How To Keep An African Grey Parrot Happy

[r2rusmc]

Leading up to the exchange day for my CAG I'd head to the pet store during lunch and come back with stuff for Tutu. Different foods, new perches, TOYS, etc.

Every time I'd bring in a new toy my colleague would chastise me for wasting money. Tutu doesn't like toys. I bought him one once and he didn't want anything to do with it.

Well guess what? Tutu really doesn't like toys. Tutu LOVES toys. But still won't look at them and will throw temper tantrums about them for the first couple of weeks he has access to them.

I'd have to say that I don't agree with changing them up every two weeks. Not enough time for them to adjust to it.

[LoveMyBeak]

Thats funny 'loving it' One or two weeks for our congo too.........LMB

[plunke]

Me Too! I'm waiting for my tag to wean. His cage is ready. I'm starting on the perches & toys!!

[charliebigchips]

My Charlie has had a small fortune spent on new toys by myself and through my family buying him presents. Very rarely does he pay any attention to these purpose made parrot toys. His fave play thing is..... wait for it...... used toilet rolls. He cannot get enough of them, if he hears the toilet flush he waits in anticipation to see if you've polished off a roll that will result in him getting a fresh toy to destroy.

Dont just rely on purpose made parrot toys, if your bird likes the texture of a certain wood or cardboard, be creative and use these materials to make custom toys for your feathery companion.

Just be double sure to check that there are no toxic substances like ink in coloured cardboard fro example.

[jeffa]

My GREY is out of his cage 24/7. He plays with his toys just a little, but likes to walk around on his cage or hanging tree. He is happy, sings and talks. I think Greys are best suited to be uncaged if possible. My Senegal, like wise, is out 24/7 and spends alot of time with the Grey. Both of them sit on top of the Grey's Cage and for whatever reason seem to get along as long as they don't sit too close to each other.
This has been going on for five years now so I don't think there will be any "accidents" with the two birds sitting together.

[Tiki]

If you want to keep an African Grey happy, skip the article and just give him to Lisa B!

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by Tiki

If you want to keep an African Grey happy, skip the article and just give him to Lisa B!

thanks for the giggle Tiki!

[greencinacheeks]

Originally Posted by Tiki

If you want to keep an African Grey happy, skip the article and just give him to Lisa B!

probably right!!!! ha ha LOL

~Nate

[ljhassell]

We have never had any problems changing toys or anything. We change toys out every 3 days, maybe doing this from 5 months has our loving change and not neurotic?

[Lisa B]

lol...thanks Nate!


Lori, you did it right. often with babies its easier to make change then an older, rehomed parrot. the older parrot, who has been rehomed, has insecurities to begin with. Moving, changing and removing things wont allow the bird to have the security it needs to become (again) the trusting and calm parrot.

Babies who are used to this, note it as "normal" and rarely have problems with new toys.