[xafsmom]

Greys are a bit particular when it comes to weaning. A lot is tied up emotionally in the weaning process for them compared to other birds. Though, weaning for any bird is a very stressful time for them. Some breeze through it, some don't. At 8 weeks, it's still a bit early, and you don't want to rush your Grey into the process. Most Greys wean at 12 weeks without much fuss, though some do take longer. A rushed Grey will have a high probability of being a very anxious bird as it matures.

It couldn't hurt to learn how to hand-feed, in case your baby does regress some into comfort feedings once weaned. You'll know how to do it then, and the bird will understand and accept your feeding style and handling without anxiety. I personally would let the shop where you bought your TAG finish him up though. You really don't want to take a chance of having your baby fussing because he's unfamiliar with everything - new home, new smells, new everything AND still hand-feeding.... and then aspirate your chick. Nothing's worse than having your baby shudder and die in your hand because you screwed up. Will it happen to you? Probably not. But, it can.

Weaning is also a more complicated process in a lot of cases than not if done right. It's not just stopping the formula and tossing a cup of food in and watching the chick eat. An eager chick will taste and test, a reluctant one will have to be coaxed. Eating food is really a learned behaviour and many a time a chick has been surrounded by food, only to starve to death while patiently awaiting the formula.

Another few weeks won't be forever. It's really just a small blip on what will be your entire life-time relationship with your new TAG.