General Congo tips/advice?

[CavySpirit]

I've never owned a bird but I'm currently volunteering at a local avian rescue and getting some experience and learning.

After a go to a class on the 29th, I'll be eligible to foster from this organization. The man who runs the organization showed me the bird he's hoping I can foster and this bird is a very sweet african gray congo.

Here's a bit of background on this gray:
He's at least 25 years old, and could be about 30 years old. He was locked in a cage for 25 years with a lack of interaction or training.
He is a VERY sweet bird but cannot fly and doesn't know how to step up. He also gets kinda nervous around new people and when he feels unbalanced he seems to flap his wings and fall. When he falls he crashes pretty hard and I've seen it happen a few times now.

I'm looking forward to fostering him to give him some care and training so he can become a bird someone will really love to adopt someday, but since I've never worked with birds I could really use some training tips!

Whenever you place your wrist or arm in front of him, he gets nervous and lifts a foot to start chewing on his claws and he refuses to lay his foot on you. He doesn't bite and doesn't show aggression or anger when you try to make him step up, but you can tell he doesn't want to.

My plan for now is to start fostering him after May 22nd(when I graduate high school and move in with my mom). For the first week or two I'll let him settle and give him love and attention but I'll wait to start working with him until he's comfortable with the new environment.

So any tips and advice would help!

Thank you very much for your help X3

 

[BillsBirds]

Birds are great companions and will teach you a lot of things themselves. Just take things slow with this guy (& all birds). Because of his age, he may have problems gripping with his feet. I'm hopeful that the rescue has already had him to the vet. As for taming & training, go at his pace. Keep things interesting, and play with him a lot. He may not understand toys, so, you'll have to show him. Bring out his playful, inquisitive side. Once it starts, he'll probably just blossom. Good luck, and thanks for doing this. It could change both your lives.

 

[Enjru]

Make sure you and your mom know how much it will cost to take this bird to see the avian vet for check ups, investigations and treatments, and clarify whether it's the rescue, or you, or your mom who will be paying for it.

I would be concerned that this bird may already have or may soon develop chronic and expensive health problems/issues, eg, neurological conditions (nerve palsies and ataxias), musculoskeletal conditions (arthritis and fractures) and metabolic conditions (hypocalcaemia), etc.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Try to introduce him to something new every day, it can be a notebook or a new place. African grays can be very phobic and doing this will help with that

That's awesome you'll be able to foster him, birds are fantastic but very demanding in individual ways.

 

[Spiritbird]

Good for you. I applaud you for learning about birds by volunteering. We have a person near me that takes in mostly large birds and will offer his volunteers an adoption after they have worked with him and his birds for a while. Many greys are weary of new people or new things in their environment. My Rosie was afraid of a small button one time. Have you learned how to bird proof you home Yet? What I believe is important for you to learn is a background of how wild greys live so you can understand their inherent needs, the proper diet, socialization, cage care and a holistic approach to keeping a bird in your home.

 

[Safira]

Double the good for you, it's an excellent way to learn about parrots and what their care requires.

If I'm right, because you're fostering, the adoption place covers the vet bills and expenses? Or do you have to? I'm not sure if it's much different from fostering from the ASPCA or other animal rescues.

Does he go to bite or anything when you try to get him to step up? You could start with a wooden doweled perch instead of your hand and see if it makes him more comfortable?

Pictures!

 

[CavySpirit]

Dustin(that's his name) doesn't bite, at least not hard. He's very gentle and if you try to get him to step up he sticks his head down wanting pet instead.

Forgot to metion that all costs are taken care off, except for fresh fruits and veggies of course. Vet bills, cage, and the normal dry food will be provided by the rescue.

Dustin is also a quiet bird. He doesn't make any sound except for little squeaks and an occasional whistle.

The rescue gets all the birds checked by a vet so it doesn't appear that he has any hidden problems. He simply doesn't know how to be a bird. He never got the chance to learn.

 

[Spiritbird]

Awwwwww poor little guy. I am sure you will be good for him. He needs his intellect stimulated.

 

[Mozzie]

I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing in helping Dustin. I feel so bad that he has had such a horrible life so far. You will make a huge difference in his life, and in turn he will do the same for you. Just go slow with him and be patient. Read everything you can get your hands on about Grey's. I'm sure you will do a great job. It will be a very rewarding experience! Good luck!

 

[CavySpirit]

Thanks for the advice everyone. He's a very sweet bird and I hope he can get a good, loving home in the future! I'll be sure to come here if I have any questions c:

 

[renrat]

I just adopted a CAG who had been neglected fro 5 years, and has some medical problems that can be cleared up, and some cage issues that will take a bit longer. I lost my precious CAG that I had for 17 years recently, and I felt adopting a needy bird was the best way to honor the memory of my lost fid. It's a noble thing to help a needy pet of any species, and what you are doing is a good thing. Best of luck with this, and there is plenty of help out there for this kind of thing, the only key is to make use of it.