adopted grey

[cocobird]

help. I have adopted an african grey that is estimated to be 25 years old. This is fairly recent and I am new to this. This is her third home, though I have been around her for 6 years at a friends home. She seems to have settled in the new environment well. She loves my husband and I am the care giver in her eyes.

I am wondering if a bird of this age is trainable. I have been able to feed her treats and not get biten, however, I do know that she likes to bite and I am trying not to let this happen to me.

 

I do know she used to be held and now she will not. The previous owner had gotten biten by her so hard, so many times, the owner stopped trying to hold her. In fact, Coco has broken skin on me for the first time last night when we were playing tug-of-war with her rings in her cage.

 

She's in good health, she sings and comes out of her cage, but when I am near her she trembles as if I am going to do something to her whether in or out of her cage.

 

Any suggestions from someone that has CAG. Or even a true website for additional suggestions. I have read alot about this bird but would like someone that has lived thru this.

Thanks, Lori

[Astro]

3 days ago I adopted 18 year old CAG Victoria, and I love her to death. The last year or so her previous owner did not have as much time to spend with her, so she started to regress a bit. They said she was a real chatter box before, but now all I get are some whistles and warbles. She does the same tremble when I get close to her, but have been lucky enough to hand feed her fruits and veggies.

 

Not that I will be much help in this matter (seeing as how I am dealing with an almost identical situation, and a first time CAG owner), but if there is one thing that is consistant on all the help forums I've read, it's patience. Yesterday was her first "step-up" with me (onto a branch), and today she came out of the cage on her own for the first time. I just need to fit into her life, not the other way around. She has had a set routine for such a long time, and I need to find a way to include myself in her habits.

 

I draw, read, and write next to her. I sing to her. She's a HUGE Beatles fan (that's my girl!) and loves when I play guitar to her. I'm figuring out her signs for when she wants something or not, and have also been asking around for the same advise as you. I'll make you a deal; I'll keep oyu posted with all of my updates if you do the same

[Guest]

Lori, welcome here I honestly can not give you reliable advise on age and training, but if there's one thing I've learned about AG's it is that with patience you can really get far with them. If I were in your position I would not try to get him to do anything but just gain confidence all the time furthering it a bit and getting closer, but slowly, slowly.

[Guest]

Astro wrote:

........She's a HUGE Beatles fan.....

 

{Feel-good-0002006E}

[cocobird]

it's a deal astro.

 

She actually comes out of her cage with a command of "out" and will go in if I tell her. But not always. She and I have treats (almonds) together, she eats out of my hand. I decided that fruits/veggie/egg mix is given to her in the morning when I get up and she has figured out when I get up in the morning, she is getting her "Num's". And treats will follow during the day at different intervals. She was not feed like this before and adapted to it within 2 days. We are still trying new "approved" foods. Tomorrow is sweet potatoes.

 

I haven't attempted the step-up yet cuz she is extrememly afraid of sticks (someone throw one at her when she bit them). Though today I was sweeping around her cage, while she was out, and she followed the broom motion. I know trust and patience are very important, I am only able to work with her closely while the other family members are away for extensive periods of time.

 

I have read and also noticed she is willing to respond in the morning and around sunset. All other times I just communicate with her as I go about my daily routine. I have also started telling her where I am going if I leave and I leave music on for her.

[Astro]

Yea, Vic responds at about the same times. I'm still learning her "tells" about when she wants something or doesn't (she "flashes" her eyes when she's scared or about to bite). She'll eat if I hand it to her, but not from my hand. Right now she's loving red grapes, apples (but not the skin) rice chex and stir fry veggies.

 

She's seems to be getting more comfy around me when I talk to her. We're not ready for touching yet, but it seems to help when I stroke the cage near her. She's getting used to my hands being around a bit more, and doesn't growl or flap when I put my hands in the cage. I re-arranged her cage today also (branches, toys and such) and that seemed to cheer her up. I've read that they actually can enjoy a change of environment in their "safe zone", as she has become much more vocal.

 

She's been imitating the beep of a smoke detector, so I might let the previous owner know they need a change of batteries

[cocobird]

Coco immitates the fire alarm also. It is the one sound she uses to let me know I am not paying attention to her. Only she gets louder if I con't to ignore.

 

SHe was growling last night and then regurgitated. Don't know what that was about, but she seems pretty upset. She was in her cage when she v'd and making other noises also.

 

I will take that suggestion about rearranging her cage today. I don't think her toys have been moved as far as I know. Let me know how Vic does.

 

She tried break skin this morning after I gave her breakfast. She let go (finally) when I said "Ouch". I think she has heard that before. But I didn't pull away. Maybe she doesn't like what the kitchen was serving!:laugh: SHe really loves scrambled eggs, apples, corn on the cob, grits. Today, I added plums and califlower. Her treats are Almonds and plain cheerios.

 

I think she is upset because as of right now, she has not sang this morning. Only said Hello...:dry:

[Astro]

Vic is still not talking, but she is still whistling and beeping a lot. She gets pretty excited when I go visit her. The next coupla days are gonna be rough, as I hurt my jaw and found out I have TMJ (reverse lockjaw) and am on the mend. But because my jaw is healing and SO sore, I can't talk too much.

[cocobird]

Sorry to hear that. I have tmj since I was 20 and it bothers me if I chew gum or hard things.

 

If you can't talk, put on a talk show (tv/radio) she will be glad to hear some interaction even if it is not you.

 

Coco didn't come out of her cage yesterday until 6pm, even though her door was open. She is out today and has been singing alot. I left the radio on when I left today

 

Just saying Hi to Vic is still communicating with her. Coco understands when we come into the room, and will say Hello to us now. Keep it up she will turn around.

 

Hope you feel better.