help with troubled african grey

Question
hello--I have just aquired an 8 year old african grey from owners who kept her caged for most of her life with little or no interaction.  I felt sorry for her and agreed to take her since her owners had no time for her.  The moving was very stressful since just removing her from the cage to be transported was a traumatic event.  She was screaming and biting and stressed. She had never been held before.  I have set up her cage in my home, bought toys and spend a lot of time talking to her by her cage.  She wants no part of me, bites if I come to close or bites at her toes when I sit next to the cage.  I know that it takes time to gain a birds trust but is there a possibility that she might be too damaged from her previous owners abuse to ever become a trusting, friendly bird? What else can I be doing to make this home better than her last?  This is my first bird and I have been told that I was crazy to even attempt this challenge, but I am willing to put in the time and effort.  

Answer
Hi Heather,

You are certainly not crazy, you have a good heart and you can help this bird. Your first step needs to be to take your bird to an avian veterinarian. You can't begin to help her unless you know that she is healthy.

Here are some links to past answers that will help you.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Parrots-1638/Timneh-Parrot-Please-help.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Parrots-1638/PLEASE-HELP-2.htm

My website has links to several excellent resources that will also help you.

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com