New adopted African Grey question

[cwgirl197]

I adopted an African Grey on Saturday that will be 4 years old next month. He is not talking. Is there any chance that he will talk later or are the sounds he makes about all I'll be getting? I'm just curious; I don't really care one way or the other, but I didn't know if he was past the learning to talk stage or not. Thanks for any help!

[alohashark]

I am not an expert but he may be waiting to get to know you better before he shows you than he can talk, he might already know how to talk but since you have only had him since Saturday he might be too shy to speak right now.

[Tom Lawless]

I don't think it is too old for him to begin talking if he hasn't already but it might not happen. Some guys talk and stop. Some never talk at all. I would think that if he is in a stimulating environment where he is happy and excited you might hear him becoming more vocal. He'll be practicing noises when he doesn't think you are around or listening so every now and then stop outside his door and listen. Because he is so new I wouldn't expect anything right away. He has a period of settling in and evaluating his surroundings that could take a little time.

[cwgirl197]

Thank you so much for all the information. I do know that the lady that I got him from said that he didn't talk at her house, but he almost sounds like he is trying to say a few things to me. He is actually settling in really well and has already given me kisses and begged me to scritch him....lol....which the lady that I got him from said he NEVER did at her house and she had him for almost 2 years!!! That made me feel pretty good! His name is Cody and he does have some feather issues too.....he isn't exactly plucking but completely over preening himself and has his feathers looking all ratty and messed up.....lol. Any suggestions on that? He is on Mazuri pellets and that is what he has been on the whole time with her.....is that good for him?