Just got 'im home.

[pugnacious]

I just brought home my first TAG about three days ago. Got him from and super busy couple that wanted to adopt him out because the really didn't have the time for him. He is a little shy and I really want to help him get over this. He comes out of his cage no problem but he doesn't like to hang outside of it. When I leave him up top and leave it open he waits awhile and then quickly retreats back to the interior of his cage. Should I be handling him right now, with him just settling in or should I kinda hang back and let him get used to our noise before I start handling him? Thanx guys. Any help helps!

[siobha9]

I would just leave him be for a couple of days. His confidence should improve as he gets used to the house, and the animals etc. You can sit close to him and talk to him, or just read a newspaper close by. That way he will realise that you arent a threat.

 

You can also try offering him some treats by hand such as grapes, pine nuts, sunflower seeds etc.

 

Siobhan

[judygram]

Let him settle in and get used to his new surroundings aand then as he feels more comfortable he will come out for longer periods. Greys by nature are very cautious creatures and his cage is his safe zone, he will let you know when he is ready for more.

[BaxtersMom]

Hi, Siobha9 and Judygram are probably right about giving him some time but I started messing with Baxter right away. He was 12 years old when I got him, not scared of people but he was never handled or taken out of the cage so he was leary. Anyway, that's the first thing I did. Let him out of the cage (to go in and out as he pleased) and pet him when I could. I had him perching on my hand several times a day. I was pushing him a little hard probably and he bit me several times. I didn't recognize the "I'm tired of this ~ leave me alone" look right away he would bite when he had enough. I quickly learned the warning signs:) After the first week he didn't bite me anymore but I also respected him more too;) . If you do get bit don't make a big deal of it, no matter how bad it hurts:ohmy: that only encourages them.

 

I also gave him lots of treats, I had crackers for him that he liked and would give him one when ever I was near him. I have now found out that if he likes a treat I am offering he will take it. If he does not like it he tosses it right away.

 

I let Baxter out of his cage and he didn't want to go back in at all. So total opposite from Smoke. I was worried he didn't know how to go back in but I asked around and everyone said he knows and to let him be. His food was in there and he did go back. Now he does come and go as he pleases but is usually perched on top and just goes in for snacks and to go to bed.<br><br>Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/08/27 06:38