african grey that only likes men ?

Question

hi just wondered if anyone has any tips . about 4 weeks ago we bought an african grey his three years old he adores my husband and son but doesnt like girls ?? this is a shame as i am with him the most during the day has anyone got any ideas to overcome this problem ? would be great to hear them many thanks

Answer 1

You should become the person who always feeds 'him'. Have some healthy treats that only you give to him.

Never force the issue with the bird...I know how you feel...you just want to have the same relationship that your husband has.....it will come but only if you are gentle and go at his pace...if he shows signs of refusal, gently say...it's okay and walk away. That way he'll get to trust you because he knows if he doesn't want you, then you will go.

You have to be very patient with Greys. I have a Grey and in the beginning he was a real biter.....sometimes my patience broke and I would really try to stroke him....then realise that only made us take a step further back in our bonding.

Now however, I can hold him and kiss him!

I do have a Macaw who is in love with my husband though...he will accept me if my husband is not there, but I can see him looking round the house for him!

Let your Grey come to associate you with treats, food, gentle talking without pressure and he will come round even though your husband may always be number one.

They DO pick up on our anxieties really well! So if you're approaching him thinking Will he want me....? He'll sense your anxiety.

Hope that helps a bit.

Answer 2

You probably have a female bird that has decided to bond with your partner, the key is not to be afraid and to show the bird that you are not afraid. When your partner has the bird on his hand place your hand infront of the bird so that it can step onto your hand. It will try and test you by reaching with its beak, This looks like it is going to bite but do not move you hand or it will realise you are afraid and dominate you by biting. You haver to gain its trust and you have to trust it aswell. It is just setting up a pecking order for the flock which it has just been introduced to ( your family).
Another trick is to approach the bird from the front and pinch the beak between your thumb and fore finger, this immitates the greeting that parrots do to each other by beak holding. Do this every time you approach the bird and it will soon accept you as a non-threat.
Care sheets are available on my web site
http://www.artsaquaticsandanimals.co.uk

Answer 3

this is a common problem with Grey's.i have 2 Grey's and they both only like me. your Grey was probably around a man and now that is what he prefers. with time he may start to like you but there is no guarantee about that. Grey's are known for being a 1 person bird. my oldest Grey tolerates my family members but my youngest Grey will bite and go crazy if someone other than me gets near him. just make sure you handle him everyday and give him extra attention without your family around... your husband may be the person he decided is his mate so, your going to have to be patient...

Answer 4

First of all don't buy into the "Grey's are one person birds", they are flock birds and while they have preferences, just as we do, it is based on the care and attention they get from individuals. It may be your husbands best bud one day and yours the next. But consistancy in care usually determines who the bird is closest to.
I purchased my Grey at 6 weeks old, of course it stayed in the parrot shop until it was 3 months old. Only women worked with her but my husband and I would visit her daily. She immediately took to me and accepted my husband but her preference was clear. When men would walk by us she would growl. I worried because I had 2 sons at home (ages 20 & 23). She adapted, as they took the time to get to know her she did the same. Give her special treats, only from you. I'll tell you something that will make you really special to her and it's really easy. Take a piece of paper, white lined (don't use copy paper or dyed paper) roll some treats in it, (mine likes pistachios or walnut meats) making sure the sides are folded in so that the treat doesn't fall out. Tie a piece of string to it about 8" long and hang it from his perch so that he has to pull it up with his foot and beak. When he does, he will rip it to shreds and savouring every bite. Of course leaving you a little mess but birds are messy. Also, we have a pear tree, I snip off twigs, wash them and tie them in little bundles, again tying them to the perch. Boy does she love it!!! In no time he'll be eating out of the palm of you hand and smothering you with kisses. Enjoy your new friend.

Answer 5

Growing up my mom raised parrots. We had a blue and gold macaw, kongo african grey, cockatoo, several coackateils and parakeets. Our Macaw took a liking to my dad right away while the grey always liked my mom. Most of these birds when breeding keep there partner through out there life so when they are kept in captivity their human companions become there mate so to speak.
My mom finally did win the heart of the macaw. She spent extra time with him everyday and became the main caregiver for him. It took awhile but when he finally realized that my mom was the one who played with him and fed him he warmed up although my dad was his true love.
My moms african grey loved my mom tolerated my dad and hated us kids. One day he decided we were all ok and became one of the friendliest birds we had. Im not sure y he wouldnt even allow us to touch him unless my mom was right there and then the next day began begging for our attention. I was always told greys are a 1 person bird but this website says different. I say hang in there and shower him with affection. He will come around. Was his previous owner a male?

Answer 6

i have an african gray thats like 7 years old we've had her her whole life shes never once came to me or my brother she ony likes my step dad and sometimes will go to my mom you just need to show then that your boss and dont show them fear because they will think your playing i also have an eglectus that only goes to me (im 14) she hates everyone else because they show her fear dont show then fear of they will bit you and at first you might wanna wear a glove

Answer 7

still affray give a time and everything will be OK