I Just inherited a grey parrot. This is my first bird. He has a giant cage and I know all requirements... BUT?

Question

He Bonded to my uncle and he doesn't like me :'( But I remember seeing him on my uncles shoulder and stuff and he was nice. How can I bond with him.

Answer 1

i suggest what bekki b says.

Answer 2

its very common for birds to bond to one person and then try to attack other people.What you should do is if possible birng the cage to place where you are usually at so he will start seeing you as part of his flock.

Give him attention every single day as much as possible

Answer 3

Feed him and spend time with him.  As time passes, you will bond.  You just need to be patient.  

Answer 4

Spend as much time with him as possible and constantly be reassuring. Parrots often bond to only one person and it is hard work for them to move on to a new parent-birdie relationship.

I just had a 35 year old Amazon parrot come live with me and she's not quite sure she trusts me yet, but she's definitely warming up. I just constantly reassure her. Birds are very intelligent creatures and can tell a lot about you from the tone of your voice and your body language.

Work with your birdie and you two will eventually bond - it just takes time! :) Don't give up!

Answer 5

Time and patience with these birds. Gain his trust. Never look him straight in the eye but kinda squint. Act silly they love it. Get a good book on these birds it will help a lot. I adopted one that was abused and have had for two years now and he is just now letting me take him out of cage and really bonding with me. Very slow process but so worth it.  

Answer 6

I would suggest you try to make the bird interested in you. I rescued an eclectus parrot that came from a terrible situation where he was abused and neglected. It took a lot of time but now he is my best bird in my flock.

Make sure your bird is getting enough rest. Parrots require several hours of sleep at night. Mine get 10-12 hours. This will ensure that the bird is not tired and will be easier to work with. Try to always be the one to feed your bird. Offer treats from your hand but go slowly and don't force the bird. If the bird wont take the treat simply place it in its food dish. Make sure you talk softly and move slowly while around him.

I find that reading to your bird is a great bonding exercise. Just get a chair and place it near the cage. Be sure the cage is open and just read out loud. Eventually the birds curiosity will kick in and need to know just what you are doing. Picture books are great for this because they will draw attention.

Most importantly just give the bird time. They don't understand why they are living in a new place and where there other human is. Birds are cautious animals by nature and take time to adjust. African grey parrots most of all. Greys are ground feeders and this makes them different than other parrots. We may have removed them from the wild but it will take many generations to take the wild out of them. Good luck.