Rescued African Gray

Question
I rescued an African Gray from a very neglectful family that did not care for him properly and really did not want him.  He was in a small cage in a back bedroom without the essentials almost daily. They even fed him wild bird seed. When I got him the only words he knew were "What do you want?"  I got him in 2003 and put him in a proper sized cage with plenty of toys and placed his cage right next to my Blue Crown Conure's cage.  I can't say h really cares for her but she is something else.  If he is on top of his cage she climbs up, bites his toes and runs.  He just lets out a short yell and backs away.  Sorry I am rambling but I guess my questions are Why does he still bite?  Why won't he eat a lot of varities of food?  Do you think he remembers living with the neglectful possible abusive family?  I wonder if he is greatful that I took him in and gave him a loving comfortable home?  He does not pluck his feathers at all which I think is good.  But he won't talk unless the cage is covered. Why do you think he is shy to talking while I am looking? He has learned since living with me:  Hello, Step Up, Dusty (his name) Stop It, He's being a good boy, Got big toes.  I wonder if he will learn more words?
Thank you for any information you can provide me.

Answer
YES! Thank you for rescuing this sweetie. With your care and intervention, you've certainly saved not only life, but his sanity. It's horrible, but these birds are known to become clinically insane from abuse and neglect. It's the most heartbreaking thing ever.  Once they're like that, there's no recovery.

In my experience with macaws and eclectus predominantly in my rescue/sanctuary - even many years later, they are still learning.  Sometimes things they have loved all their lives, suddenly become the most hated thing you could give them. I had one Severe Macaw who couldn't get enough almonds for 2 years. Then she tried a cashew - and it was all over for the almonds. She won't touch them anymore.

Sometimes the bird needs to see you eating something and making a big deal out of it before they'll try it. Their instincts will lead them to certain foods, but their observing other flock members will teach them how to enjoy others. Very smart birds !

 It's also pretty common for birds to feel more secure about talking in a covered cage. We use this method to help calm new additions to our flock and make them more able to be handled.
 
Not nearly enough room here to post it all, so take a look at my page
  www.4AnimalCare.org (click on 'birds')

All info is free, complete and nothing is being promoted or sold.

Finally, yes, he remembers his origins, but only to the point that he knows it's something he should try to avoid. Birds are quick to learn about dangers because in the wild, they rarely get a second chance.  You might find your lucky companion has an aversion to certain looks of people, or tones of voice. He could also seem to be especially hostile in certain settings and you don't understand it - what might be happening is he's seeing something that reminds him of his initial home. Whether it be the color of the curtains or way the light comes through the window - no bird will "all of a sudden; for no reason" bite - he's got his reasons.  ;)

See us  www.4AnimalCare.org

and again, THANK YOU for such a good heart!