I just adopted a 6 yr old Timneh African Grey Male that will not step up on my finger or a perch. HELP

Question

Ive had him 5 days, he will eat out of my hand and let me pet his chest but when asked to step up he won't and will bite, I've tried a glove and a towel and that doesn't work either. I've tried holding out a perch and saying step up and he won't. When I move the perch toward his feet and slightly push he grabs it with his mouth and pushes it away. I can't get him out of his cage to even take him for a 1st bird check up. HELP !!! I've tried everything that I did with my Conure and it doesn't work with my Grey. What am I doing wrong???

Answer 1

~ Birds do things on their own time.  You can not force them to do anything.  Only having the bird 5 days is not long enough for the bird to feel safe and comfortable.  I would give him longer to feel safe in his cage.  Talk to him so he is familiar with your voice and feels relaxed when you are around.  Once he starts to relax you will notice in his playing, talking, noises, eating etc.  Then try to work with him on stepping up.  I would not recommend using towels or perches, they can scare birds.  I would slowly introduce him to your hand and work into putting your finger under him.  Also, some birds are not comfortable with people in their homes.  You might want to let him come out of his cage on his own, once he does, try to approach him sitting on his cage, he might step up then.  Time is the number one thing with birds.  Each bird is different and you have to get to know them to see what they will respond to.

Answer 2

Give him more time.  Don't rush him, be patient.  5 days is not a lot of time to adjust to new surroundings.  Talk to the former owner for advice.  Maybe s/he could come over and help.

Answer 3

usually if you push the side of your finger on its chest, it will hop up on your finger

Answer 4

I get my sun conure to step up onto a stick after a long battle with him. I usually just put the stick right above his feet and push a bit so he either has to jump onto the stick, or fall off (make sure its not too high!)