cant approach grey

Question
Hi,

I recently bought an African Grey, I admit I am
inexperienced, but the pet shop owner assured me it would
be fine. He is about 3 or 4 months old and has not been
hand reared.

The problem is we can't get near to our bird, every time
we get to close he starts growling and then begins
screeching. Its difficult to give him food, clean him, or
place toys in his cage. At the moment we just think he
hates us and is never going to want human contact.

If anyone knows anything we can do then please let us
know, we just want to be able to handle him and give him
the care he needs. At the moment he won't even come out
of the cage. When we are not near him he will make a few
small noises to communicate, but he hates coming near him.

Thanks,

MC.  

Answer
MC-

This grey will take a lot of work... but if you are willing to give him the time he needs... I'm sure you will have a life-long bond with this bird.

Just always keep in mind that greys are the intellectuals of the bird world. Talk to them and treat them accordingly. :)  

Here are some articles that I think will help you with your grey:

http://www.companionparrot.com/articles/tribute.html

http://www.companionparrot.com/articles/hobbes.html

http://www.parrothouse.com/phobicbirds.html

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww19e.htm

http://www.africangreys.com/articles/behavior/insecurity.htm

http://www.africangreys.com/articles/other/mentalhealth.htm

I hope this helps.

I would highly recommend the magazine Companion Parrot Quarterly (www.companionparrot.com)

Good Luck with your new bird...  I just wish that people who worked in pet stores didn't treat their parrots like money, instead of the living, feeling and emotional creatures they really are. :(  It makes me very mad that this sales person seemed to tell you exactly what you wanted to hear to make a sale. :( :(

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I'd be more than happy to try and help.

-Maggie