rehabilitating african grey

[edieter]

I need a little advice on when I should do what. Let me give you a quick overview of how I am going to be a new owner of a grey. My brother in law is a biology prof, new father adn owns a reptile farm which he has over 150 animals. we went to visit them in texas this past weekend and he was given an grey bc one of his students was moving oversees and could not take him. However my brother in law does not have time for him. I bonded with him over the weekend and by the time we left to come back to PA we were in love. So needless to say I convinced them to let me have him They are flying him to me this Sunday. He is about 10 years old and never seems to of been out of his cage before. I got a play area for him. He really needs alot of TLC. Where should I start, how traumatic will the airplane be for him? I have his cage all ready here, how should I transfer him from the pet carrier to the cage safely? How long should I wait until we go to the vet? I don't want to traumatize him any more. Any other tips?

[expressmailtome]

You can take him to the vet as soon as you can. This is usually a good idea. As for getting him into the cage, you may want to open the cage and carrier doors and lift the carrier up to the cage. He will probably move into the cage soon on his own. When you were with him did you touch him or did he stay in his cage? This will help determine when to start working with him. You may want to give him a few days just to settle in any ways. Also, is he hand shy?

Matt

[Lisa B]

I agree with Matt. thats a great way for him to come out. The trip will be stressful so you will have to let him settle in. Just be calm around him, read to him, sit near him, and let his nerves settle. Dont hesitate to contact me should you need to.

What foods are you going to feed and do you know much about his backround? Also if you PM me where you are, I may be able to suggest a decent vet for you.

[edieter]

I did not hold him while we were there. It was a short trip and I didnt want to scare him too much since he is never held. My brother in law and family have not held him and he has lived with them only 5 months. Thanks for all your advice. We live in Greensburg, PA so if you know a vet let me know. Also they are feeding him Zupreem which I did get along with some a seed mix and then a pellet mix that they suggested at the store. Any other advice? I had a cockatiel for 10 years so I have a little experience with the smaller bird but not him. I just want him to be happy and I think he will fit in with our family. My kids loved him.

[Lisa B]

here is a list of ABVP vets in your area(PA)....
The Grey Roost

here is your list of AAV vets
The Association of Avian Veterinarians | Association

I dont know any personally, so you may wish to do some research on them. I only know the ones closer to philly.

Zupreem is a decent diet. I would suggest the natural over the fruit, if that is the only pellet being offered. Sometimes greys can have hypoglycemic reactions to some colored pellets. Mine are on a diet that consists of Harrisons, Higgins seed blend(celestral) and Zupreem fruit pellets. all in moderation. I dont feed sunflower or peanuts.

[edieter]

Well I picked Dudder up at teh airport lastnight and he seems to be settling in quite nicely. He began talking and whistling as soon as we put him in his cage per the advice given. He has eaten and my dogs and 2 year old twins seem to be adjusting well. He is saying hello and hi as I am typing this. So his vet appt is next Tuesday should I towel him which I don't have too much experience with? He will let me touch his head but I am not pushing him. When should I let him out and start to try the step up approach? Thanks so much.

[Lisa B]

I wouldnt towel him just yet. if he doesnt end up liking it, you could break trust.
I would put the dogs in another room(so they dont spook him)
go sit near his cage, and let the door open. See how he reacts and what happens. His singing and eating is a good sign. Means he's not nervous and adjusting well.

[edieter]

THank you. That is exactly what we did lastnight when I put him in his cage. I blocked off the room and my husband took the kids to his parents. And the dogs went outside.