Terrible twos ?

[lisa]

Do you think Greys go through a terrible two stage? Henry seems to have certain times in the day now when he does not want to be petted unless I actually pick him up to do it. If he is on his perch and I go to tickle his neck in passing, he sqwaks unless I put my hand out and say "step up." It's sort of like ... "my way or the highway lady!" And any of you with children know they all go through a period, even if it is very short of testing the boundries. Anyway, I simply don't pick him up when he is yelling at me, and do when he is not. He is out of his cage more than he is in and I am home the majority of the time, so he is getting plenty of attention. I really do see a lot of the same behaviour in my beautiful CAG, as I did when my even more beautiful children were little. They just seem to reach these behaviours sooner than children.

[Yankeebobo]

They seem to go through a phase that is very similar - not sure that I'd restrict them to "two" years. But they do test the water. At first, it's like establishing their boundries with you. What you let them do, what you seem to react to negatively, etc. BTW - I am NOT saying that just because you do NOT want something done, they'll NOT do it. :-)

Other than that, there is their hormonal period. This is at their sexual maturity. They do seem to get "frustrated" and develop some odd behavior there.

[Monique]

Greys (most parrots) do have different behavior as adults vs. children. If you think of an adult child, spouse or close friend - there are times you might give them a hug and times you wouldn't, you respect them and base your actions (partially) upon the current situation & their mood, demeanor, etc. Having an adult bird is the same in some regards.

[TheGreyMiester]

My breeder said they will go through a "Terrible Two" stage and she also said they ARE testing you. I think it's important not to fall prey to the game. If he yells, don't respond.

[Talon]

Talon has started to go through what I call a "feisty "
stage. She's asserting her independence, and seems to be saying,"it is my way as much as I can get away with". I think it is the beginning of the terrible two's that is posted here. Anyone else's bird starting this phase? :huh:

[judygram]

Not yet, Talon as Josey is only a little over 1 year old, and I am not looking forward to it. You can keep us informed as to how things change as she goes thru this phase of her life.:silly:

[Talon]

I'm hoping for some good info here..........:dry:

[RdnkParamedic21]

How old is Talon?

[Lidia]

lisa wrote:

Do you think Greys go through a terrible two stage?

I would say that they definitely do. In my own experience I have seen it, and over the years I've also heard and read a lot of anecdotal evidence.

It's not about the bird's personality changing, however, it's more to do with how they try to control some of their environment, exert their independence, etc. It does manifest in biting and temper displays, and you just have to kind of wing (pun unintended) it through until they come out on the other side, hopefully more closely bonded to you and more trusting.

For me, it was a very real and wholly unexpected phenomenon, as I knew nothing at all about greys when I first had him (eighteen years ago). I wish I'd known to expect it, it would have helped to recognise the signs. You just have to be persistent, consistent and gentle and you'll get through it. Never react badly to the bad behaviour, no matter how awful it is and no matter how badly you get bitten (and you will most likely get a couple of bad bites). Just put Henry back on or in his cage and get on with your own stuff as though it never happened.

I hope this is helpful!

ps. I think Henry is a great name for a grey!<br><br>Post edited by: Lidia, at: 2007/07/11 22:41

[Lidia]

Yankeebobo wrote:

Other than that, there is their hormonal period. This is at their sexual maturity. They do seem to get "frustrated" and develop some odd behavior there.

Yankeebobo, can you explain more about this? I didn't think of it at all, even when it was going on, but you're obviously right! Good information to have, wish I'd heard about it years ago!

How old is your own bird? Did you go through it with him?<br><br>Post edited by: Lidia, at: 2007/07/11 22:45