Need advice with getting African Grey to bond

[Steve Miller]

We have an African Grey (Misty) who is nearly one year old. Since the beginning she has bonded vwey closely with my roommate, alsways allowing him to play with him, and always obeying the 'step-up" command allowing hid to take her out of the cage. She has, however, been trating me with hostility snd complete refusal to allow me to take her out of the cage. This is a problem since I am with her most of the time, and I am the one mainly taking care of her needs, feeding etc.
We have been unable to get Isty to change this behaviour, and it is becoming a serious threat to her staying with us. Can somebody please provide suggestions as to how to get her to also bone with me? Any tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Steve

[Luvmygrey]

Steve, as you probably know, greys tend to be one person birds. However, you can work with them to get them to like and/or tolerate others. You should try to spend as much time with Misty as possible. Try to spend time with her alone in another room away from view of her cage. Also, figure out what Misty's favorite food or treat is and be the only person who gives it to her. When it comes to having her do things she may not enjoy, such as maybe taking a bath, leave that to your roomate. You have to work hard on establishing your own special realtionship with Misty. It will take time, but if you work hard at it, I am sure you will find some level of success.

[sboggio]

Our CAG was like that when we got her at 4 years old. She bonded to my wife and would only let her pet her. But I just wore her down over time. I let her sit on my knee and watch TV, when my wife was busy. I figured out that she liked water before she goes to bed. So I drank water with her. Alternating sips, where I slurped mine. Soon she was slurping too when I drank. I played games with her too while my wife was making dinner.
She is bonded more to me now but still likes my wife, though she can only pet her at certain times. I can pet her anytime I want.

[JillLang]

Don't give up! Find something she really likes and do that with her or give her special treats.

[greyburd]

Take your time.... don't rush things. She will come around. How long have you had her? Keep in mind (even though she's still young), Greys tend to bond to one person. It's not unusual for them to bond to more than one, you just have to keep working on it.

Good luck!!

[fatma]

ThaTs riGht! It JusT need Time...and reMemBer: DoN't GivE Up!!!

[grandma]

My Cag loves everyone. You would never know she is five and was totaly ignored for three years by her previous owner. Only had her for a month and she's made herself right at home.

My Tag, 18 yrs, old, on the other hand, hates me and loves hubby.
Greys are known to be a one person birds. I keep trying and have the scars to prove it but, I think it's to late for her.

Keep working on it. Yours is still young. Good Luck!

[debraw]

Well from what I have read on African Grey behavior, the person who does the cage cleaning, feeding, etc. is actually considered a lower status in the flock. You, your roomate and the bird are a "flock". I would suggest asking your roomate not to handle the bird for a while and ask him to clean the cage and feed and water with you. I acquired an 8 year old male CAG about 3 months ago. He was clearly bonded to a male before we had him move in with us. I immediately asked my husband not to handle him as much and allow me to develop a relationship with the bird first. My husband and I clean the cage together and get food and water together. I bring my bird to work everyday and ask customers who come in and out to clean out his water bowl, food bowl, etc. I also have my customers handle my bird ( after a quick sanitizer) . Echo is very social now and is loved by everyone. Patience is really the key. Sometimes I just sit on the couch and read the African Grey behavior book to him. LOL! to let him know how he is supposed to be reacting and developing!

[Tiki]

I just merged 2 identical threads and removed duplicate posts.

[greyburd]

Tara, I noticed that needed to be done after I made my post!!!