How should I respond to a baby CAG's crying

[Kaedyn]

So, I have a 12 week old CAG. I took my first CAG home at 16 weeks, so some of the behaviors I'm seeing from the 12 week old are new to me. I just want to confirm that he/she's doing what I think and ask for recommendations on how I should respond to the bird. The first evening home you could tell he was a baby, but he was much more "mature" and playful. Today, I suppose the shock of leaving his siblings is kicking in and he's been making what I consider crying sounds. Of course, he stops while I'm busy filling him up with his baby formula or red grapes. So, I assume he's just trying to guilt me into feeding him till he can't eat another bite?

 

I've read online that I should feed him as much as he wants, but I don't want to overdo it, or reinforce any bad behavior. I've tried distracting him with toys, but that only lasts for about 30 seconds. When I'm looking away from him and concentrating on other things, he seems to calm down a bit.

 

Can anyone recommend a best response to his crying, for both the bird's health and mental well being?

 

Also, a second question. We'll be visiting the vet on Wednesday, but I figured I'd ask now, so I can either feel a bit more confident that all is well, or make a bigger deal of this with the vet. At least twice now, I could swear that I saw him regurgitate some liquid from his beak. I could be wrong and it might have come from the other end, but it sure seemed like the beak. Is this also a normal behavior for a baby grey?

 

Sorry for all the questions. It's amazing how much more mature my first gray was at 16 weeks. He didn't prepare me for this one.

[M2MM]

I think this question is probably best left for your vet. He/She will be able to give you more accurate advice since he/she will be able to exam your bird, and not just make guesses about the reasons for his behaviour. :dry:

[lovemyGreys]

Here is a link on handfeeding,have a read & use it as a guideline only..How many feeds is your baby on?

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73409-handfeeding-a-baby-grey.html

 

If he has just left his siblings then he may feel a little insecure,he just needs gently reassuring from you,around 12 weeks he should be fairly independent.You mention another grey,does he have contact with this one ?

 

Well if your not sure which end the liquid has come from it's kind of hard to attempt to reply to that As M2MM stated your vet is the best person for medical advice.Good luck for Wednesday

[Kaedyn]

He's eating solid food, so I only feed him formula in the early morning and again around dinner time. I'm trying not to force him off of the formula too soon. I figure he'll quit when he's ready.

 

He can hear my other grey making noises in the other end of the house, which seems to help, but doesn't hold his attention for long.

 

We visited the vet yesterday and she poked and prodded both the bird and my wallet. She seemed to be happy with his overall health, but the blood-work won't be in for a few days. She says he'll likely stop crying for food in about 7-14 days.

 

As you can see from his video I posted in the main forum, it's not like he cries for food all day. He sort of flips back and forth between "helpless baby" and "fearless adventurer".

 

Right now, I'm busying trying to expose him to everything I can think of that my current grey either doesn't like to eat, is afraid of, etc. The list is long, but this time I have the benefit of hindsight.