I'm new and need some help please.

[Spectre]

Hi!

 

I'm new to the forum, and new to owning an African Grey (Congo). This is not my first parrot, and I did all the research I could before buying her, but some things I'm not clear on. I just had a few questions, and would appreciate any help... For starters, I did not purchase a baby. By best estimates, she as about 12-14 years old. The pet shop I got her from took her on consignment, as her owner was terminally ill and wanted to find a new home for her. I figured instead of buying a baby, I could give this bird a good and loving home. My first question is, will she learn new things (words, habits, tricks, etc), or is that age too old for them to pick up new stuff? Right now the only things I've heard from her were a telephone ring, and a random "hello" here and there... Also, will the bird bond with me on any sort of level, or is it too late for that too? I spend all the free time I have with her, anywhere between 4-10 hours a day. My other question concerns her diet. The store send me home with a several varieties of food that I would need to cook for her. She won't touch any of them. All she eats are Zupreem pellets, and not very much at that. She seems to be keeping her weight on though. I guess the final question I have is that she seems to always be trembling, especially the feathers on her breast and wing tips. This happens whenever I approach her. The store said not to bee too concerned about this, as she is probably just stressed from being in a new place. But I just wanted to check.

 

Thank you, again I would appreciate any help.

[Guest]

Spectre, hello and welcome here I hope you will enjoy this forum!

 

For how long did you have her now? These are very important questions you are asking, but I think it's best to know where you stand after having her some time and her getting comfortable with you. This needs patience. (as you probably know) -

 

It will take time but I'm sure she will bond with you. 12-14 years being with a different owner and having been used to him and afterwards being in a petshop - are a LOT of changes for her.

[Talon]

Spectre, First of all, Welcome, you'll find lots of good information & advice here to any question you ask.

A grey is never too old to learn new things, so I'm sure once you two have bonded, that will occur. You sound like you are doing very well in the time you spend with her.

FairY is right when she says that Patience is the key, after all she's been through. It will take time to adjust.

I believe all greys do that flutter with their chest. Talon does it, I wouldn't worry about it.

Keep us posted, and looking forward to seeing pictures!

[judygram]

Hello Spectre and welcome to the forum. All greys do the chest quivering from time to time, not sure why they do it. She will bond with you but it will take some time so be patient. She can certainly learn new things, I don't think they are ever too old to learn. She should be getting about 60% of her diet in a good pellet with some vegetables and fruit with a little seeds and other treats with some table food. I share my evening meal with my Josey. I am looking forward to hearing more about your grey and maybe seeing a photo of her soon.

By the way what did you name her or did she already have a name that you kept?

[Tari]

Wow your my hero. It is so cool of you to take on a preowned bird as your first bird. Yes she can still learn new words, songs, and phrases.

My Que just picked up some new words after only two weeks of me repeting them and she is 8 years old.

It is possible for your grey to bond with you however this can take time.

As far as her diet goes keep feeding her the pellets and the cooked food. It may take as much at 6 months to a year to get her to eat them but keep tring.

Once again your are my hero and I wish you many years of happyness with your new friend.

[greylover]

hello and welcome to this forum hope you find some useful info on your bird.

[Guest Monique]

Hello Spectre - welcome to the forum!! You have great advice here so far so I don't really have much to add. The pellets are a really good diet for birds so that is a really good thing that that is what your birdie is eating!!! I look forward to hearing from you as your Grey settles in. You'll see lots of changes with her over your first year with her. Equate it to adopting a 12-14 year-old child who is mourning the loss of a parent... and all the things your birdie is going through.

[Spectre]

Thank you all for your responses, I really appreciate the advice. And the warm welcome. : ) Fairy: I've had her for about two weeks now. And to everyone, I'll be putting pics up here in the next couple of days or so. Judygram: Her name is Cacoo, but I don't think I'll be keeping that. lol She doesn't respond to it anyway. I'm renaming her either to Percephone, or Megaera. I've been trying both with her, just waiting to see which one she takes to better.

[judygram]

I think it is a good idea to change her name, I know I would if I was in your situation. A new home with a new name, start off new and fresh. I like either name as they are unusual at least to me, maybe they have a meaning I don't know. Give her all your love and be patient with her and she will be your companion for the rest of her life.

[Ice]

Welcome Spectre!!!

 

You couldn't have chosen a better place to be.

Your new member will start bonding with you as soon as she trusts you. After that, she will want you, and only you.

 

Enjoy her, you will get VERY attached.

[dblhelix]

Greetings and welcome! I dont have much to add...very good advice above. Give her some time, be kind, consistent and patient. Great to hear you are giving an adult bird a new home. 12-14 years is adult, but still young for greys. She can learn a lot yet and will be a friend for life if you are committed!

[greylover]

hello and welcome.