New African Grey

[jamerson0199]

I bought a 3 year old African Grey yesterday and so far so good. He has been showing off his vocabulary and various sounds he knows. I know that I am supposed to wait at least a week before I offer physical contact. I am anxious to interact but I can wait. The problem is that it is obvious that his previous owners have not cleaned his cage in awhile. I don't won't to wait but I also don't won't him to get stressed out or bite me. How do I clean his cage without him getting stressed and me missing a finger?

I have had my hand in his cage numerous times to change his food and water. He doesn't move away and he will move his beak toward me slowly and the first few times I moved my hand. The last time I let him touch me with his beak and it was a light touch. Does this mean he is at ease with me and will not likely hurt me? He really does not act afraid of me.

Is it better for me to let him come to me than for me to try and force him to accept my hand? I know that their bites can easily take off part of a finger. I did not worry about this with my parakeets or Sun Conure because their bites are not that bad.

 

[weco]

Sounds like he wants to interact with you, but is just being sure you can be trusted.....sounds like he was not mistreated at his previous home or he would not be as accepting, but yes, let him do the initial advancing & once you think he's comfortable with you & his new surroundings, you should be able to start working with him.....

Congrats on your new feathered friend.....

 

[Blancaej]

He seems like he wants to get to know you but is testing the waters. Keep taking it slow. Sit next to the cage and talk to him everyday. Open his cage to see if he will come out on his own once you feel comfortable. Offer him to step up. But dont force him. Eventually he will trust you enough to step up for you. Is he stick trained? As for the cage, if you can change the food dishes you should be able to change his paper and clean the trays. You also could clean the cage bars from the outside the best you can for now. If he gets nervous just reassure him he is ok. Congrats & good luck!

 

[Cowtown]

Congratulations on the new Grey.. What is his name... Pictures...
Just move slow with him. Let him take the 1st step... sounds like he will be a lover..