Timneh African Gray

Question
I recently purchased a 5 yr. old TAG that the owner insisted does talk. Since we got him, he hasn't even tried. How long an adjustment period does it usually take. He is friendy and we get him out of the cage although he wants to hang on with his beak when we get him out. Should we keep him caged to try getting him to talk or out of his cage on a stand?
Thanks

Answer
Terry,

The adjustment period varies for each individual bird. I don't know how long you've had your new T.a.g, but make sure to give him at least 2 to 3 weeks to settle in.  

It is also important to not keep his talking ability as a top priority. You should NEVER keep him locked up for extended periods of time (unless he is still settling in and you want to give him time to adjust). However,  if he is stepping up and is friendly, there is no reason to keep him locked up in a cage.  Every larger parrot needs at least a few hours of out-of-cage time daily.  And in my experience, the more attention and time you spend playing and talking to your bird... the more likely they are to talk.  They will be more strongly bonded to you and thus will have an incentive to talk (your grey will want to talk with you!) :)

Here are some wonderful articles about African greys (or general parrot) care and training:

http://www.africanature.com/Orig%20Africa%20Nature/African%20Birds/closerlook.ht... (an excellent article about the learning/training process of african greys)

You can also check out:

www.companionparrot.com

www.wingedwisdom.com

www.forthebirdsDVM.com

I hope this helps.

-Maggie