New Congo

[ryalst]

I got a Congo a week ago this past Saturday. He is 3 years old. When I first got him I was able to rub his head and he would respond to up, up right away. On Thursday, his disposition has changed. He does not respond to up, up and does not want his head rubbed. Is this normal for his disposition to change? I talk to him and say up, up. If he does not lift his foot up, I don't bother forcing the issue. I do not want to get bit. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Tobysmom]

i got potter at 4 years old a year ago and when i first brought him home he would take treats from me and then he wouldnt,,,,it took me awhile but i never gave hope he would do it again.... i use to and still do sit down and read to him

[FloorCandy]

I believe they say that when his behavior changes, the honeymoon is over lol. My CAG started well with me as a rehome, and at first did not like hubby but tolerated him, then he got better with both of us. Then one day he decided it was on lol. He hates hubby with a passion, he barely even accepts treats from him. If he even tries to uncover the cage he lunges at him viciously. But he is sweet as pie to me.

You can try offering a favorite treat (Henry loves popcorn and apples) and offer it, then offer your hand and tell him to step up (or whatever the command is that he knows). He may think about it for a few minutes, and he may try to reach for the treat, but do not let him have it until he gets up. Once up you can give him the treat, and hopefully he munches it on you, but if he goes to get down and climb back in his cage, don't stop him. Make him think stepping up is a wonderful thing, and he has nothing to worry about. If I say "Henry do you want an apple?" I don't even have to have an apple, or even want him to come out, he just throws himself at my arm lol.

[ryalst]

Thanks for your suggestions. It is normal for them to change their disposition? He has biten my younger son twice now. He did not do this a week ago.

Anytime we say up, up his feathers get raised and he points his head down ready to bite if we get any closer. Not sure what, if anything we have done to make him this way.

[Lisa B]

Its not uncommon. Many go through a rough patch.
He has to get used to everything all over again. his world has changed.
I suggest letting him settle in and letting him observe things for a bit before attempting to work with him.

[CatToy]

I agree with this! Yes letting them settle in; it's key. Let them find out exactly how your household works. It can be rough going at first, so don't get too discouraged and remember to not take anything personal.
Our CAGs are so sensitive! They regress, they revert. And then, as one breeder put it gently to me, some break. Like a horse who is broken.
If your CAG thinks you are afraid or timid in any way, they will show you with the same.

Mine did not pick me as her person, this is rare that they do. But after about 6mos she is a different bird, thank God. Give your baby time. Continue to work with stepping up with birds most favorite piece of food. If Cag refuses, use a perch until you can do step ups once again with your hands. Don't stick with the perch though. I use mine for emergency only, even birds have bad moods!

Remember diet is key, sleep is key and they do seem to love some structure. They bore easily. Provide new daily toys home made if possible. Those kabobs start to break the bank, lol!

Good luck, take it slow, read every book you can find on owning African Greys. Things did not go smoothly when we brought out baby home. But after 6 mos she is a different bird altogether. And I am grateful she has forgotton some of the bad habits she came to me with. No more nipping at my wrist, she is truly a great bird and it's essential they win trust. When that trust is broken they can revert for days, mos or longer. Start from the beginning if this happens. Evaluate what is going on in your household as well.

Good Luck!!
Cat

[JSanta]

I've also noticed that individual birds show simililar signs of unhappiness or aggression, but they're not all the same. Mine doesn't really show signs that she's going to bite, but she usually flattens her feathers quite a bit. If I bring my hand close and her pupils get smaller, that means that it's ok to give her scratches. Never once has she done that and bitten me. Bites generally come when she's on the top of her cage and doesn't want to go back in. In those cases I cover her with a towel and scoop her up. I don't play games. When it's time to go back in her cage or she's being naughty, out of the cage time is over. She doesn't like when I do this, but I'm the boss haha. But if we're cuddling, she loves being wrapped in a blanket or towel. It's her favorite time of the night.

It takes time for a bird to adjust. Ours was still being handfed for the first month we had her, and I did all of the feedings for the first week while I was still on leave. When I went back to work, she bit my wife several times , but after she realized I wasn't home to feed her, that ended. Good thing my wife grew up with a Macaw, otherwise I don't know if she could have handled it.