Bonding with a second person?

[MissyLou]

My fiance's mother has had an African Grey for several months now and he has bonded with her beautifully; but knowing that one day someone else will be needed to look after him, she has been trying to get the bird to also bond with my fiance. So far, it's seeming that very little if any progress is being made.

 

Does anyone have helpful tips on how to properly handle the bird so that he will be more accepting of my fiance, or has the bird simply decided that it doesn't want to bond with anyone else?

[judygram]

Most greys will bond with one person, the one they have chosen as their favorite but that does not mean he won't be able to handle it. It may not bond with your fiance but it can have a good relationship with him if he works with it and spends some amount of time with him. He should come around often and be the one to give him treats, he should talk to him and interact with him, he may never come to be as close as his mother is to him but it will suffice if and when the inevitable does happen.

 

I am glad you are thinking of this possibility and the more your fiance involves himself in the grey's life the less traumatic it will be when that does happen.

 

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.

[lovemyGreys]

As judy has said Greys do tend to pick one family member to bond with, this doesnt mean that others cant have a realtionship with him.The grey will know your fiance's voice etc..continue to have regular contact with him & be part of his life.

[Bertbert]

My grey is more attached to me, but talks and plays with my boyfriend (who spends a little less time with my bird than I do). I think it really depends on the amount of time that you are able to spend with the grey. My mom will spend a day with my grey and at the end of the day, Gizmo doesn't care if it's me or her that is with him, but then when he doesn't see her for a couple of days, it's back to square one again.

[judygram]

Thats good Brittany that your grey is comfortqble with your boyfriend and your mom, makes it easier for all of you.B)

[newgrey]

I'm three frustrating weeks in with working with our grey who has chosen my boyfriend as her primary. The progress is slow (if not nonexistent). She bites me hard and alot. I talk to her and give her treats, alot. It seems the only option since I want to be able to handle her eventually. Good luck.

[Lysis]

I hope you don't mind me chiming in, as I have an amazon. Amazons are known as well to bond to one person. Mine, however, had fallen in love with my husband, but only when he is sitting down. She had suddenly decided that he is more "fun" to be with, even though I'm the one who plays with, feeds, and cleans her.

 

I've discovered, though, that reducing the time the bird spends with the "favorite person" and having that favorite person do the not so favorite things (showers, etc) works well. Also, being one on one with the bird may help.

 

When I had my other parrot (another amazon who fell in love with another amazon at the boarder) and my current bird, they both preferred my father big time. I felt so bad and my feelings were hurt! But realize, sometimes, they may, for example, prefer the taller person or the person who sort of ignores them (the one who is not so eager to love, snuggle, and SMOTHER the bird).