Member with Grey needs help!

[LinusH]

Hi, My name is Linus. I am the owner of a 5 year old Congo African Grey. I came to this place seeking help to stop my Grey from plucking. It is difficult for me because I was stupid enough to get her as my first parrot and she does not like me (bites me real hard), so it's hard to do anything with her. I tried buying toys (ropes) to shift her attention from plucking but she continues to pluck. I even got a spray (Versele-Laga No-Pick), but every time I try to spray, she runs around and her heart beats so fast it looks like it's going to pop out. After using the spray the relationship between her and I gets worse every time. I really love that bird but I've run out of ideas to help her, so I hope bird lovers out there can give me some advice please.

Thank you for your time

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums Linus, hope we can offer helpful advice! Greys are extremely intelligent, sensitive, and generally remember uncomfortable situations. She likely views the no-pick spray as an irritant despite your best of intentions. I would suggest stopping the spray as increased heartbeat due to fear can be dangerous or worse. It may be necessary to attempt a "reboot" of sorts by returning to very basic circumstances to regain trust.

Please consider this: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

 

[Anansi]

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family!

Looking forward to hearing more about you and your African Grey, and hoping we can help with your questions.

 

[wrench13]

Re: new member

Welcome. Can you tell us more about your parrot; how long you have had him, what his daily routine is, what he is eating, how much time you spend with him. Things like that will help the folks here give you some suggestions. First rule is: It is never the fault of the parrot. Look at things from his perspective and you will be on the right path.

 

[wrench13]

Re: new member

And - no sprays. There is no quick and easy fix to a plucking issue, like a pill, or a shot. Or a spray.

 

[LinusH]

Re: new member

I've had the gray for 4 years and she only started to pluck about 2 months ago. I change her feeding cup twice a day (refill it with biscuits and other nuts). I also give her half a banana everyday. I usually open the cage to let her out (around 20mins each time) but she just stands on her perch and avoid me whichever side of the cage I am standing on. only until I'm 3 steps away from the cage will she come out and move about. I only started to do this this year because she started plucking. I didn't do much before because every time I get close to her she tries to bite me, when she does it hurts like hell.

Doesn't sound very good but I've been trying my best lately to give her more company.

 

[Scott]

Can you think of any changes that may have led to plucking? Possibly not, as parrot behavior and plucking in particular can be mysterious. Might be a good idea to visit a certified avian vet to help determine if there may be a medical issue.

Plucking is such a stubborn problem that our moderator Allee created a comprehensive thread with ideas and links: http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html

Diet may be a contributing factor. Do you feed fresh vegetables and assorted fruits in addition to banana? http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

 

[Kentuckienne]

Parrots are highly intelligent. 20 minutes out of cage time is not very much. If she's been in the cage, by herself, most of the day without something to do, it could make her go slightly crazy. Think how you'd feel .. wouldn't you go nuts? Greys in the wild live in huge flocks. They are used to being in company all day, every day, and having things to do. They NEED interaction, attention, toys, conversation...they don't tend to be "cuddly" like some other birds, but they might want shoulder time, they might want to just be with you.

Do you work, or is there a limit to how much time you can spend with her? Can you leave the cage door open safely all the time you are home, maybe put play stands etc. near the cage so she has an incentive to come out? Give her lots of time.

Some birds hate being sprayed, and it doesn't matter what's in the spray. There's nothing you can spray that will stop the plucking or be relaxing, especially if the act of spraying is frightening. This is a good time to do a reset on your relationship...pretend you never saw each other, start from zero, lots of love and attention and safety and patience.

Only you can decide whether or not you are able to give your parrot enough time and attention. You are the only flock she has, and it's a big responsibility. You have to be the flock for her, be the companions, for a good part of the day. If you can't do that, for time reasons, work reasons, whatever reasons...then some difficult thoughts are in order.

 

[LinusH]

Thank you so much for the info. I have one more question though (just asking) if I got my gray another bird buddy could it share the attention I'm giving to her. (of course after your advice I'm going to try my best to pay more attention to my gray) but can it help?

 

[Scott]

That is one of the most difficult dilemmas! There is no guarantee a second bird will bring happiness or companionship to you or your current grey. They might be great friends or despise each other. There is a risk they might closely bond and ignore you. The risk is doubling your problems and creating an uncomfortable experience for both.

Personally, I would choose to work more closely with your current bird, increasing quality time that may dissuade her from plucking.

 

[clark_conure]

I advise against getting another bird until the one you have gains trust with you. I put this in a post earlier today, you only get out of a relationship what you put into it.

You need to devote more time to the bird, open the cage and just sit with it, read to it. hang out with it. It's been 4 years and by your own words you haven't even bonded enough for him to come to you or sit on you. Sorry to be the hardass here but you are the one that needs to put in more effort. More time. 20 minute is nothing. To form a bond takes hours at a time.

I could link you to other posts, I think about a third of the posts on here are about gaining a birds trust, but it's really all about you and what your willing to put into it.

Open the cage and just read out loud to the bird, your favorite magazines or Tom Clancy novels...whatever. Have some treats... offer them, if he declines just sit the treat between you. You are going to have to put in the time.

I hope you have the time and do well...But a parrot is not just an investment in money, but an investment in time and love.....to have the good stories and the laughter and the cute videos you post on youtube; you have to put in hours of bonding.

Again sorry for the tough love, but it's fact.

The only thing that might help with a companion is one from a friend that is already bonded. Then your bird might learn from them. but not in 20 minute spurts.