Help, new grey biting me, loving her dad!

[newgrey]

Just acquired a grey three days ago. She seemed ok with both my partner and I initially (a bit of head scratching) but with every passing hour seems to be bonding with him more and biting me harder. I'm trying not to show my fear but can't help but be tentative towards her at this point. She's now stepping up onto partner's hand and allowing scratching everywhere on her body. All I can do is give treats without getting bitten. Prior owner was a woman in her 80s; don't know how bird was treated but it seems very healthy. Any chance the issue is gender related? Suggestions?

[Abdullah]

greys tend to bond with one person, dont worry heres what you can do first of all you cant help it shes more bonded to him ..so you need to win her approvel the old fashoined way ignore the biting hissing what have you..find out whats her fav treat is..and give her that ..be the treat person be around the cage often show her that you can be as much fun as ur partner..shell get around although she might still fav him over you but she will get around like being more tolrent towards you ..greys are also suckers for attention im sure in no time she want both of u guy's attention and more lol hope this helps...by the way giver her a week or so to settle into her new place

[Abdullah]

oh and why dont u introduce yourself at the welcoming section of the fourm..

[lovemyGreys]

Greys do tend to pick one human partner to bond with, unfortunately there isn't much you can do to change their minds.Your grey obviously feels your partner is that person,that doesn't mean that you cant have a relationship with her, continue being the one to give treats etc..hopefully in time she will associate you with good things.Three days isnt long at all,she needs to adjust to her new environment & new human family.

Many people believe a male grey will bond with a female human & vica versa,i personally don't agree with that,i have both sexes that are bonded with me,i do believe its down to the personality of the individual grey.

[charabeln]

Our Grey is 6 years old, have had her since 12 weeks of age. Is very well socialized. my husband has been her favorite person but has always looked for me at night to put her in her cage and "go nite nite" at night. She has always come to me if frightened or startled. My husband handles her more and plays with her. She has bitten be occaisionally on my arm. In the last few weeks she has started flying at me and landing on me and even bit my back (large bruise and v shaped incision). We do not allow shoulder rides. this behavior seems aggressive. my feelings are hurt, im not angry just puzzled. i want to be able to handle her again without being bit. i think Ive lost my confidence, which doesnt help the situation. She has also started flying to areas that are not her area. (She has a large area with cage and extensive play gym) and chewing things. We have provided her with aall sorts of chew toys. She is not caged during the day and use to stay in her area and play. (im home during the day due to my night work) so now I want to get things better befopre they have a chance to get worse. any suggestions. (we are not sure she is a girl, but has exhibited mating behavior with my husband)<br><br>Post edited by: charabeln, at: 2008/02/07 19:16

[judygram]

Charabeln, your grey is about the age where she is becoming sexually mature, as she has already shown mating behavior toward your husband, this is to be avoided if at all possible. Ignore or distract her when she starts this behavior, you don't want to encourage it, it will only frustrate her and make it worse.

 

She probably views your husband as her mate and that is why she is more agressive towards you, you are competition for her for the affections of your husband.

 

If you have lost some confidence in handling her I am sure she has picked up on that and that is not helping the situation any as you mentioned. If she is going to areas that she never frequented before she may be looking for a site for a nest.

 

I know I may not be of much help to you, my grey is just 20 months old and has a ways to go before this maturity thing comes into play but we do have other members who can shed more light on this than I and they will chime in soon.

 

I see this is your first post, why don't you introduce yourself in the welcome room and tell us a little more about you and this grey.