Growling Grey

[Vee]

I have been given a young African Grey and find he makes a kind of growling noise when I approach his cage. As he only arrived in my home about 1 hour ago I take this to be due to stress? Is this what I think it is or have I ended up with an aggressive bird?

[oONightFireOo]

Well first, if he has only been home for an hour - he's scared and trying to adjust to his new home - and being young - it's probably a number of things. Just give him time to settle in before you try to overwhelm him with social activity. Try keep the noise levels and activity levels around him down so that he can have some time to adjust to his new home. After awhile - just walk up slowly and talk to him calmly and softly... And even if he is aggressive... with love and patience... I am sure he will be a sweet and loving bird...

And then with that said, if he is a baby - they can make some very weird nosies. I do not have a African Grey, but I have had several baby birds. Hera, my GreenWinged would growl a LOT... she'd mumble and constantly have a weird, low-key growling like noise. She'd also do the baby-head-bob and make some pretty load calling squeaks and honks... This wasn't ever any real sign of aggression. if fact, she mostly did it when she was happy and as she was falling asleep from head scratches...

Hera is now about 9 to 10 months old - and she is a complete riot. Now - she growls when she is "play fighting". She loves chasing me around - and when she "catches me" she flips over on her back, growls at me - and kicks at me like a cat would. She loves to do this - and gets tummy tickles.... and eventually jumps up and repeats the process over and over...

Due to having dogs - she's also picked up on barking. Half the time I don't know if it is her or the dogs. But for Hera - when I hear the growling noise now, it makes me happy - because I know it means she is happy and having a jolly ole time. It really is a sight to see!!

So no worries. Give them new baby time - and surround him with love. But make sure you have patience and observe his behavior! He'll make a great feathered friend! And know that you can't ask enough questions! I've had a billion - especially with babies and rescued birds who have been abused... so I've built a network of breeders, rescues, aviaries, and vets across the state... not to mention the wonders of BirdBoard!!

Best of Luck... and keep us posted...
And pictures would be nice too **hint hint**

~Kevin

[Tom Lawless]

I have an eighteen week old CAG. He growls at cats and dogs. I've noticed with the dog that, as he gets used to seeing her when she visits, he is beginning to growl less than he did in the beginning. Your grey is so new in your house, I'm sure the growling will stop as soon as he gets used to you and his new surroundings.

[shibatimes3]

My grey growls, or sometimes just sounds like a growl when she plays as well as when she is scared. You will notice the difference when she REALLY growls! Good luck. Remember they are very smart and can manipulate very well... :)

[Vee]

Hi there. thanks so much for your advice. I really apreciate your encouragement. I am pleased to say that he is now a lot clamer. The growling has stopped and he is taking treats from my hand. He is still inclined to bite but I am working on this problem slowly. Your kind words have given me much encouragement. I am a first time bird owner and only want the best for him, thank you so much for your input.
Regards
Vee

[Tom Lawless]

Thanks for the update. I was wondering how he was doing. Bing almost never growls. He does, however, shriek like a Macaw. I don't know if he got it from Davey or if he got it from his Bird Sitter Video but either way, I'd much prefer a quieter growl!