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About Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.

Experience
Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more

Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > My 2.5 Year Old Congo African Grey Loves Men and Not Me

Parrots - My 2.5 Year Old Congo African Grey Loves Men and Not Me

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 11/12/2009

Question
Two weeks ago, I purchased an African Grey thought to be a female although there has been no DNA testing. I brought her home and had her cage ready and she was quiet but would step up and seemed very calm. I am a 55 year old female who once owned an Amazon for 18 years. Well, my new bird won't let me rub her head or touch but when my male partner is around or one of my two sons (ages 22 and 16) she watches them, tries to fly to follow them, and lets them rub her head and back all the time. I was told she belonged to a older couple who had to give her up and from the voices she copies, the male interacted with her. (I think maybe the woman didn't like the bird.) Now "my bird" is attached to my partner Mike...and won't trust me. She will still step up with me, but often tries to fly off and because her wings are badly clipped, she crashes...then makes angry noises when I try to get her to step up off the floor. Tonight, she did that and a wing feather came loose and must be hurting her. She even bit Mike when he tried to put her back in her cage. What can I do to make "my bird" love me and cuddle with me? Could she be molting?
Why is "she" so attracted to men? What can I do to win her trust and love?

Thanks.

Answer
This sort of rejection is heartbreaking isn't it? Sometimes, our reaction to their rejection is exactly what fuels more rejection. They like that we try so hard and they learn quickly what does it.

I have a routine for all of the rescues taken in here and so far it's been remarkably successful, although some birds respond sooner than others.   I approach our new additions (usually abused birds entering rescue/rehab) an hour or so after tucking them in for nighttime. Their cages are covered on all sides, leaving just ½ of the front uncovered so they can see out and feel secure. It also insures decent air circulation.

The room light would be very dim, but not totally dark. Most birds have poor night vision, unless they’re nocturnal birds like owls and approaching them in total darkness is frightening to them.

  At this time, whispering, putting a hand up against the cage and just holding it there is a start. Remember, keep it non-threatening and below their eye level.

  When you notice them calmly stretching a wing and leg slowly out to the side and back, mimic the action with your own arm slowly stretching out to the side and softly stay engaged vocally (“what a good bird you are”, “that’s a pretty bird”, etc).

  After just a few minutes of nice interaction, leave them be for their night and the next day use the same tone of voice and slow, calm movements around them.

  Open the cage door (as long as your bird is not panicking and will be safe if they escape, unable to get to places you cannot recover them from) and offer your finger/hand just above the feet and gently touching at the breast area there say “step up”. This command is important to use every time so that when the bird hears it they know it’s time to be on hand/finger.

In an untamed bird there may be some biting and squawking, but if you can tolerate it until they are on hand, you’ve accomplished a very important step. Once up they usually stop biting where they’re perching (your hand) and if they don’t, giving them an “earthquake” a gentle shaking of your hand, but not enough to dislodge them or cause them to feel insecure, will often distract them.

I’ve also found that walking quickly into a different room (which isn’t hard to do with a big macaw chomping down on my arm like a pitbull) will surprise them enough to stop. Suddenly, in new surroundings, I’m their best friend.

  If you cannot get your bird to cooperate right away with hands, remember, you’ve got years ahead of you – it’s worth it to do this right. Try just placing your hand in the cage for a minute and letting them get used to it being there. Having a treat in hand will help make your fingers a positive thing.

  Continue the night whispering and no matter what, don’t give up.

Find out more steps to take by seeing www.4AnimalCare.org/birds

************ By the way, DNA sexing and testing for genetic disease is the very first thing I do.

Knowing the sex of the bird is important because females need more calcium, especially if they begin egg laying. It’s also important to curb egg laying, which can and does happen without a male or any other bird around.

When you have a female bird it’s good to know so that you can quickly identify odd behaviors or symptoms of illness that may be egg binding or Dystocia. These are often life threatening conditions if not treated by a vet within a few hours.

Males might become more aggressive and territorial, but these behaviors could also be associated to a variety of other illnesses that need quick treatment to insure survival.

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