Recently got an African Grey... will I be ok?

[MenomaMinx]

Question number nine is option number two

Stupid question: other than the bird, do you live alone?

African grays brains are structured for a different type learning than what you're probably used to. They learn best by observing at least two people switching between the student and the teacher before actually incorporating the bird into this exchange. Dr. Irene Pepperburg's work is the gold standard for African grays interaction – I'm kind of surprised nobody brought her up.. Then again, you actually have to be a bit of a reader to get through her scientific studies {most people by the scientific study book but only read the colloquial "Alex and me" – both which should be mandatory reading for any gray owner – and I'm pretty sure the later is available in audio format. The former you would have to get to one of those libraries for the visually disabled for the audio format – but they can't legally stop your listening to it if you're not actually taking it out. More importantly, if they don't have it, most places will allow you to volunteer to be a reader and you would be the recording that other people hear for the book.}

And no, the body language cheat sheet is not all online. I'd have to write it up for you – you could find some of it {imagine my shock when I finally saw an author just this year figure out "possession", which of course I've known for years – even if a little red factor Canary had to teach meLOL). I missed my pain Dr. appointment this morning, I wouldn't even be home right now. I'll get to it, but in the meantime, the question remains :

What are you learning from your bird {whose name is? Boy or girl or just guessing? Who's your avian vet?}

And let's cover what's been driving me absolutely crazy: what is the name of this bird? Post after post you never gave the bird a name, or at least aname you told us.....

Did I mention the lack of a name of the bird?

Sensing a pattern here ;-)

Think of me as Rumpelstiltskin: no name, no more information.

Starting to suspect you didn't name the bird :-(

 

[sofiaee]

You can also get or make him a stand or bird gym and reward him when he hangs out on there, plus having a food bowl and toys there may be enticing to him. If he doesn't already have a designated area he's allowed to be at you should provide one

 

[danbrah]

Question number nine is option number two

Stupid question: other than the bird, do you live alone?

African grays brains are structured for a different type learning than what you're probably used to. They learn best by observing at least two people switching between the student and the teacher before actually incorporating the bird into this exchange. Dr. Irene Pepperburg's work is the gold standard for African grays interaction – I'm kind of surprised nobody brought her up.. Then again, you actually have to be a bit of a reader to get through her scientific studies {most people by the scientific study book but only read the colloquial "Alex and me" – both which should be mandatory reading for any gray owner – and I'm pretty sure the later is available in audio format. The former you would have to get to one of those libraries for the visually disabled for the audio format – but they can't legally stop your listening to it if you're not actually taking it out. More importantly, if they don't have it, most places will allow you to volunteer to be a reader and you would be the recording that other people hear for the book.}

And no, the body language cheat sheet is not all online. I'd have to write it up for you – you could find some of it {imagine my shock when I finally saw an author just this year figure out "possession", which of course I've known for years – even if a little red factor Canary had to teach meLOL). I missed my pain Dr. appointment this morning, I wouldn't even be home right now. I'll get to it, but in the meantime, the question remains :

What are you learning from your bird {whose name is? Boy or girl or just guessing? Who's your avian vet?}

And let's cover what's been driving me absolutely crazy: what is the name of this bird? Post after post you never gave the bird a name, or at least aname you told us.....

Did I mention the lack of a name of the bird?

Sensing a pattern here ;-)

Think of me as Rumpelstiltskin: no name, no more information.

Starting to suspect you didn't name the bird :-(

What's q number 9 ?

I live with my parents still and my girlfriend who stays over typically 4 days a week.
Could you write it please?
He doesn't have a specific vet as the last one I took him to for a checkup wasn't very good so Ill be changing next time I go.

I didn't name him because I was not 100% on the sex. The owner said that it is a male from what the breeder said but he wasn't very sure either; I have had a DNA test done and the results should be here within a week... However I have already decided on a name but I haven't called him/her by it yet.
His/her name is going to be "Ram" but pronounced "ruh-m"
I am not sure how to incorporate the name so that he knows that is his name though.. Usually I say "Good Boy" all the time and call him by "boy" but i'll change it to good ram so that he gets that his name is Ram

His previous name (when he was with his previous owner) was Tony.. I called him by that name the first couple weeks only.. however it didn't seem like he knew that was really his name because he would should 0 reaction when called by tony

 

[Birdman666]

The coolest thing about grays is their capacity to learn.

If you use language with them in context, they tend to pick it up in context, and use it back with you in context.

Take the time to actually interact with this bird by teaching, and he will amaze you some day!

 

[legal_eagle]

Menomaminx had a lot of good suggestions and thoughts.

I still think you'll get quick results that can lead to a very strong bond from trying a wing clip (I speak from personal experience with many birds). But you have to be comfortable with it, or else you'll be second-guessing yourself.

Good luck!

Idk, if he has never been clipped, wouldn't you prefer not to?
Generally he doesn't do any harm, he only fly's to spots that he likes when he is in his playful energy mood, otherwise he sits put. & It is not impossible to get him to leave an area that he shouldn't go so it is not absolutely necessary.

No, I don't think I would be bothered by the fact that he had never been clipped before, as I don't think it's harmful and I find it to be very helpful for taming and training. But if you're uncomfortable about it, then it might hamper you if you're worried that you did something wrong or hurtful to your parrot.