What ages to begin various activities?

[Mel]

I read a few threadds here but age doesn't seem to be mentioned though it was late when I was doing it. What age to begin harness and towel play? How often do you switch out toys? He is 12 weeks old. This is day 2 at home. I observed him eating from the pellet and seed bowl and pecking at a toy I put in there. I guess he is adjusting okay. How long should a bird of this age be out of the cage? Is a routine of time in the evening enough? Or should we include another time as well? I don't know if we could over stimulate him right now. Thanks.

[lovemyGreys]

Hi Mel,

well now is a good as time as any the younger your grey is the easier it will be to introduce a variety of activities to him.Personally i suggest switching toys around once a week,this makes it far easier when you want to introduce a new toy.

As for time out of cage,yes in the evening is fine but if your around during the day then let him out,if you have to work,then try for a little time out before you leave.Personally i think as much time out that is possible in your personal cicumstances.

I have included a few links that are worth a read...

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73556-harness-training.html

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73105-teaching-your-baby-to-play.html

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73094-socializing-your-baby-grey.html

[Mel]

Thank you. I read these. I just wasn't sure if he was too young at 12 weeks for any of this. And if he needed time to adjust in our new home before introducing various activities. He is eating fine. Today I placed a towel across my chest for us to play with. I read an ad where the breeder claimed 2 of their 10 wk old CAG were starting to talk. Is this literal speech or bird talk? Thanks for the info.

 

Oh yes, I am thinking since I go to work when school starts I shouldn't overdo the schedule now, right? If he is out mostly evenings on weekdays then will it cofuse him to be let out more on weekends? Thanks.<br><br>Post edited by: Mel, at: 2008/07/07 05:29

[lovemyGreys]

Mel i really wouldn't worry to much about speech right now,they all vary as to what age they mimic,enjoy all those baby babbling noises

 

If you have to return to work then limit the time your baby is out,but at times are routines change,so a little extra time here & there doesnt hurt Many greys get to have extra time at weekends, they kind of know that their owners are around more, it wont confuse him.You need to find a happy medium so he is equally as happy playing in his cage as he is spending time with you

[Mel]

Thank you for your advice. Our baby is starting to babble. Our rhythm is in sync on the formula feeding so we are both comfortable. My seven year old daughter is thrilled that she can actually let him walk all over her. She hand fed him carrot tonight. I took some pics of them. I'll see if I can load them. The baby has learned to step up tonight without awkwardness. I got a play gym for him to hang out in for part of the day as well. He is enjoying it. Tonight my daughter and I are having a girls night. Hubby and son are out of town. We are going to watch movies and make toys. I sure hope we can maintain a family bird here. My daughter is just so excited. She has only been exposed to adult birds previously who weren't trusted with kids or vice verse. We are enjoying our new family member!

[lovemyGreys]

Continue to let all family members have hands on interaction with your baby,you are off to a good start,some greys do tend to favour a certain member of the family later on down the line but if you continue with the good socialization you should have a very well adjusted grey on your hands

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73094-socializing-your-baby-grey.html