African Grey training progress advice needed

[DonnaBudgie]

Just because it's herbal and natural doesn't mean it's harmless. Some of the most addictive and harmful drugs are natural. Opium. Cocaine. Cannabis (for birds anyway). Lots of natural poisons out there!

Oh they have calming agents. The most popular that I've been offered for my birds are Prozac and Haloperidol. The haloperidol in very tiny dosage helped my U2 FDB without making him sleepy or dopey. Haven't had the same luck with the grey. She immediately stopped eating. For a bird that is and always has been skinny that was a definte no go. Going to give it another try with a much smaller starting dose.
I've tried various herbal teas made especially for CAGs can't really say they helped

My friend that adopted my Goffins cockatoo had a problem with her plucking and the vet prescribed HALOPERIDOL. It's an antipsychotic used for schizophrenia in humans and in very low doses for senile dementia. Not sure it did much good for plucking but will definitely calm the bird.

 

[rheashard2]

Just because it's herbal and natural doesn't mean it's harmless. Some of the most addictive and harmful drugs are natural. Opium. Cocaine. Cannabis (for birds anyway). Lots of natural poisons out there!

In my mind I know that. But thats not the usual way of thinking. That's why I suggested contacting an avian vet. Even the 'harmless' chamomile tea can over sedate sensitive people and pets. In rare instances it can have reverse effects.

 

[50ShadesOfAfricanGrey]

I’m really sorry to hear that. I can relate to your experience a bit, but I believe that knowing about the breeder situation and the terrible treatment your bird went through will help you be patient and keep trying.

Knowing about your bird’s trauma should motivate you to keep working on gaining their trust and restoring their faith in humanity.

I have a similar situation that I shared here. Mine is worse because he hates toys and is afraid of them, which makes him just sit in the cage doing nothing. I also understand what you mean about cleaning the cage, the area around it, and even taking them to the vet. But we have to be consistent and not lose faith in the fact that a major breakthrough will come.

They love us. My grey loves me, and I’m pretty sure that yours loves you too, but they don’t trust our species. They are still young, and one day, they will learn that we are on their side.

Be patient. Help them have a better home. Don’t rush it. Focus on small victories—one day, they will step up, and that will be the end of this chapter in their life.

 

[rheashard2]

How are you two doing? I don't know how effective this will be. My CAG, had 0 problems training me how to position hand, arm for step up. This was from one of my parrot sites. To aid step up. Pick the type of perch or dowel you want to use for step up. (New cage, with new dowel, new bird this is a great way to start step up!) Place in cage in a spot your friend likes to go to, leave, return. Ignore this perch. Now depends upon your friend. This can take days or months. Watch until he's getting off and on it without fear, hesitation. Pay attention to how he gets on, off. Learn body language. His mind needs to classify it as SAFE, can be trusted. Then start using it for step up. This perch/dowel not a substitute. Some birds will reject or accept for the weirdest (to human) reasoning. This item should be classified as safe. Hopefully it won't trigger the flee or bite response. Go slow.