advice

[sarahandcharlie]

hi, i have had my grey Alfie for a week he is 3 months old i was just wondering when he comes out the cage he likes to sit on the top he will come on my hand but then flys straight back to his cage, i have tryed taking him to my bedroom, but still when i get him to step up he flys off somewhere else,i no its probably way to soon to expect anything else from him at this stage but i was wondering in time will he like to be on my hand and let me stroke him, also he doesnt play with any of his toys or do anything really! just sits there! is this normal? i want him to be happy and if theres anything i can do to make this happen i will so any advice is welcome! thank you.

[greycloud]

Congrats on your new baby. Some babies need to be taught how to play. You migh want to put a toy on his cage top where he stands and play with it yourself. This way he will see that it is fun and can make noise. Touch his toys in his cage and show him how they move. Grey babies seem to like foot toys so you may want to invest in them.
As far as stepping up and staying, it will take time for him to trust that the hand is a fun place to be. Find a favorite treat and when ever he steps up offer the treat. Let him have a couple as long as he stays on your hand. If he only stays a minute praise him on this accomplishment. With time he will begin to look forward to the praise and treats he recieves when he is on you.

[sarahandcharlie]

thank you, i will try that, anothe rquestion! i spend most of the day with Alfie, but as soon as my partner comes around he will fly straight to him, he would never do that for me! does this mean he has bonded with him and not me?

[magni1]

Congratz

[greycloud]

If he is flying to him as soon as he sees him he may feel more bonded to him over you. I would continue to work with him and treat and praise while your husband is absent. Otherwise his attention may not be fully directed on him. Unfortunately we cannot control who our birds pick as a favorite. It hurts our feelings sometimes, especially if we are the main caregiver. You have only had him a short time and he is very young. Favorites sometimes change several times in a lifetime. Don't be discouraged and keep up the good work!