The case of Bogart

[itsmeorthebird]

Because the story of Bogart in our home is one of re-homing and leaning I think it would be appropriate to add any updates in this section. I haven’t been able to post anything lately, but there have been some interesting developments. One day last week I went to spend time with Bogart after I got home from work. We have developed a routine where I first give him a light spray bottle bath (which he seems to enjoy) and then give him a treat. I keep a rocking chair next to his tower so I can sit and spend time with him, and I was sitting there at the time. As I reached to put the container of peanuts on the floor he flapped into my lap. Normally he only tries to fly after he’s tripped or lost his balance in an effort to reach the floor safely, this is the first time I’ve seen him actually try to land on something. I immediately gave him another treat, and after eating that he started gnawing on my shirt (I guess he thought it needed some ventilation). Fortunately the shirt was loose fitting and he didn’t catch my skin. I offered him the perch and he stepped right up on it, then I moved him safely back to his tower. And gave him another treat.

Over the last few days he’s been trying very hard to get to me, and when I don’t pick him up he will eventually get more aggressive. He follows me as I move around and stays on the edge of whatever surface he's on, and seems ready to jump off to me at any moment. He seems very frustrated when I don’t get close enough for him to make contact. I’ve been cautioned about taking things too fast, but it seems like he’s the one who wants action NOW.

I can see progress being made and I am taking things slowly, being careful not to rush things. It’s difficult to figure out what the next step should be. Bogart seems to have no problem coming to me or climbing into my lap, and I feed him treats from my hand every day which he takes quite gently. I'm still very nervous about offering him my bare hand though, because when he does bite he bites like a dog: he chomps and gnaws and won't stop or let go until he's good and ready to.

 

I understand overcoming this (my fear and his ferocity) will take time and I will not rush it, but I really don't have any idea of how to go about overcoming it. All I really know to do is continue to try keep him comfortable with me, but how do I reciprocate when he jumps into my lap and shows trust and affection without making him uncomfortable? My wife says I should just pick him up and deal with the bites, but is that really the best idea? What are the consequences of not handling him?

 

On a positive note, the progress made since I began leaving his cage open is remarkable. He used to climb around the inside of the cage, and if let out would carefully climb the outside. Now he’s more surefooted and confidant by the day. He’s also exploring more and getting into anything he can, even climbing to the floor sometimes. He definitely seems much healthier and happier.

[SRSeedBurners]

When they say don't go to fast, that means your speed. Sounds like the Greybie is telling you he's ready to trust and build a relationship. I'd jump right in. What to do when jumps in your lap? Skritches! If he'll let you give skricthes, they love that. I'd keep a few favorite toys handy too, they love to play with their humans. I have a very simple stainless chain with a rattle whiffly type ball attached to the end. Greycie loves to have me swing her back and forth on it. Find something he likes and play with him.

[Acappella]

Well Bogart sounds like he's fitting in great, and you're doing great not rushing him. What's his body language like when he's in your lap? Is he shaking, frozen in place or is he moving around, exploring? The ultimate relaxed birdy would be if he is grinding his beak. How does he react if you move to touch his head or back? I like Sterling's idea of having some foot toys handy to where you're sitting. Always end these sessions on a positive note. Remember the saying "Always leave them wanting more"? Don't wait until Bogart is overstimulated and becoming nippy. Take him home and give him a treat while things are going good. Get him associating his time with you with happy interactions and treats and you'll soon be able to lengthen the sessions. It's all about building mutual trust.

[katana600]

What I have learned from those who have gone before me is to watch Bogart in much the same way as he is observing and learning about you. When you move forward and he responds happily, you can be encouraged to slowly move forward again. When you are met with resistance, give it a little time and try again. Another piece of early advice is that greys are subtle. If they try to move away or posture to you to back off, you may get no warning before a bite. In their mind the bite was the last resort. But, if we continue to overstep the comfort zone he may get used to the behavior and bite first and then it becomes habit. The more you encourage Bogart to interact without biting, the more he will expect you to not need that message. It's a delicate balance. As time goes on, you will learn much from him. Trust your own instincts.

[itsmeorthebird]

When he's in my lap he's moving and exploring and generally happy. I talked to my father-in-law over the weekend and he told me that if he would move his hand (even gently) to Bogart then he would attack it, but if he set his hand down and let Bogart come to it he wouldn't bite at all. That matches what I've seen, it seems like he doesn't like anything moving toward him except tor food. It's make teaching "step up" nearly impossible. I've tried it using a perch and it's the same, if I move it towards him he backs away or lunges and attacks it but if I set it and let him come to it he'll step right up without any bidding. I haven't tried to touch his head or back because of all this. Actually, I haven't tried to touch him at all, any physical contact has been initiated by him.