Just got a new Grey today!!!

[Brinkley124]

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself, my name is Tracey and I purchased a 10 year old African Grey today. So far the bird wants nothing to do with me, and everything to do with my hubby ! Not sure if it was smart to buy a 10 year old Grey and would love everyone's opinions and advice!

[kathy2002]

Congrats on the rehome bird and welcome
Kathy

[greycloud]

Congrats on your new guy! Remember he is in a brand new situation. New noises, new setting, new people. Maybe he was attached to a male in his old home, so he feels more comfortable with male figuires. We never really know why parrots pick favorites and it can be difficult to change their minds.
I rehomed an 8 yr old CAG who was bonded by a man since he was weaned. The man passed away and the family couldn't deal with him. Well guess what? He is very bonded to me! My husband can't touch him. He is now 12 yo.
I recommend that you become the soul caregiver to your grey. Food, water and letting him out of the cage all be done by you. Find a favorite treat over the next couple weeks and you be te only one to give it to him and praise him. Sit in a chair and talk quietly or read out loud to him. Eventually he will build trust in you and realize that you bring good things.
Remember, he needs lots of time to settle. Patience is the key.

[Brinkley124]

Thanks, will do! he seems to be settling in fine, he just a little jumpy still. we haven't really let him out too much (even though he wants too) because I want him to get used to his surroundings. His wings are also not clipped so, wondering if we should clip them or not? I am scared of him flying off somewhere... By the way his name is Jake! Thanks for the warm welcome and advice!

[DynamitePsycho]

Welcome and congratulations on rehoming a new friend!

[greycloud]

As far as wing clipping, it is a personal preference. All my birds are fully flighted. They are nver, I repeat, never unsupervised. I do not have young kids running in or out, it's just me and the hubs. I think you should see how he does fully flighted and if things get out of hand you can start with a minimal clip.

[vee]

Congratulations on your new bird. I re-homed an adult Grey 2 years ago and he is truely amazing. It took time, love and patience but we got there and he is so affectionate towards me only. He has just recently started warming up to my hubby. I also don't like clipping wings so mine is fully flighted. He spends most the day outside his cage and flies around as he pleases. I am sure your Grey will bring you so much joy and pleasure, they are really wonderful birds. Good luck !

[Brinkley124]

Just wanted to update you all on Jake, his first 24 hours were fine, he has said "Hey" about a million times to us, not mush of anything else. Unless we leave the room, then he has alot to say!!! He seems to be doing well, he left his cage today and flew over to our bed and had fun chewing on a pair of shorts! Just wondering is it possible to teach him any new words? Hes 10 and from what his old owner told me is he doesnt know many words. Please let me know what you all think! Thanks again for the advice!

[greycloud]

Well, my 12 yo just told my Too to "Shut up!" yesterday. He heard my sister say it. He has learned many new words in the past 4 years. I think your grey has every possibility of adding words to his vocabulary.