Hi

[Birdfan7]

I'm new here and kind of new to birds. I had budgies and a Quaker in the past. I recently lost my Yorkie which has been especially hard for me because we did absolutely everything together and I work from home.

Almost 3 weeks ago, I acquired a 4-month-old Congo African gray male named Yoshi.

I'm freaking out! I'm not sure if I'm out of my depth here.

On a positive note, Yoshi flies from the top of his cage to my hand, which I think is pretty cool, but outside of that I'm really not sure what I'm doing. I am trying to get him to eat his pellets without my help.

So far he hates going back in the cage for a nap when he clearly looks exhausted -and so it begins because he has what seems like a "tantrum" and I feel like he's already getting me wrapped around his "finger."

Your advice is welcome. Thank you !! Please be kind.

 

[MommyBird]

I've had parrots for many decades but avoided Greys because they are smarter than me.

I took a Parrot Psychology course. I'll attach a website with some readings from Susam Friedman:
Written Works: Learning and Behavior - BehaviorWorks.com

Another thing to look into sooner rather than later as Yoshi is already training you - is positive reinforcement. Do some reading on that, also called clicker training.
It is very popular with all animals, and was even used on velociraptors in the movies!
Here's on article (browse the site for more interesting stuff) Target Training Your Parrot | ThinkParrot

Long story short, what reward does Yoshi get for going into the cage? He may not even want to step up for you because he steps up and gets put into the cage.
So - don't put him directly into cage, stepup, talk and sing a little, look out the window, walk around the house....and then have a fun treat or toy and some praise when you put hime in the cage AND stay for a few minutes and talk to him once he is in. Don't leave immediately.

 

[LozBin]

I have no clue about AGs but I'm sure you'll get great advice here soon.

I just wanted to say, Yoshi is one handsome lad!

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

Welcome! You've landed in the right place! If you visit the Forums by sections there's " Species Speedway" and at the top of that section there's African Grey Alley. You'll find specific threads for your species for reading and you might find some helpful information. Lots of helpful folks here so ask away. Sorry you lost your yorkie. I lost my girl last year and miss her so much.

 

[Birdfan7]

Welcome! You've landed in the right place! If you visit the Forums by sections there's " Species Speedway" and at the top of that section there's African Grey Alley. You'll find specific threads for your species for reading and you might find some helpful information. Lots of helpful folks here so ask away. Sorry you lost your yorkie. I lost my girl last year and miss her so much.

Thanks so much I appreciate you

 

[Birdfan7]

I've had parrots for many decades but avoided Greys because they are smarter than me.

I took a Parrot Psychology course. I'll attach a website with some readings from Susam Friedman:
Written Works: Learning and Behavior - BehaviorWorks.com

Another thing to look into sooner rather than later as Yoshi is already training you - is positive reinforcement. Do some reading on that, also called clicker training.
It is very popular with all animals, and was even used on velociraptors in the movies!
Here's on article (browse the site for more interesting stuff) Target Training Your Parrot | ThinkParrot

Long story short, what reward does Yoshi get for going into the cage? He may not even want to step up for you because he steps up and gets put into the cage.
So - don't put him directly into cage, stepup, talk and sing a little, look out the window, walk around the house....and then have a fun treat or toy and some praise when you put hime in the cage AND stay for a few minutes and talk to him once he is in. Don't leave immediately.

Wow Thank you so much!!!! This is really helpful!

 

[Birdfan7]

I have no clue about AGs but I'm sure you'll get great advice here soon.
Thank you!
I just wanted to say, Yoshi is one handsome lad!

 

[merlinsmom13]

Congrats on your new grey and welcome! Try to think of him as a baby that you have to teach everything. Trim his toes, teach him to drink from a syringe for medications later. Take him places in his carrier or harness train him and take him out. Everything is new to them when they are babies so take advantage of it. Don't forget his diet, let him try all sorts of veggies There are threads here for grain bakes and birdie bread Good luck!

 

[Parront]

Wel

 

[HelenVanessaDavies]

Welcome!
I've only had volunteer experience with AGs but there's plenty of very knowledgeable people and helpful posts here

 

[zoo mom]

Welcome

 

[Sparkles99]