 2 or 3 sessions a day. about 5-10 minutes each. Eventually he allowed me to touch his beak, and would give me his left or right foot when asked and let me hold them in my fingers. I always made sure every interaction we've had was positive and not forced.

 

For several days I noticed he began refusing to step up when asked, and would only do so to get out of his cage. I've never forced him to step up, or pushed my hand into him, I always let him decide to do it. One afternoon I told him step up and he did. As I removed him from the cage, he clamped down on my wrist and chewed me long enough to break skin and draw blood in several places. I got him off by taking him near his out of cage perch, but even then it was still a hassle to get him off.

 

A few days after my roomate took him out of his cage (I don't know why). He did not clamp onto my roomate and was successfully put on a different perch. Later on he accepted treats from me, put his beak to my fingers without being asked, and willingly walked toward me. I then asked him to step up so I could put him in his cage for his dinner. Once again he willingly did so, and once again I got a good chewing resulting in skin/blood loss. I'm not sure what is causing this behavior. I have been doing target training with him for a few weeks and have noticed a significant reduction in his aggression, and he's not as weary of my hands nut still doesn't want to be touched. I'm still scared as crap to have him step up because I'm sure he'll munch on me again.

[Inara]

Hi 400boss and welcome to the forums I'm wondering if what to you seems like not so much training, to your buddy is seeming like too much? At 18 years old, if he (what is his name and background?) had not had a lot of interaction, even 2-3 short sessions could be stressing him out a bit, and he could be thinking that every time you pick him up, that he's going to have to "work." It's natural to feel scared as crap if something powerful has bitten you -- he will sense your fear and hesitation and the two of you can get into a feedback loop. Perhaps for awhile, asking your buddy to step onto a natural stick so that you can move him to and from his cage will help. That way, you don't have to fear a bite, and he can feel secure and relaxed. Gradually shorten the stick over time, and relax.

 

Would love to hear more about your buddy, his background, how you two came to meet, and naturally we all thrive on photos here

[Brat Birds]

Welcome. Great advice. Also, what seems like a long 2 months to you, really seems like 2 days to the Grey. I agree, cut down the training sessions and do more fun things - just talking, singing, playing with toys together. Activity where he doesn't have to do anything 'right' to have your attention. Of course, if he interacts with you in a correct manner make sure you praise him well. Looking forward to getting to know him and you better.

[Acappella]

Sounds like you fell victim to what we call the "honeymoon period". That's when a re- homed parrot is on his or hers best behaviour for the first couple of weeks in their new home while they scope out the new place and new flock. Then they start to unpack their baggage and you get a glimpse of their truer personality. You said that even during the first two weeks he was hand shy. That, to me, says very strongly that he would rather not have hands near him right now, but complied because you are bigger than him and he was perhaps a little afraid. Now that he's acting out, he's probably decided that you're safe enough to act out with. This is when you go to school. Here's a thread on grey body language that can be a big help.

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?109373-Body-language-most-frequently-seen

if you are getting bit it means that you are missing the signals he is giving to you. Unless they are terribly abused and traumatized, most birds use bites as a last resort. How much info can you get on his behaviour and previous home situation? The more info the better. Be prepared to put in lots of time just being around him without asking anything of him, and bring plenty of patience. And then some more patience. Some birds re-home quickly, some are a lot slower. You've had a glimpse of the bird he can be with you. Now you just have to back up, build some trust, and earn it. Thank you for taking in this guy!

Love from Marguerite and Dorian.

[400boss]

His name is Apollo. As far as his background I know his previous owner worked/raised birds of prey and became more involved with that so that is why she gave him up. Great advice I will definitely give it a try. Also thank you for the warm welcome its good to connect with like minded people who care.