African Grey Behavior

[greenpeeps5]

I have a two-year-old African Grey, Timneh named Kirby.

He has a pretty good life. I work at home and he has a cage and a large tree and lots of toys. The cage is open all the time except when I go to sleep or when I leave. If I am working in the kitchen, I have a perch in there, so he's with me all the time. I hold him and he gets lots of attention.

He had his yearly check up in December and everything was fine.

But lately, he's started flying off his tree constantly over to where I am. I usually pick him up and take him back to his perch without a word, and if he does it too much, like five times, I put him in his cage for a while. Nothing stops him. He's not falling, but purposely flying. I've checked his cage for anything scary, but it's the same one he's always had.

Any suggestions? When I'm working here at home, I can't stop and put him back on his perch 20 times, and I hate putting him in his cage when he doesn't have to be.

[Dragonlady2]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Birds are flock animals which means they want to spend their time with the flock/ family which in this case is you.

He will likely be confused as to why he can’t spend time with you. Are you able to set up a couple of “stations” around where you work with some foraging materials/food to keep him busy? I have hung floor length sheer curtains from the ceiling for separation when necessary.

You could put him in his cage for short periods of time with a special toy or snack so he doesn’t feel like it’s a punishment?

I have a couple of birds that like to ride the shoulder as well. It’s the joy as well as the problem when you have parrots. Hope you are able to find a solution that works for both of you.

[nolanolson]

One option for you is to create a designated "play area" for Kirby near where you work, where he can be out of his cage and have access to toys and perches. This will give him a designated space where he can interact with you while also providing him with opportunities for independent play and exploration. You could also consider adding more perches or play areas in the room where you work so that Kirby has more options for movement and activity. This can help to reduce his desire to constantly fly over to where you are.

[TobyAdam]

It's wonderful to hear about the great life you provide for Kirby, your two-year-old Timneh African Grey. It's clear you care deeply for him and have created a stimulating and loving environment.

Given Kirby's recent behavior of flying off his tree and constantly trying to be near you, it seems like he might be seeking more attention or perhaps experiencing some separation anxiety. African Greys are highly intelligent and social birds, so changes in behavior can often be a way for them to communicate their needs or discomfort.

Here are a few suggestions to consider:

1. Increase Interactive Time: Try to allocate specific times during your workday for dedicated interaction. This could include training sessions, playtime, or simply having him on a perch close to your workspace.

2. Enrichment Activities: Introduce new toys or foraging activities to keep him engaged. Puzzle toys or toys that require some problem-solving can be particularly effective for intelligent birds like African Greys.

3. Routine Adjustment: Sometimes, a slight change in routine can help. Ensure he has a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and rest. Birds often find comfort in predictable routines.

4. Positive Reinforcement: When he stays on his perch, reward him with treats or praise. Positive reinforcement can help encourage desired behaviors.

5. Environmental Check: While you've mentioned checking his cage, ensure that there are no new external stressors in his environment. Sometimes, changes outside the cage or new sounds can be unsettling.

6. Consult a Specialist: If the behavior persists, consider consulting an avian behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice and help identify any underlying issues.

Balancing work and caring for a bird can be challenging, but with some adjustments, you can find a solution that works for both you and Kirby. Best of luck, and I hope these suggestions help!