help african gray?

Question

i have an congo african gray and when i wanted to take her out of her cage she use to just set up now she trys to run and she starting to bit she always played with my close trying to lift them up or something i guess? so what can i do to get her to know im boss? or get her back to where she steped up? she is only 6months old so she still young. is it normal? thanks

Answer 1

Usually when a bird runs from you it's a sign of fear and caution. Somehow the bird isn't feeling comfortable or that she can trust you. You have to re-build that trust. Try going to her cage without the intent to take her out now and then. She feels safe in her cage and may not want to come out. For the time, you can show her she can trust you by respecting that. Offer her a treat, mine goes wild over a little piece of watermelon put in her dish. Soon she'll be coming to you when she see's you approach her cage. Talk sweetly and softly to her. I'd say to try and get her to step up on a stick, but if she's frightened now she may just view it as something else to be leary of. At 6 months she's like a teething baby. They like to beak which doesn't hurt, but need things to really chomp down on. I have an untreated pear tree, I get her small pieces of the branches to chew on. If she bites down on you a little to hard give her a stern "NO" and turn your head away from her so that she see's you're disapproving of her action. She'll get better, just keep working at it.

Answer 2

first and foremost, you are not boss. Birds are instinctual creatures and NOT domesticated. Most of us bird owners refer to ourselves as slaves or being owned by them. Why? because we do everything for them to make sure they're healthy and happy. Much like parents do for their children (who also own us.)

second, your bird is scared of you for some reason. Go slow. Greys are cautious by nature. Something you did wigged her out and she's scared. Talk soothingly to her through the cage. Put your hand in but if she runs away DO NOT CHASE HER that will make things worse. Just let your hand sit in there as you talk soothingly to her. This may take a few days. She needs to know you can be trusted. Right now you're just the guy who wants to eat her and you proved it trying to grab her (bird POV here.)

Answer 3

She could be moulting. They get kind of PMS during that time.

Or you may not be playing with her enough, not giving her enough attention.

Or do you have mirrors in the cage? They can cause a bird to bond with their image and not listen to the human.