On sat, brought home a new african grey(I have one that is 18yrs). new grey doesnt have social skills,doesnt?

Question

step up on a hand yet. still too frightened to come out of his open cage much, and I want to get along with the new bird, buzz. I am sad and frustrated, and want to at least hold the bird. advice?

Answer 1

One important thing to remember about African Greys is that they are the most intelligent bird known in the world.  They need to be mentally stimulated.  Instead of giving them the usual toys given to birds, give them puzzle-oriented toys.  The boredom of simply sitting in a cage and staring at themself in a mirror will drive them nuts.  Also, they need a LOT of social interaction.  You should donate at least an hour every day to African Greys.  To restrict the number of relationships and the humans a Grey interacts with and is civil to, is contrary to his inborn propensities. Greys need their flock, and in captivity this need must be satisfied by humans. Greys may take time to develop relationships, but these relationships are very necessary for their psychological well being.  Those who wish to have a relationship with a Grey must earn the privilege. Greys are more cautious.  A Grey's sensitivity to nuance and the environment, coupled with his caution and careful assessment, are a challenge we must meet if the Grey is to realize his full potential as a companion bird. The favored person has to be willing to share the bird for the bird's own good and has to be willing to persuade the bird to be civil to others. S/he should not be afraid that others - family or wife or husband - will "steal" the bird's affections. Developing relationships with multiple people also depends on those who wish to have a relationship with the bird. A Grey's love and trust have to be earned. They are not given to those with whom the bird has only a peripheral contact. If other family members aren't willing to make time for the bird, then the bird will not love, trust or be willing to interact with them.  A Grey should not be coerced into relationships with family members who are not willing to make the effort or take the time to establish their own relationship with the bird. If there is no one in the family who is interested in the bird except the owner, the bird may become a one-person bird by default. If at all possible, the owner should expose the bird to friends, neighbors, and knowledgeable bird keepers.  While it may be flattering for the favored person to have a bird who is unwilling to be touched by others, it is not good for the bird to have his world so narrow and confined. While we think that our life circumstances will not change, this may not always be the case. A civil well-behaved Grey will always have a home and loved ones should the unthinkable occur - divorce, death, separation, etc. The more relationships and the wider the circle of acquaintances a Grey has, the healthier it is, emotionally and psychologically, for the bird. Thought must always be given to the fact that a Grey can have a human life span and may have more than one home in his long life. How much better for the bird if he is gentle, well-behaved and accustomed to the attentions of others. Such a bird will never be passed from home to home - the pet potential decreasing with each move. Gentle, kind and patient handling will ensure that your bird is a pleasant, well behaved, lifetime companion. Cast yourself in a parental role. Be a teacher, a mentor, a model, a guide rather than an authoritarian figure. For our companion birds to love and trust us, we must be considerate and gentle with them. A calm kind-hearted approach will pay dividends that last the bird's whole lifetime.

Answer 2

It's only been a week since you've brought him home, he will need more time than that to get sed to his new owner and home.  Be patient, treat it with love and respect, he will come around.

Answer 3

give it treats every now and then and play with your other bird around the new one so it sees that you are no threat

african greys are very smart and pick up on things quickly your bird will help give him confidence

just keep them near at all times and the new bird will learn to do the things that your old bird knows and does and it will start playing with you like your other bird does