Me and my wife got our AG Skipper about 2 years ago. I don’t know much on his past other than he was owned by a few people. Not sure on his age as well. He is pretty talkative and always asks for peanuts. He will also bow his head like he wants scratches, and will let you scratch his head, but after a couple of seconds will turn his head to bite. Then he will offer his head again for more but will bite again. Touching him anywhere other than his head is a no go as he will try to bite as well. He will also not step up either. Getting him out of his cage to clean or anything is also a nightmare. We leave the cage open to try and let him come out on his own but he just stays in there and won’t come out. Usually we have to resort to a towel to get him out so we don’t lose fingers, but when we finally get him out he will step up and stand on your hand just fine. Will still bite though and offer his head as usual just to try and bite again. I should also mention that he bites his nails a lot too like he’s stressed. Getting him back in the cage is no problem as he goes straight into it. Any thoughts on what might be going on or if this is normal behavior for AG’s? He is like this with everyone.
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African Grey biting
- Thread starter ImDeth
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SelvaVerde
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The appearance of an African Grey, in terms of it's mostly grey coloration with only a bit of bright red tail, and the fact that they flock in very large numbers tells me that in their natural habitat they can only afford to be a little conspicuous and must avoid predation. This is probably why they are nervous and aloof by nature. In other words, it's innate. So, in our homes they will tend to be the same way - as they are still genetically wild with their behaviors and disposition, that serve them well in their natural habitat, still intact.
It sounds as though your bird only feels safe and secure when in his cage and is nervous about leaving it. It also seems that he has learned that "stepping up" when in his cage only gets him somewhere that he doesn't want to be. This is really not uncommon, even with birds that are seemingly very comfortable in and around their human home. Sometimes, they just go into their cages and will not willingly come out and will even nip at the human to leave them there. There's no answer to this really.
As far as bowing to be scratched and then sneaking in a nip, I tend to first wonder whether they do this among themselves...with their own kind. That would be very telling as it would mean that it's a communicative gesture that we, as humans, don't fully comprehend. I have never heard an explanation for this, I only know that just about every species has been known to do it. I used to think that maybe I touched a sensitive pin feather or something but that isn't always the case. So...I still don't know why they do it.
Sorry that sometimes there are simply no answers and these things are just a part of parrot ownership and something we live with.
It sounds as though your bird only feels safe and secure when in his cage and is nervous about leaving it. It also seems that he has learned that "stepping up" when in his cage only gets him somewhere that he doesn't want to be. This is really not uncommon, even with birds that are seemingly very comfortable in and around their human home. Sometimes, they just go into their cages and will not willingly come out and will even nip at the human to leave them there. There's no answer to this really.
As far as bowing to be scratched and then sneaking in a nip, I tend to first wonder whether they do this among themselves...with their own kind. That would be very telling as it would mean that it's a communicative gesture that we, as humans, don't fully comprehend. I have never heard an explanation for this, I only know that just about every species has been known to do it. I used to think that maybe I touched a sensitive pin feather or something but that isn't always the case. So...I still don't know why they do it.
Sorry that sometimes there are simply no answers and these things are just a part of parrot ownership and something we live with.
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.Peanuts are not a good treat, as they can cotain a fungus if in shell. I'd suggest slivered almonds or walnut pieces. You can find them in the baking aisle in most grocery stores.
African greys are basically not hands on birds. i.e. they mostly do not like to be touched. A quick beak swipe is about what most will allow. There are a rare few that will allow touching/petting. The head dip is a sneak attack they do. The act all cute, dip head to lure you into petting them then they quickly nip you. They are on the defensive most of the time.
They look at their cage as their safe place. So you reaching in is a threat to him & his safe place. Explain to him his cage is dirty & needs cleaned. Ask him to be nice while you clean it. Move slowly as they do not like fast movements. Ours comes out during cage cleaning & sits on top of the cage door. You have tobe careful tho, as she'll reach down & pull your hair.
CAG's (Congo African Grey) are super intelligent. They like to know the what, why, where & how of everything. So talk to him like you would a small child. Explain everything to him. What you are doing why & how. Example: Lets go get a shower, step up, good bird, walk slowly. I have to put Jengo (our CAG) in a towel to carry her up the stairs or she'll nail me. Keep your commands consistent so as not to confuse him,. Relate your words to items & actions. Example: apple, offer him a piece. A toy is a item, etc. Step up or down is an action. Go for a walk, in his cage, etc. are actions.
We got our CAG at 6 months of age. She will be 26 years old in June. I can not get her to step up out of her cage. If I try she'll nip me. I let her out. She will come out, go to the top of her cage.I ask her to come down. She will climb down the side to the seed skirt. Then she will step up for me. It takes a few minutes. Also CAG's tend do things in their own time which is a lot slower than other parrots. You can also try to put a perch on the inside or outside of the cage door & see if he will step up from there.
It took a long time, but I taught Jengo to go in a crate on command. We have an outdoor aviary. So now when I set the crate on the ground & say time to go in, she climbs down & waddles over & into the crate. She knows it's time to go inside & eat. Jengo also learned a hand signal to go in her cage.
So move slowly, explain everything. Offer a treat if needed.
Biting his nails could be because he's bored. Keep him stimulated by using foraging or puzzle toys. Baby staking cups are one. Many bird supply sites have some sort of foraging or puzzle toy. Paper cups pinched shut, paper bags. Put small treats in them. Shredder toys are good too.
SelvaVerde
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I got curious and asked Google, so here's the AI response. With so many possibilities it seems the answer is that we cannot truly know for any particular situation...
Parrots may bow their heads for a scratch, which can be a sign of seeking attention or affection, but then bite due to a variety of reasons, including fear, overstimulation, territoriality, or simply a learned behavior.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Parrots may bow their heads for a scratch, which can be a sign of seeking attention or affection, but then bite due to a variety of reasons, including fear, overstimulation, territoriality, or simply a learned behavior.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Attention-Seeking:
Parrots, especially those that are tame, often bow and bob their heads as a way to get attention or ask for a scratch.
- Fear or Overstimulation:
If a parrot feels scared, overwhelmed, or is overstimulated, it might bite as a defense mechanism or to signal that it wants to be left alone.
- Territoriality:
Some parrots, especially during breeding season, can become territorial and bite if they feel their space or resources are being threatened.
- Learned Behavior:
Parrots might learn that biting is a way to get a desired outcome, such as ending an interaction or getting a specific treat.
- Pain or Illness:
If a parrot is in pain or experiencing an illness, it may bite as a way to express discomfort or to protect itself.
- Hormonal Changes:
Parrots, like many animals, can experience hormonal fluctuations that can lead to increased aggression or irritability, potentially resulting in biting.
- Play Bites:
Sometimes, parrots might bite playfully, especially young parrots, but these bites are usually gentle and not intended to cause harm.
- Communication:
Biting can also be a form of communication, where the parrot is trying to convey a message, such as "stop" or "I don't like that".
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@Toy pretty much summed it up nicely. Grays take a lot of patience and respecting their intelligence but the rewards are great when you do finally "understand" them. As they said. Tell them and explain everything that is going to happen and why. Respect when they say no to the greatest that you can and find another way around. I love how they taught their gray to go into the crate. Walter was very tolerant of being handled so I could just pick him up but only with his permission. Grays can hold a grudge so again be patient and think outside the box. They generally respond better to positives than to being pressured into things. They spend a lot of time analyzing the situation first and they have a wicked sense of humor and will get a laugh at your expense whenever they can. Good luck, ask lots of questions, move slowly and deliberately while respecting their need for space and understanding. You will get there. We are here to help. Pictures would be highly appreciated.
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Very well said. I forgot about Jengo's evil laugh. No idea where she got it or the whoop sound she makes either.
I got Jengo into her crate by telling her she had to go in it to go outside. We have a big aviary they get to use in spring & summer for 4-5 hours on nice days. Took several times before she'd just go in. Then she just decided to go it when it was time to come inside to eat. She's food motivated, which helps. She puts toys in her food & water dishes. I tell her she has to take it out & toss it down or no food. She grabs it & tosses it. It's scary how intelligent they are.
It sounds like you have a typical Grey ..My boy Tyrion loves me to pet his head ,ears and nostrils but if I do it wrong I get nailed ...They are so smart and this could all be a game to your Grey just to see if you fall for it ...there are several games my bird plays with me and if Im not quick enough I get nailed ... Make sure you explain everything to them ..I tell him when Im vacuuming , dusting or any cleaning of the house ...I explain the cleaning of his cage and changing of his water ... We make a game of it and that way I dont get my hair pulled or bitten most times ...Your Grey may never get away from biting but if you make it fun form them they normally change their attitude ... They are normally hands off birds for the most part but can be swayed with some treats like almonds or walnuts ..no peanuts they are bad for your bird ...As for the step up keep trying with a treat and make it fun for him to do as he is most likely afraid and if done enough times he should come around ....explain why you want him to step up and gently proceed with a treat then try for a step up even if he puts one toe on your hand treat him this will take some time but he should come around ...
SelvaVerde
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At about 10:53 in this video, two Grey parrots are being aggressive with each other (as the narrator says, "It looks like they're fighting"). I've personally seen Scarlet Macaws do this exact thing at Carrara National Park in Costa Rica (as they scream horrifically at each other) . At the time I was told they were a bonded pair. Perhaps parrots initiate bouts of aggression (or sparring) for some benefit or reason we have yet to understand. It must have some benefit to have been selected for as a behavior. Either way, this is a neat little trip into seeing them in and around Uganda. Historically their natural range although heavily altered by human settlement. Uganda is the site of many releases of Grey's confiscated from trappers.
