Socialization with Kids

[cdelatorrejr]

My baby TAG, Bobot, is now 3 months and is doing well. He's full weaned, plays and free to fly while under supervision in our home. I did notice some new behavior with my youngest child, Noam, who is 2 1/2 year old. There seems to be developing some sibling rivalry between Bobot and Noam. Noam has been involved with Bobot ever since he came to us about 6 weeks old. Now, he's getting older and is exhibiting signs of jealousy. Noam was able to interact and play with him/her between 6 weeks to 10 weeks but now it has changed. Bobot takes Noam's toys and flys off. Noam usually cries and demands Bobot to return his toy. Noam is loud, quick and his playing is always accompanied with banging. I'm sure this bothers Bobot somewhat. At this point, Bobot does not want Noam to touch him. I am afraid one day Noam will get bitten. I know its all about socialization and I am doing things to get Noam more involved as Bobot matures: feeding treats, cleaning cage, putting fresh water and having Bobot perch on me while sitting next to Noam. Is there anything else I can do? Thanks in advance.

 

Post edited by: cdelatorrejr, at: 2008/08/14 21:22<br><br>Post edited by: cdelatorrejr, at: 2008/08/14 21:34

[lovemyGreys]

Here is a previous thread on greys & children..it has some valuable comments.If you use the search facility at the top of the page it should bring up older threads for you

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/african-grey/84501-children-and-greys.html#84543

[siobha9]

There are always difficulties when raising a parrot alongside a child, as both can be unpredictable at times . The most important thing is to ensure that both Bobot and Noam have boundaries and respect each other.

 

You are doing really well to have Noam feed treats to Bobot and help with the feeding etc. And I am sure he is aware not to poke things into the cage, especially his little fingers

 

Bobot will need to learn to stay on his perch or wherever you have placed him until you come to get him. The only way to teach this is to be consistent in placing him back when he flies away. This could take a while and until he has understood this, you will need to supervise him when he is around your son.

[Trustdace]

My grey was kind of nippy toward my kids at first cdelat and your son is a lot younger than both of my kids but interaction between the bird and your child is critical. In my case I had my kids feed Congo treats and I would make Congo step down onto their hands so she could get used to them handling her (under my supervision of course). We've come a long way now. Both of my children can handle Congo and she has accepted them handling her. It just takes time. Be patient and observant.B)

[Trustdace]

My daughter and Congo.

[cdelatorrejr]

Thanks everyone for your response. Trust ... thanks for the pictures; it gives me hope to see your children handling your grey.

[Trustdace]

You're welcome and your grey and your kids are going to be just fine.