Unsocialized baby

[RiccaE]

hi, we have a new TAG, and she just under 4 months old. She's my sisters bird, but they are staying here. Baby Emrys was never let out of her cage, unless she was being fed. She is cage aggressive, we cannot get her out of the cage with our hands. She has no interest in coming out at all. When out, she has a stand, and she wants nothing to do with humans. She will not let you touch her, but 70 percent of the time when she's out of her cage, she will step up onto your hand. She will accept treats from hands. We've been reading to her, and giving her treats, just talking. We are worried because she had no socialization for the first 3.5 months. What can and should we be doing to help her want interaction, and companionship? She does play in and out of her cage, by herself.

 

[Toy]

Most Greys are not hands on birds. They are very defensive. You can reach a point she may allow you to do a head scritch & a beak rub, but that's about most Grey's will allow. The cage is their safe place & most will not permit you to reach in & expect them to step up. Instead they will come out & step up off the door or top of cage. I would try slow walks thru the house, explaining everything as you go. This is a chair, let her touch it, this is the frig, let her touch it, etc. Set her on the arm of a chair & you set in the chair talking to her. Slowly try to touch her beak. Dance & act silly. Parrots love silly. Share meals. They love to eat with you. Many Greys are good at puzzles & trick training toys. Do a search for parrot props & training toys. Greys are super intelligent & do well with lots of interaction.

 

[macawpower58]

At not even 4 months, I'd say it's fear and uncertainty that's the biggest problems.
I very much doubt it's territorial behavior at this age.
I'm guessing she's new to you?
If so, she's in new place, probably not weaned correctly (is she still on handfeedings?).
So take it slow, bribery does work to gain trust.
Don't grab her from the cage unless it's an emergency.
Keep your hands as objects of good things. Treats, scritches, toys, feedings.

Can you tell us a little more about when you got her, how your feeding her, etc...
We can offer more help when we get a clearer picture of her life with you.

 

[RiccaE]

At not even 4 months, I'd say it's fear and uncertainty that's the biggest problems.
I very much doubt it's territorial behavior at this age.
I'm guessing she's new to you?
If so, she's in new place, probably not weaned correctly (is she still on handfeedings?).
So take it slow, bribery does work to gain trust.
Don't grab her from the cage unless it's an emergency.
Keep your hands as objects of good things. Treats, scritches, toys, feedings.

Can you tell us a little more about when you got her, how your feeding her, etc...
We can offer more help when we get a clearer picture of her life with you.

We only got her a week ago. I completely understand she doesn't trust us and is fearful, but the breeder never let her out unless he was feeding her, so she hasn't been socialized at all. He told me she was cage aggressive, doesn't want to be touched, etc. And it all turned out to be true. She hatched around May 5th. She does take treats from hands, but will not let anyone touch her, or want to play with us, or pay any attention to us. I know it's very important to socialize babies, so I just want to make sure we do the right the things for her. I'm sure a huge part of it is the new home and new people and no trust yet, but the fact that she acted this way with the breeder who raised her, has us concerned. She is completely off of hand feeding and eating Harrisons. No interest yet in chop, or birdie bread. She was also clipped before learning to fledge, so she is clumsy and doesn't even realize she can walk on flat surfaces.

 

[macawpower58]

Relax, you have years and years to gain her trust and love. And you will!
Go slow. Bond through food. Since she's just recently weaned, she may love some warm mashed up food.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, anything that is warm and soft will remind her of feeding, and will help with the beginning of a bond.
To baby birds, food is love and comfort. See if you can get her to like and take this from your fingers.
Will she step onto a perch? Or a hand?
If possible, bring her to where you are (portable perch stand is invaluable) and just give ambient attention.
Don't force yourself on her, just let her be a a part of everything you do.
If necessary, do it near her cage.
Parrots are inquisitive, it's built into them. Pique her interest in what you're doing.
If I'm scrubbing the floor, I soon see a head next to me. Mine will climb down just to see what I'm doing.
Allow her to get used to your home and family.
Go slow. Expect setbacks. Talk lots to her. See if she responds to music/singing. Many birds do.

Don't worry about her past.
This is a whole new life for her now.
You will teach her, and she will learn.
Wild birds for ages have been tamed and learned to love.
So will your baby.

 

[RiccaE]

Relax, you have years and years to gain her trust and love. And you will!
Go slow. Bond through food. Since she's just recently weaned, she may love some warm mashed up food.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, anything that is warm and soft will remind her of feeding, and will help with the beginning of a bond.
To baby birds, food is love and comfort. See if you can get her to like and take this from your fingers.
Will she step onto a perch? Or a hand?
If possible, bring her to where you are (portable perch stand is invaluable) and just give ambient attention.
Don't force yourself on her, just let her be a a part of everything you do.
If necessary, do it near her cage.
Parrots are inquisitive, it's built into them. Pique her interest in what you're doing.
If I'm scrubbing the floor, I soon see a head next to me. Mine will climb down just to see what I'm doing.
Allow her to get used to your home and family.
Go slow. Expect setbacks. Talk lots to her. See if she responds to music/singing. Many birds do.

Don't worry about her past.
This is a whole new life for her now.
You will teach her, and she will learn.
Wild birds for ages have been tamed and learned to love.
So will your baby.

Thank you. I just wasn't sure if there was anything different we should do since she wasn't socialized. We didn't want to reinforce her wanting to be alone. She will step up onto hands when out of her cage. She does love treats. I will have my sister try the warm mashed food as it's more important for her to bond. She really loves playing, just alone. She will play with any toy in front of her. She doesn't seem unhappy or anything. I appreciate your input

 

[dollfish]

There is very good advice on this thread. This bird definitely has not been socialised and having been clipped is huge trauma. You can definitely go back on formula if you ask me. This is a very young age for a Gray and your bird must have regressed. This will help you bond and form a relationship with your bird as well.

 

[RiccaE]

There is very good advice on this thread. This bird definitely has not been socialised and having been clipped is huge trauma. You can definitely go back on formula if you ask me. This is a very young age for a Gray and your bird must have regressed. This will help you bond and form a relationship with your bird as well.

Appreciate the suggestion. Where would we get the formula? Just a regular pet store? Any brand? And how long would you suggest to do this for? Like once a day for a couple of weeks?

 

[RiccaE]

Here is Miss Emrys

 

[macawpower58]

Ricca, have you ever handfed before? If not, I'd hesitate to suggest you start now.
Unless your baby is begging (weaving, wing flipping, bobbing) or losing weight, I'd just offer food by hand, or from a spoon.
I'd not syringe feed if you've never done it before.
If you have and are experienced, ignore this advice!

Your baby is gorgeous, and looks quite healthy.

P.S. You must have a BIG dog!
What kind do you have?

 

[dollfish]

I didn't realise it had already been mentioned, that's why I said go back to feedings. Like @macawpower58 said, warm veggie mash from a spoon everyday is a good enough reminder of baby formula.

 

[RiccaE]

Ricca, have you ever handfed before? If not, I'd hesitate to suggest you start now.
Unless your baby is begging (weaving, wing flipping, bobbing) or losing weight, I'd just offer food by hand, or from a spoon.
I'd not syringe feed if you've never done it before.
If you have and are experienced, ignore this advice!

Your baby is gorgeous, and looks quite healthy.

P.S. You must have a BIG dog!
What kind do you have?

No, I have not handfed before. She likes the Harrisons, never begs or anything. Maybe we will just stick to the warm mashed foods, which can be like handfeeding? She's been to the vet and got her clean bill of health, other than her very weak grip, but that's due to being clipped before fledging.

He is a boxer/lab mix. Sweet boy. He's about 65 pounds. He's scared of the birds, lol.

 

[RiccaE]

I didn't realise it had already been mentioned, that's why I said go back to feedings. Like @macawpower58 said, warm veggie mash from a spoon everyday is a good enough reminder of baby formula.

Perfect, we will try this, thank you

 

[Toy]

You say you've only had her a week. She is in a new place & scared. Take it slow. Lots of talking & offering small pieces of food by hand or set her next to you on a counter & give her a dish of mashed food. Gake yu are eating it so she knows it's safe to eat. Our Africa Grey loves mashed sweet potatoes. You can also try some veggies like peas & corn. I buy frozen & cook them in the microwave for about 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water to bring the temp down to warm, not hot. Sweet potatoes must be cooked as well. Try oatmeal, mashed apple, banana, etc. Plain un-buttered, unsalted popcorn, Cheerios (original plain) or low salt Wheat Thins are good for crunchy treats.

As you offer her food carefully touch her beak with one finger. I rub the side of my Greys beak with the side of my index finer. Don't push it too quick. As she learns to trust you she may allow beak rubs. As you earn her trust slowly rub her head with one finger.

Her grip is weak because she's still pretty young & hasn't developed full use of her feet yet.

You say she doesn't want to play with you. What type of play do you expect? I'd suggest giving her time to settle in & earn your trust. Then put her on the floor with some toys & you get on the floor with her. You can start with junk mail to rip up or a paper towel. Show her how to do it. Foot toys or toy parts she can pick up. Stacking rings are a great toy for Greys. There are many types available or you can make one. This is Jengo putting her acrylic shapes on the stacking post:

 

[RiccaE]

You say you've only had her a week. She is in a new place & scared. Take it slow. Lots of talking & offering small pieces of food by hand or set her next to you on a counter & give her a dish of mashed food. Gake yu are eating it so she knows it's safe to eat. Our Africa Grey loves mashed sweet potatoes. You can also try some veggies like peas & corn. I buy frozen & cook them in the microwave for about 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water to bring the temp down to warm, not hot. Sweet potatoes must be cooked as well. Try oatmeal, mashed apple, banana, etc. Plain un-buttered, unsalted popcorn, Cheerios (original plain) or low salt Wheat Thins are good for crunchy treats.

As you offer her food carefully touch her beak with one finger. I rub the side of my Greys beak with the side of my index finer. Don't push it too quick. As she learns to trust you she may allow beak rubs. As you earn her trust slowly rub her head with one finger.

Her grip is weak because she's still pretty young & hasn't developed full use of her feet yet.

You say she doesn't want to play with you. What type of play do you expect? I'd suggest giving her time to settle in & earn your trust. Then put her on the floor with some toys & you get on the floor with her. You can start with junk mail to rip up or a paper towel. Show her how to do it. Foot toys or toy parts she can pick up. Stacking rings are a great toy for Greys. There are many types available or you can make one. This is Jengo putting her acrylic shapes on the stacking post:

View attachment 351766

Thanks. I know some things will get better with time, and trust and her getting comfortable. My concern is that she wasn't socialized while being weaned and always kept in her cage, and that affects them. We just want to make sure we do things right, and the advice on here sounds like we are doing what we should be doing, with needing to add a few things. She hates the floor right now and doesn't like walking, constantly wants to be perched. We will definitely try the shredding thing with bills and whatnot. I have bought some puzzle toys for her, which she doesn't have interest in, but she loves to shred and chew cuttle bone. She will play with almost any toy, but not if it's in our hands. We love her so much already. We just wanted to make sure we weren't doing anything wrong or pushing too much. We play music and dance, read to her, feed her treats etc.

 

[RiccaE]

You say you've only had her a week. She is in a new place & scared. Take it slow. Lots of talking & offering small pieces of food by hand or set her next to you on a counter & give her a dish of mashed food. Gake yu are eating it so she knows it's safe to eat. Our Africa Grey loves mashed sweet potatoes. You can also try some veggies like peas & corn. I buy frozen & cook them in the microwave for about 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water to bring the temp down to warm, not hot. Sweet potatoes must be cooked as well. Try oatmeal, mashed apple, banana, etc. Plain un-buttered, unsalted popcorn, Cheerios (original plain) or low salt Wheat Thins are good for crunchy treats.

As you offer her food carefully touch her beak with one finger. I rub the side of my Greys beak with the side of my index finer. Don't push it too quick. As she learns to trust you she may allow beak rubs. As you earn her trust slowly rub her head with one finger.

Her grip is weak because she's still pretty young & hasn't developed full use of her feet yet.

You say she doesn't want to play with you. What type of play do you expect? I'd suggest giving her time to settle in & earn your trust. Then put her on the floor with some toys & you get on the floor with her. You can start with junk mail to rip up or a paper towel. Show her how to do it. Foot toys or toy parts she can pick up. Stacking rings are a great toy for Greys. There are many types available or you can make one. This is Jengo putting her acrylic shapes on the stacking post:

View attachment 351766

Cute pic