Tricked by my sister's parrot

[icor1031]

The cute title is unfortunately true :54:

She has an african gray parrot, and it dislikes everyone except her - but especially all men. (and I'm a male)

I tried to make nice with the bird.
I keep my body low so I don't scare it, offer my hand but don't touch the bird, etc.. for a while, the bird perched on my arm - but wouldn't let any other part of me get close to it.

This was going well - I thought. The bird was leaning forward and staring at me, as if about to fly to me. So, I put my gloves back on (lol) and the bird said "step up." I placed my hand/arm down, and didn't move - then the bird slowly came toward me.. and clamped onto my knuckle, and wouldn't let go. She tricked me.

Anyway, how long does it take for these creatures to decide they don't want to murder me? I'm trying to decide if it's worth the pain .

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi there, and welcome to the forums.

I promise, I didn't mean to, but I bust out laughing when I read what happened.

We need a bit more info if possible. How old is your sister's AG (African Grey), how long has she had him, and where in the home is he kept? (He or she? What's his name??)

Here's a great start for you, it truly is a good read: http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-timneh-greys/59366-cag-101-a.html

And please don't feel bad, parrots are SUPER smart, and yup, they can 'trick' us.

 

[icor1031]

Hi there, and welcome to the forums.

I promise, I didn't mean to, but I bust out laughing when I read what happened.

We need a bit more info if possible. How old is your sister's AG (African Grey), how long has she had him, and where in the home is he kept? (He or she? What's his name??)

Here's a great start for you, it truly is a good read: http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-timneh-greys/59366-cag-101-a.html

And please don't feel bad, parrots are SUPER smart, and yup, they can 'trick' us.

I believe ~10yo, and since a baby.
Female parrot, kept in living room.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hello and welcome too. Sorry I am also sniggering.

What is her name and do you two have any history we need to know please?

 

[icor1031]

Hello and welcome too. Sorry I am also sniggering.

What is her name and do you two have any history we need to know please?

It's "murphy."

I haven't been around the bird very much.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Was this the first time you were 'trying nice' with her? How is she with the rest of the family? Greys, unfortunately, have the tendency to be one-person birds unless they are heavily socialized from a young age.

Were you alone with her when she nailed you, or was your sister nearby?

If your sister was close, I'd try again - but super slowly. Start by offering her treats through the cage, and see how she does. Perhaps she'll lower her head for you, and you could CAREFULLY try scritching her neck through the cage bars. (Be ready though, they are lightning fast when they want to be)

Another good read right here: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

It's up to you how far you are willing to go with this 'new' relationship.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Not wishing to stamp on JerseyWendy's toes?

 

[icor1031]

Was this the first time you were 'trying nice' with her? How is she with the rest of the family? Greys, unfortunately, have the tendency to be one-person birds unless they are heavily socialized from a young age.

Were you alone with her when she nailed you, or was your sister nearby?

If your sister was close, I'd try again - but super slowly. Start by offering her treats through the cage, and see how she does. Perhaps she'll lower her head for you, and you could CAREFULLY try scritching her neck through the cage bars. (Be ready though, they are lightning fast when they want to be)

Another good read right here: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

It's up to you how far you are willing to go with this 'new' relationship.

Dang, lol. I can get a parakeet to stop biting *and* trust me within 2 hours.. (I think it was half an hour, but being conservative.)

First time I did anything but try to touch the bird through the cage, or blow on it (it seems to like that), in the last ~8 years.

Sister was there.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Not wishing to stamp on JerseyWendy's toes?

I promise, that's next to impossible! That's one reason I like this forum so much. The more suggestions/opinions, the better.

 

[icor1031]

Oh, I tried feeding the bird. It loved what I gave it (noodles, sister said that was okay. I have no idea, lol.), but it kept going for my hand before the noodle, even though it really wanted the noodles. I used a fork to feed it from distance.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Trying to find the right words to say something....and it's kind of tough, so please forgive me, I'll just say it out loud, and hope I won't step on your toes, ok?

Please, don't refer to Murphy as 'it'. Thank you. (Sorry...just a pet peeve of mine, that's all. We're all quite passionate about our birds, AND other people's birds as well)

 

[wingsNthings]

Haha JerseyWendy! I so saw that sort of comment coming!

I agree not to call parrots 'it'. They're so intelligent, especially greys, it would be like calling a kid an it.

Good luck with Murphy though