Need some feedback please!

[JoeFree]

Hey everyone. Things are going ok with Joey and I. I kinda feel like we, or I, am at a bit of a stand still. It seemed like for the first four days or so, we were making progress daily. Now it seems that we have reached a leveling off period. Ever since Joey perched on my hand the other day, it seems like that was all the further either him or I is willing to go. The reason I say that it is either him or me is because I think I'm a little too afraid of getting bit. I understand that we need to take things slow, but I keep thinking that I need to take it a little further. I'm sure that I am just being impatient. I just don't want to miss and opportunity to progress in our relationship just because I'm afraid. Any responses to this would be great.

 

And one more thing. . . .Does it matter at all that he is at a higher elevation than me. I ask this because most of the time that we are attempting to bond, he is on top of his cage. It's his comfort zone. Wasn't sure if this would make a difference or not. I just feel, for some reason, that him being over my head might make it difficult to bond. I don't know I feel this way. I think it comes from a lesson I learned a long time ago, that if you want to show someone respect and be viewed as an equal, you should bring yourself to eye level with them. I use to work with the developmentally disabled, and this was one thing we learned to help us better communicate with our residents. I just thought maybe the same principle might apply here, and that I may either need to stand on something, or find a way to bring him down to my level. Just a thought. What do you guys think?

[judygram]

If Joey is higher up yes he does feel more superior and will act accordingly, that is why a grey on the floor will more likely step up just about any time and a bird high up on a shoulder or higher is difficult to work with.

 

Also realize the honeymoon phase might be over when he was more willing to do what you wanted but now he feels more comfortable and is asserting more of his independence.

 

You do need to practice more patience because working with a grey will take a lot of time and progress will be made in small steps so don't rush it, take your time and things will go more smoothly.

 

Face it, at some point in time you will get bit, just make sure it is not your face, nose, ears or eyes that get the bite but your hand and if you see a bite is coming you can make your hand into a fist, it will be harder for Joey to get ahold of your skin.

 

My Josey has yet to bite me but I know the day will come she will, I will take it but I will pay attention to what led up to it and do my best to prevent any further biting.

[Guest jamalbirdbiz]

Definitely you should be free of fear if you want your relationship to progress you have to be consistent. If your bird bites well so what.at least u tryed. That way u wo'nt have regretz later. Even if he bitez just keep trying.

 

Jamal

[she]

I have never had any real dominance issues with Charlie,I am only small and his cage top perch is higher than me but I find he steps up quite willing on to my hand or a stick.My findings is that it is down to the indevidual grey and how well he responds to step up.A very timid bird may feel more secure higher than you or a very dominant bird may respond if he is lower.I feel you need more time to get to know your grey and him you.It can take a while.