My Grey loves me!

[riverrat1673]

Let me start by saying, I adopted my grey when she was 13 weeks old.
We've been amusing each other for ten years. . . among other things.

I used to work in a very large pet/telecommunications store and took her
to work with me every day. She spent most of her time butting into everyone's conversations. When I'm on the phone with business people, I have a hard time keeping them on track because Ricki is carring on a conversation of her own. I often find I tune her out.

I've also discovered she has the ability to add an appropriate comment to most any conversation. Not to mention, when we're watching sit-coms, she laughs in all the right places even if we don't.

If I get myself something to eat, she's after me with, "Is it good? Want some."

I thought about teaching her a tune or a song but decided I'd tire of it way before she did. Instead, she whistles tunes of her own (very pretty ones),
and she makes up her own songs (la la la and many non verbal sounds in a sing-song tune) I can only shake my head, laugh and join in. At least it's never boring.

When I take her out of her cage, first thing she wants is a head scratch. The problem comes next. She starts this strange huffing/vocal sound. Then she lowers her head and body, lifts and slightly extends her wings away from her body. I could use her for a tray, her back is so level. She intersperces this with trying to feed me. It's gotten so she's not out of her cage 5 minutes before she starts this. I think she thinks I'm her mate.
Is there anyway I can stop this behavior? When other people are around, she will climb in their laps, and she always finds ways to harrass my
husband, but with me it's always the same. I'm also the only one who can
touch her, although, after nine years, Kenny is making progress.

Any insights would be appreciated.

Riverrat1673 in VA

[Lisa B]

Trying to feed you is the highest form of a complemnet a bird can give you. I have 3 greys that try to feed me**LOL**
As far as I know there is no way to change this behavior,because it is normal parrot stuff, but do not touch her back while she is doing this. Touching her back reinforces the mating instinct.

[riverrat1673]

Thanks Lisa

She plays with everyone but me. I try to redirect her interest, but she's too set on mating with me. Maybe I should reconsider getting her a mate? Do you think that would help? We definately have a better relationship when she's in her cage. If I had the room, I'd get her a play stand. That would work, would't it!

[Lisa B]

Well..I dont know if I would get her a mate. I have 4 greys total, and I would not trust any of them to be together without supervision. They seem to be jelous of eachother, and strike out at eachother when least expected. So getting another is not really solving the problem. What if you do get another and end up with ANOTHER one trying to mate with you, Like I have 3?? :shock:

How long does she do this mating thing with you each time she is out? The reason she is playing with everyone but you is because of flock instint too. They would not necessarily play with mates, but with flock members.

[peteygrey]

We've had our african grey for about eight months. She was sold to us at 4months old. Over the last few months she's become completely bald. She sits and pulls her feathers out all day. She is not neglected or hungry and we have a very quiet house, so we don't think she's scared. Any suggestions?

[riverrat1673]

As long as she's out, and no one else is in the room, she spends 90% of her time huffing at me. However, if someone else is in the room, she's more interested in messing with them. I guess I need to just except my place in the flock. I can't see it changing any time soon, and she keeps our life interesting.

[riverrat1673]

There are a number of reasons your grey is plucking. Have you taken her to an avian vet to rule out any medical reason? Does she have a good cage - lots of toys - fresh fruits and veggies, etc. - sunshine or the equivalent lighting - enough sleep? Has your routine changed? Did she start to pluck for one reason and keeps doing it out of habit? It's often difficult to pinpoint the exact reason and not always cured.

A friend bought a grey from a pet shop. It had been the center of attention. One day the owner decided to keep her in the back room, I forget why, and she started to chew off her feathers like you would bite your nails. Long story short; he finally put a collar on her Like the ones put on dogs to keep them from licking their wounds. I thought it was terrible, but it worked. Her feathers came back. A month or so later she started chewing again.

Sorry. Hopefully you'll find an answer. If not, all you can do is love her, and keep her warm.

Good luck!

[Lisa B]

riverrat1673

My Sydney is always huffing and trying to figure out this mating thing...he is still very young, and confused..it is very funny to see. This lasts untill he gets tired,, and wants to snuggle instead.
Emma is younger than Sydney, and has this feeding thing figured out completely. She knows to grab my hand so I cant take it away while she is feedin me..I usually say thank you, and dont make a big deal,and she gets bored.
Stirling however, gets overly excited, and huffs, grunts and i can use him as a table too!! The only thing that seems to work when this happens is to place him back in his cage. Once he comes outagain(a few minutes later), I place him back on his boing(a hanging playstand) and he is fine.





peteygrey:

I suggest too that you have her vet checked to see if there is any underlying problems. make sure it is a ABVP certified vet!! Most times if it is any other vet with this type probelm, you will not get an answer, and you will have wasted lots of money.
There are many reasons for plucking, and it turns into a game of hit and miss. Have you changed the curtains lately? moved furniture?can she see the animals outside? shadows? Not getting enough sleep? Usually it is nothing you have done,but you have to try to figure out what is differnt, that MAY have brought this on...first step is the vet. Secondly if you can not figure it out, just love her the way she is.......alot of people get rid of thier birds if they pluck. No one or no thing is perfect. however, we all need love.
I have two that pluck.....for no reasons we have found. Luckily, one is letting his feathers grow in finally....hope he will let them all grow back.....

[riverrat1673]

I was covering Ricki for the night and noticed she had no food in her dish. I like her to have munchies there for her first thing in the morning in case she gets up before I do.

Anyway, I folded the cover up to open the door and took out her dish. When I came back, she was hanging upside down from the doorframe. I gave her a little head rub. She obviously wanted to climb to the top of her cage but wouldn't pass the edge of the cover. So she actually played with me. I was delighted.

Thank you for your input.

riverrat1673