What do you do with a stressed African Grey ?

Question

My parents have a couple of parrots, one of whom is Percy an African Grey who we think is around 14 (we were told he was 3 when we got him), Percy has always been a very nervous bird and will only show affection to my dad.

Anyway for around the last 3 years Percy has constantly pulled his feathers out from around his neck, we have had vets out, bird people and noone can tell my parents what to do about it, does anyone know what to do with a stressed parrot to try and make them happier ?

Yesterday they found him asleep on the bottom of his cage, which he has never done before and they mentioned that he keeps falling off his perch, however I found out last night that my brother bought him a new perch while my parents were away as he had chewed his last one till there was nearly nothing left, I told them to put it back and touch wood he has seemed ok since it was put back in, singing away happily etc.

Does this behaviour seem familiar to anyone with experience and do you have advice ?

Answer 1

An african grey is a very intelligent bird and has the mentality of a 5 year old child.  They require MANY toys and much attention to keep their minds occupied.  Birds excessively pick at themselves for a number of reasons, but the main reason is simple... boredom.  I'm sure you've already tried different ways to curb his behaviors and you've probably tried some that I'm about to mention, but here are some ways to help your bird deal with boredom and stress.

First off, make sure you have PLENTY of toys.  This doesn't mean just a simple thing to chew on... An african grey is highly intelligent and needs to use it's mind at all times.  It is important to have toys of all different colors and textures.  Have something to shred, but also have something they can "figure out," like a puzzle of some sorts.

Some birds chew because they are not in a proper cage.  A cage should always be at least double the wing span.  Small cages can be very stressful for a bird as they're not able to get the proper exercise.

Out of the cage time is also a must.  A bird that is confined will become stressed.  Have a place where he can come out and play, such as a bird gym or a play top cage.  Your bird sees you as part of his flock, you are his family.  If he is always locked up he will begin feeling ignored and self mutilate.

A bird shouldn't be exposed to cigarette smoke, excessive air fresheners/sprays, and never to teflon fumes.  All of these things are dangerously stressful to a bird.  Self mutilation is often engaged in as a way for him to tell you he doesn't like something.  Birds are very sensitive to smells.

Be sure he is getting the proper nutrition.  A imbalanced diet can cause poor skin and feather health, this to include dry, flaky skin.  Some birds self mutilate because their skin and feathers are simply irritated due to dryness.  If your bird doesn't bathe himself regularly on his own (via his water dish), try gently misting him with a spray bottle.  In the event that his skin and/or feather are irritated, room temperature water can help soothe this irritation.

Sickness and disease are also possibilities, but since you say he's been checked by a vet this probably isn't the case.

I really think it's out of boredom.  How much time do people spend with him in a day?  Is he home alone often?  Is his cage in a common area like the livingroom or is he isolated in a bedroom?  Your bird cage should always be in the room you spend the most time in.  It's important for him to see you and know you're there.  If he spends time home alone on a regular basis, try keeping the television on for him or a radio.  A bird can recognize a human voice and will think someone is there with him.  I always leave my TV on for my african grey.

But I hope some of these suggestions helped, although I'm sure you've already tried many things.  For now while he's picking be sure to keep his cage as clean as possible as he may have some open wounds and you don't want him to get an infection.  Try the spray bottle thing and see if this helps and get some new toys.  Birds like new and exciting things.

Also, one more thing, some chewers actually just like chewing on feathers and so often times if you give them feathers to chew on they'll leave their own alone.  Don't buy craft store feathers as they're not safe, but rather look around at the pet store in the bird section as there are sterilized feathers sold for this purpose at most stores.  You can also collect your bird's feathers as he sheds them and put them in a dish for him, or tie them up and make a little toy.  He'll likely shred those instead of the ones on his body.

Any other questions feel free to email me at:  

[e-mail]

I'd be glad to help!

Answer 2

AG's never stress or pluck for no reason. It can be very hard to find the reason for this too.

You can visit these forums for excellent advice. They're African Grey specific forums so the people will know what they're talking about

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/african...

http://vdnent.proboards41.com/

http://www.theafricangreyparrot.com/foru...

http://www.anafricangrey.ca/

good luck

Answer 3

This bird has severe psycological problems to be reacting so badly to a basic perch change. It sounds as though he may of been badly scared before you got him with his previous owner. It is also possible that he was a illegally imported bird and has been traumatised by the change. Being affectionate to one person is quite normal though for a AG as it is with other species. Once they become attached they bond to that person for life as they would to with a wild bird partner. Have you tried putting the new perch in with the existing old one at the same time??

Also to make him feel more secure try putting a blanket around the top and sides of the cage. Make sure he is not in a room with constant load noises but where people can qwuietly pay him attention. if there are small children visiting cover hi up and move him to a quiet room temporarily with a radio on quietly.