6mo old Congo

[Jayblade]

So its been a bit more than a wk since ive gotten my 6month old african grey congo!..When i went to the breeder to get her, she was really friendly, her biting wasn't even biting, it was more lik just a soft nibble. I brought Bella home, and the breeder said it would take up to a wk for her to adjust. Now that she's in our new home, she never wants to come out of her cage, her biting has gotten more stronger like they actually hurt! There is alot of interaction btwn bella and the family, we spend alot of time with her. She still doesn't want to get out of the cage! she would run away and what not and i have to grab her by the legs and hold her wings down so she wont run away? whats wrong? and she would bite here and there for some reason! she would squak when we try to get her out of the cage or try to bite, but i dont pull back when she bites, i just take it in to show her im not afraid! help?

[Spinner]

First off, congrats on the new baby congo and welcome to the forums.

Have patience with Bella. A week is an instant for a bird that is rather skittish about change. Just leave her in her cage and sit next to her with a book or interact with her.

I would strongly recommend NOT to grab her legs and hold her down. This will just feed her fear and destroy any trust you might have built.

She'll let you know when she's ready to come out and play. Be sure to read through other posts on the forum for more ideas and recommendations. You are not the first to go through this....just be very very patient.

[luvparrots]

Dave has given some great advice. Just give your sweet grey a little space and let her set the pace.

[Jayd]

Karma to you for seeking advice, already you have good answers. The key word here is "Patience", the amount of time this will take is up to your baby...Pretend like everything is alright, don't force any thing...Sing, talk, laugh, ever one in your home do it, when you approach your baby, have a treat and when he goes to bite, give it to him, change the subject. Time is the secret....:P
Jay

[Jayblade]

hey guys,

thanks alot for your input. it has really helped alot!
Bella is now more comfortable with stepping out on the cage, and she is even trying to talk, but in her own bird lingo that is. But she understands what's going on and what not. Though , she is kinda scared of the sandy perch i got her to dull her nails up! Other than that her biting has reduced and she is more friendly with all the family members, even my five yr old nephew! she really loves him, and has conversations with him. ( i read that greys dont like kids? )

i will update you guys soon with pics and bella herself!

cheers

[jessdecutie18]

I'm glad to hear Bella is doing better

As far as kids are concerned... Yoshi (9 months now) seems to get rather nervous with kids running around yelling and being crazy, she just doesn't like the unexpected. But if kids, like my nieces, behave around her, don't poke and prod her, she loves chatting with them and doing tricks and is perfectly happy.

I think it depends on how easily your bird is stressed, and how the kids approach the bird (treats help form a better friendship too!)