what does this behavior mean?

[aliray]

I am currently taking care of my friends three parrots while they are on vacation. one amazon and two african greys. The behavior in question is the young grey, under a year and very bonded to her mom. When I go into feed and clean she will crouch low on her perch and flutter her wings and make occaisional one note noise that the grey makes. It this fear, anxiety, or a begging behavior. I chit chat to them the whole time I am there and I am having fun but I am more used to my smaller birds. The birds are not that used to other people . Just curious?

 

[lotosha]

I think my CAG does the same sound and movement when she is frighten and tells me not to get to close otherwise she'll have to attack.

 

[crimson]

gee aliray, I have no idea, especially with AG's.

hopefully someone will come along and help.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Kenji is afraid of my brother, when lance comes into my room Kenji becomes nervous. His wings are held a little away from his body and if lance tries to give him a treat he will sometimes make a high pitched peep. Kenji will also growl at him.

 

[antoinette]

You mentioned that the birds are not used to other people. I reckon the bird is afraid of you. From what you described those are all the signs of a bird telling you to back off, and do not touch me OR ELSE......
It is common for the bird to retreat back when you attempt to touch it in the cage if the bird does not know or trust you.

Offering food from your finger is a great way to build trust and confidence, give it a go, take baby steps one day at a time.

Are you boarding the birds in your house or visiting them daily?

 

[aliray]

Hi Ant No I am going to their house twice a day to clean and feed them and the owners do not want the birds out of the cages while they are gone because they are afraid that either I will be bitten or the birds might be traumatized trying to get them back in their cages.. They are only going for a week. I do not attempt to pet or touch them. The food and water dishes can be changed form outside as well as the bottom trays. I just pull up a chair in front of each cage to change the papers all the while talking to all of them. Then sweep up and change out the food and water dishes. The reason I asked is because it reminds me of a baby bird when they first get their feathers and mom comes back to the nest, they start fluttering their wings not flapping, just waiting to be fed. I know her mom cuddles with her every night, and she is very affectionate. She is not backing up ,just looking at me and fluttering then she will go get some food or climb around her cage. I spend over an hour there in the morning taking my time and talking to them the whole time. Then I go back at night and do it again. I am following their instructions to the letter as I would want someone to do if they were taking care of my birds

 

[antoinette]

Hi Ant No I am going to their house twice a day to clean and feed them and the owners do not want the birds out of the cages while they are gone because they are afraid that either I will be bitten or the birds might be traumatized trying to get them back in their cages.. They are only going for a week. I do not attempt to pet or touch them. The food and water dishes can be changed form outside as well as the bottom trays. I just pull up a chair in front of each cage to change the papers all the while talking to all of them. Then sweep up and change out the food and water dishes. The reason I asked is because it reminds me of a baby bird when they first get their feathers and mom comes back to the nest, they start fluttering their wings not flapping, just waiting to be fed. I know her mom cuddles with her every night, and she is very affectionate. She is not backing up ,just looking at me and fluttering then she will go get some food or climb around her cage. I spend over an hour there in the morning taking my time and talking to them the whole time. Then I go back at night and do it again. I am following their instructions to the letter as I would want someone to do if they were taking care of my birds

You are such a caring friend, looking after the birds exactly the way you were instructed.... High Five.....

Obviously they are missing their guardian which is to be expected.

My advice carry on doing exactly what you are doing.

My biggest concern is that they are eating and regularly. What did your friend leave for the birds to eat?

 

[aliray]

It is a high quality pellet seed nut dried veg and I think it also has dried fruit. When they are home they get daily fruits and veggies and whatever they have as well but in order to give them that you have to put the bowls in the cage thru the door and he didn't want to take the chance of a bird getting out or me getting bit. They also get in their food 3 whole peanuts each and the amazon gets an almond in the shell as well. I know I don't use peanuts but his birds are in perfect feather and very healthy and each normally gets walks in the sun everyday on their wrists. It is only for a week

 

[MonicaMc]

Sounds like begging behavior to me... i.e. the little grey wants out and wants to interact with you.

Parrots will often hunker down where they are at, lightly open up their wings and "quiver" them. They often do this while wanting to go in a particular direction that their head is in.

 

[aliray]

I talked to the owners today and it is her begging behavior. And Monicmc that is exactly what she wants. She does it to her mom because she wants to come out of her cage and be cuddled. Thanks guys for the advice. And by the way I think I am falling in love with african greys

 

[lotosha]

I talked to the owners today and it is her begging behavior. And Monicmc that is exactly what she wants. She does it to her mom because she wants to come out of her cage and be cuddled. Thanks guys for the advice. And by the way I think I am falling in love with african greys

Falling in love with AG's? Heh? I think it's inevitable:30:

 

[aliray]

Thanks Lotosha, You aren't slightly biased are you?. They are really neat birds and I am enjoying watching them for the week

 

[lotosha]

Nope, not biased at all and very corrupted Looks like you are doing a great job and taking care of those birds so well. I wish I had someone like you to watch after my birds!!

 

[aliray]

Thank you I am doing my best. When I talked to the owners this morning I got permission to give them some air popped popcorn as a treat and some dried chillies both of which I have for my birds So it is treat night tonight.