Tips to Avoid & Reduce Biting

[@AntsCanada]

Hi, man! After watching your channel for months, I've finally decided to get my first African Grey. I've raised birds from hatchling in the past, but I took all the time in the world to figure out if I was ready for/compatible with an African Grey. Thanks for all the incredible info. You've been an inspiration!

[@gwk2456]

AC FAMILY!

[@ryanrrree1744]

Wow ive subbed to your channel a long time ago although i did stop watching fir a bit sorry but i love your channel

[@devinnice2409]

damn he got attention from antscanada

[@samautobargains]

Hope your Red ants won't kill it.

[@-TOH-]

AntsCanada both channels I watch in one place for a moment!

[@DAllenMartinphotos]

lol, every time your hand moves towards her while talking her head drops for a head rub! She's adorable.

[@hellalhaddad9986]

i have a african grey he pus his head down every time we come close a rub lmao

[@Cheeseooo]

@@hellalhaddad9986 adorable 🥰

[@ParrotTown]

I always LOVE your approach to interacting with parrots. It's ALL about Respect for the bird as an individual-Learning and Understanding your birds body language is of the utmost importance. No forcing. I personally follow a Taoist philosophy to ALL aspects of my life, to include my interaction with my parrots. They are highly intelligent and sensitive and respond positively with me because of this approach. Parrots are True Taoist Masters.

[@Jords329]

Thank you so much, I just inherited my family parrots and I’m lucky that they’re bonded to me, but I don’t know really anything about training or working with them. I just grew up with them. You’re videos are amazing and I really appreciate all the content

[@RecklissAirsoft]

First comment. BTW THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHANNELS!!

[@Emlane09]

I was going through a lot a few months ago and pretty much ignored my parrot, so she bit me the next time I pet her because she was lashing out! I was initially shocked but chose to pretend it didn't happened. She saw me act kinder and make more effort from then on and TBH, she has gotten warmer and sweeter. I swear, they're just like humans!

[@maryhartsock7792]

This was a great video. I have worked with parrots for forty years and training and parrot psychology have come a long way. So glad to have found your channel.

[@OlWolf1011]

I've done this step-up with my Araucana chickens. Now when I go in the henhouse, I often come out looking like the Central Park Pigeon Lady, cause several want to be on me at once, and they fly to shoulders, head, and arms as well as my hand... without my asking them. 😂

[@yeroc.thomas]

Omg fun

[@peekachw1133]

This is absolutely my favorite channel to know about africans grey more bcz i am planning to have one , i like his accent and his way of explaining things , thank you so much

[@bokkiesmith6500]

Love how informative your videos are :D thank you! I've got a congo grey too and I'm trying to bond with him and this is really helpful

[@shayrose7705]

Great video. Taught me a lot. I’m not familiar with parrots. I work in a small pet shop and the owners have two rescue parrots. The grey is so aggressive. I’ve been gaining her trust but she still won’t step up. She will only step up for one person but he makes her by pushing on her chest. Then he walks around with her. So of course this has probably pushed her ten steps back after watching this video. It sucks because they are one person birds and being in the environment she is, she loves it but at the same time there is never just one employee letting her out of her cage. They also have them on a seed diet so she doesn’t always want her sunflower seeds as rewards since they’re always available :(.

[@julie-mf7dd]

Very, very, very GREAT advice. I so thankful for you and your explanations in making me a better parrots friend

[@ileanaavelar5187]

This really helped I was able to have him step up and step down and rub his head without a bite and I fed him sunflower 🌻 seeds his fave MashaAllah thanks for your video keep up your training against biting taming videos please thanks again & Salam

[@anbelca]

Sorry about my bad english, im from spain. I recently adopt an african you you, it is 5 months old. Your videos are teaching me a lot of the his behaivour. He is really intelligent, i trained he to soy hello with the paw with “hello” order, he loves to be with me, but when he is playing with me, sometimes catch my fingers and bites really hard, sometimes with blood in my fingers. I supposse he is so young and still need to know when he hurts. When it happens, i put away in his perch and i go to do other things for a few time, is it correct? If you come in the future to Madrid-Spain let me know if its possible to know you hehe. Have a nice day!!

[@lisaandreatta9111]

I did it as well. Also, I always said 'don't bite' when he did it. I just put him in the cage for a while, then opened again and repeated 'don't bite'. Now he understood how much he can squeeze my fingers without hurting, but it took a while. So yes, it's because he is young.

[@sillyshrimp]

i love how she just lets you pick her up like that!

[@MrJdubz100]

My African Gray is not aggressive but she would hate to be picked up like that haha. My Senegal will let me carry her around like that though.

[@thirstonhowellthebird]

Gosh, I can’t even imagine that Smokey got away and hasn’t been found. I was thinking about her yesterday while was setting up a little playground for my precious boy. I don’t know how I would survive if my buddy got out. We take so much for granted that they love us and would never leave us or fly away but the fact is they are wild birds at heart. I just pray Smokey is safe and OK and maybe will return one day. What a beautiful bird.

[@swilli5869]

My grandparents passed away four months apart leaving me with their two African grey parrots who are older than me. This channel is very informative as I am still afraid of them but want to build a bond and get them to trust me. Thanks for the information and insight ❤

[@PiggyAzaleea]

Every time I try to give a scratch he bites me lol. He's a baby 4 months but it's really difficult. Hopefully with time things will get better.

[@chelseasmith2603]

My Alexandrian is a female and is around 23 weeks old, I have had her for around a month, she was biting really bad when I first got her and she was then really good for 2 weeks. She is now biting really really bad, making me bleed, not just my fingers either, I put her on my shoulder and she bites my neck and my shoulders really hard. She has never done this before, I don't know what to do.

[@EvolvedParasite]

I recommend not ever having her on your shoulder. I also recommend to start positive reinforcement training. First get a dog clicker and teach her that when you click it she gets a treat, this will take a few weeks before and proper training. The trick is the diet, no seed or treats at all, just veggies and parrot pellets, also restrict the pellets a little less than what she would eat normally, this will ensure that later in the day she is hungry and motivated for positive reinforcement training. Get a t-perch stand and find a small secure room to train her in (away from her cage).Also as soon as she bites, time her out and leave her to chill in her cage. I suggest 1st training her to step up, if she bites when stepping up use a short wooden perch to protect your hand (works as an extension to your hand). I hope it helps and good luck, be consistent and train everyday.

[@LIFEOFMARIAHEVERYTHINGNURSING]

Smokey wanted her head scratched at 04:44

[@rose99336]

My daughter has a female budgie.. she bites really hard now after 3 years having her.. I wanted to learn how to make her stop biting.. I'm learning alot from your videos.. thank you

[@jlhenry3905]

Just took in an African Grey. Have been watching "wingsandpaws" for quite awhile and like it. Hope you keep on and I will continue to watch and re-watch your video's. jh

[@katiek5856]

I've just tried some of these techniques with my galah that we rescued just over a week ago. He hasn't let me put my hand any where near him without savagely attacking me and today he stepped up calmly with the incentive of a sunflower seed and hopped on and gaveme a beautiful cuddle multiple times in the one session before I put him back in his cage and gave him one last treat. This is the most progress I have been able to make and I'm amazed how easy it was with rewards. I'm so excited now, I was beginning to worry that we would never be able to bond without the safety of a cage between us ❤❤❤

[@jamieadams7550]

All my birds are fully flighted birds but they fly right on to my shoulder. I never say step up. I just hold my hand out. And let them make a choice

[@karenpeatey6226]

So well explained & the reasoning behind the training was so well articulated Thankyou

[@denisevidal7597]

I’m so happy that i found your channel! My grandad recently passed and left his african grey, she’s aggressive towards us bc she only bonded with him. I wanna try and take care of her but it’s kinda difficult. She’s 20 years old, is it possible to teach her these things?

[@KAMIBALLER]

Definitely but It will be short tempered

[@YushaEvans]

Hi I know this is an old video but if you can answer where do you get the stand you always use in these videos

[@user-np5ov8rd4u]

Thanks for this video, your channel is amazing and helped us decide to buy a CAG in January!

[@yoelleoy]

My bird's situation is kinda the opposite. He is very very sweet since day one, even not being hand raised, and has never bitten me hard (normal nips and accidental sharp beak is the worst). But he is very very veeery shy. It took 1 year for him to be comfortable with me and my hands, he will step up sometimes for millet but never without millet. Now after 1.5 years of owning him, he started 3 days ago to finally be able to be let out into the living room and hangout with us and then return to his cage without problem. The problem with him as I said is that he is very shy, he seems more afraid than curious of the unknown. After it gets introduced to him for a looong time he finally is ok with it, but that usually takes a little push from me. If I didn't give him any push he would be inside his cage all day long even with the door open. Also another problem I have run into with him is that he wont let me scratch him anywhere else except for when he is on one specific perch. I managed to get him to really like scratches, but as i said only on a specific perch, anywhere else and either he wont let me close or doesnt let me.

[@takithetiel6854]

We have a 30+ year old goffin's we just rescued about 6 months ago and he was very much the same way. Very phobic and scared of everything. We've found he prefers cockatiel sized perches and toys, and the only "goffin's" sized toys he'll touch are polycarbonate (clear) foraging toys (because he sees the food inside easily). The polycarbonate toys have taught him to be more curious of his surroundings and less fearful because he knows new objects may contain food. He's more likely to investigate. Try introducing some polycarbonate foraging toys. A great and simple one is a foraging tumbler (all your bird has to do is spin the toy and the food pours out). Also try sprinkling treats on surfaces or objects he's unsure about. If the surface can't balance a treat on it, use almond butter to "stick" the treat on (unsweetened, no preservatives, no additives, and no salt). Don't force him to investigate or interact with the object/surface, just let him do his own thing. Eventually he'll work up the courage to get the treat on his own, at which point you put another one there. Repeat until he plays on/with/around the surface/object freely and with confidence. What also helps Spooky (our aptly named goffin's) to be less fearful is training the command "touch" using the "model/rival" technique. I present my husband with the object I want Spooky to become comfortable with and I tell my husband in a calm, gentle voice "touch". My husband "boops" the object with his nose or even occasionally puts his teeth around it (similar to how a bird might "beak" an object to investigate it) and then I give my husband a bridge (the word "good" or the click of a clicker) and a treat that I know Spooky wants for himself. We do this for ten minutes per session and repeat daily. I don't start to present the object to Spooky until he's already approaching the object on his own with curiosity. My husband at that point has demonstrated that the object is safe and that interacting with it is rewarding, so Spooky is more likely to "copy" him. Any progress Spooky makes toward touching the object is rewarded (staring at it for a few seconds, taking a step toward it, looking at it closely, etc.). Since he's gotten so familiar with the cue "touch" he's learned that if I ask him to "touch" something new that it isn't a scary bird eating monster. This helps to calm him in the presence of new things and he now adjusts to new toys and furniture within an hour or two of passive desensitization (putting the object in a place where he can see it and interact if he wants, but he isn't alarmed by the proximity) instead of taking three weeks of super hands on desensitization training. As for not stepping up without millet, the millet may be what he relies on as his "cue" to step up. He may be tuning your voice out because he deems it unrelated to the behavior you're asking him to do. This is similar to how a bird may rely more on a visual cue than a verbal one to perform a behavior (like recall). It's not done out of defiance or anything like that, he's just learned that seeing millet means it's time to step up. Not stepping up without seeing millet doesn't necessarily mean he's unwilling to step up without it- he may just not understand what your verbal cue means! To help with that, say the verbal cue, wait 1 second, then present the millet. This is how puppies are trained to sit on cue without showing them a treat first. Eventually you'll notice your bird anticipating the millet and starting to step up when you say the cue instead of waiting for the millet to appear (because he knows when he hears "Step up" millet will appear shortly and he will be fed the millet after he steps up). Once that connection is made and you notice your bird anticipating the millet when he hears "step up", when you show the millet show it further away than normal by an inch or two. Slowly increase how far away you hold the millet, then eventually your goal is to hold it in a neutral position at your side. At that point you can stop showing the millet altogether and only bring it out after the bridge when it's time to actually reward him. For nervous birds, I think it's best to ALWAYS reward step ups and other "contact" behaviors (like head scratches or medical behaviors such as wing exams)- but you don't always have to use a food reward :)! Eventually you can move on to using a secondary reinforcer like a favorite toy or a head scratch and save the treats for new behaviors. Your bird may also have learned that "being on the perch" is his "cue" for head scratches. Always give a verbal and visual cue before head scratches so he has something to anticipate them with. I use the word "cuddle" and make a scratching motion with my hand before I pet either of our cockatiels (Spooky is juuuuust starting to accept a quick beak rub so I haven't done this with him yet). This helps them to determine my intentions when they see my hand coming at them and I find it reduces lunging and refusal to accept petting in situations they normally freak out in (for instance, if we're in low lighting and I come at them with my hand they're very likely to bite- and understandably because they can't quickly see what's happening. If I say "cuddle" first they know a head scratch is coming and they remain calm instead of lunging or biting.) Once he associates your cue word and hand signal with head scratches (do that part with him on his "head scratch perch"), try to retrain him to accept head scratches maybe standing an inch or two away from his "head scratch perch" and then in various locations around the room. Eventually do the same process around the house until he's comfortable accepting scratches anywhere. Do this retraining using WingsNPaws' recent video "How to pet a bird that fears the hand" (that's what we're using to rub Spooky's beak and it's working!) Eventually he'll learn that head scratches can happen anywhere and that being on the perch isn't the only place that a hand approaching him is not dangerous.

[@jessicamckee4656]

Where did you get the stand? It’s really cool!

[@aymansyed1351]

It's made. Local forest

[@pengugelida]

please do one on plucking feathers

[@leavemaealone5694]

ZainZaBeast he already has a video on that. :)

[@xequinox7354]

dude he already has one browse his videos

[@diamondwolf4016]

That is stress and is dangerous for your birds health or he or she can be molting

[@faheemzx6889]

If my parrot is on ground or a table he steps up but he dont step up if he loves a place or a perch. I think Grey feel more comfortable on still perches than on moving hand.

[@fahadara]

Where to get similar parrot stand bro? Looks amazing!

[@valerune192]

Birbs are just naturally loving, they just need to be understood

[@petrieme283]

Hello, new to your channel! I was wondering if you could do a video on bringing your new bird home. I am getting a White Bellied Caique in a couple of weeks. Just curious what the best approach would be as soon as you get them home and through the rest of the first week. Thanks so much!

[@mattexe6162]

I was never on a video the same day it was made. but thanks for this video. i have a parrot that's like smokey, a lovebird and a ringneck parrot. Also my love bird and African grey are flighted. I love your videos . Thanks

[@ParentingParrots]

Matthew Corbin wow I have almost the same birds as you except I rehomed my lovebird to a breeding program and I have more birds lol

[@wwagner10]

THANK YOU every video you publish is very helpful. I have a quaker parrot. feisty little rebellious, naughty, complicated, unbelieveably sweet creature.

[@andrewd4249]

I love these videos because I’m planning on getting an African grey Timneh and want to learn a lot before I get it. So I will have an amazing bird that is always happy

[@spicybirdmom]

This is a great video with amazing tips! Birds are conscious beings, not objects to play with. A lot of people don't process that when they get a bird. It's communication and respect, not force. How would you feel if I came up to you and just pushed into you commanding you to step up? I'd get pretty mad and probably bite too! I learned this very quickly having my first bird. And they have grumpy days just like us. Always acknowledge that.

[@Dontstopbelievingman]

I love seeing bird owners doing permission-based training with birds. This idea that you have to dominate an animal in order to work with it is pervasive in the dog world, and seems to spill over into any time people interact with animals. Glad to see things are changing.

[@lenasniezko1341]

Thank you so much. I will adopt a parrot soon, and these videos really help me 🙂❤🦜

[@stormreach1234]

"I don't like to call it a command because I'm not forcing Smokey to step up." Subbed. This guy gets animals, unlike so many others. Dogs take commands because they are pack animals, cats and birds don't have packs they have family members who are their equals. Thus, cats and birds require different interaction than dogs because their social hierarchies are simply different.

[@maxim59283]

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. I have 3 cockatous i am working with,and your utube videos are priceless....thank you.

[@Tabatha437]

Loved this video!! Your channel has change my bird relationship & My and intern her life. So after using all your training to teach my bird to step up and fly to me, she is doing excellent. Since I have her fully flight and she is a great flyer the problem I have now is that I would like to leave her to play like a perch without enclosing her in her cage, but she will fly to me whenever I set her down. Maybe you can help, thank you as always.

[@Fluffadoodle]

Tip! I found the my lovebirds use the overbite/ hook of their beak to latch onto things. If they open their beak, they are trying to bite you I've found. My female is a very curious little girl and she always want to explore my hands when I'm putting fruit, veggies or newspaper in their cage for them. It's nothing bad, I just wiggle my fingers a little so she can back off.

[@HeyterBrandt-u8f]

How do we get the parrot back into its cage

[@HeyterBrandt-u8f]

It's an old parrot Can someone please help me with this

[@cocomber]

Put the feed in the cage

[@relaxforest-realmiraclesan8644]

Thank you for your video! Could you tell me what is the seed that you gave Smokey? What sort of treats are best for African Greys? Many thanks!

[@MrJdubz100]

The treats were sunflower seeds. Pieces of almond, walnuts, brazil nuts, or nutriberries or avicakes also work.

[@ryanrrree1744]

Any tips for galahs? Im about to get one in 3 weeks

[@Ghostface756]

FBI spy van 1 galahs are such beautiful birds and how is it doing now

[@marolenehavenga7152]

Hi,my african grey is 1 and a half years old and very bity, can i change that or is it to late

[@theresawhite6834]

Thank You. !!! Your methodology/ approach is a relief to find a match of philosophy based on love the best of humanity. You also have given me validation on the way I live with Cosmo Ringneck. Thank you in sharing Smoky. Please give him an almond for me, he has been a world of help showing me were my behaviors Need to be modified. You both have given me hope that I can’t become a better mom : ) Peace T

[@breannabrace8399]

Hi there! I have 5 birds; 3 Budgerigars, 1 Sunday Conure, and an African Grey named José. José is about 6 years old and was re-homed to me by a family member about a year ago. He is very healthy and very energetic, but I am in search of a bigger cage for him as his current one is only 3' by 4' and about 5-6' tall, and he LOVES to climb. With that being said I would like to suggest another "Recommended Products" video. The last one was helpful, I would just like to know recommended perches, cages, and things to climb on. Most things I can find are no where near strong enough for José (he's a big time chewer too!). My biggest concern with José, however, is that he has HORRIBLE balance, especially when he is perched on my hand or arm. My other birds have fine balance so could it just be his size difference? He also will randomly fall from his perch at any random time of the day (not everyday but once in a blue moon), and this always worries me.. Any advice one that? Please and thank you!! P.S.: José absolutely LOVES watching Smokey on the big screen! He's even starting to say "José, wanna see Smokey?". We've been watching since I re-homed him!

[@Miidha]

My bird steps up but flies away immediately. I don't have the time to give the treat. What can I do. It is a shy, scared, adopted, older, biting cockatiel. Can you help?

[@alterface7362]

Can you help me please? My aunt got African Grey which is 6 years old. And no one trained her before but I try to. I do it nicely and slowly. Now bird accepts me and asks me to rub her. She raises her head for rubs and when she gets it she tries to bite me. Every time. She would ask for scratches and bite me. Why would she do that? 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 help please. She bites my parents very hard, she doesn’t like when they reach hands to her, but she is mostly loyal to me and after rubbing her head she tries to bite me gently.

[@munabaqer3346]

I have a new African grey, he tamed and so kind but still not used to me.. He doesn't trust me yet and every time I try get him on my hand he tries to bite me. Pls tell me what to do?

[@amilasilajdzic1428]

I have a COCKATOO GALLERITA 9 months old so the problem is when we play and he is out the cage he bites me... what do i have to do to stop him?!! 😖 please help me🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@GamersGuard]

Please make a video about Alexandrine Trainings tips and anti bite tips :)

[@tigerdeer]

Hi. Do you have a video to teach how to get a parrot to allow to touch and eventually pet them? We have some lovely lorikeets in Australia visiting us daily. They are happy to step up and sit on our hands while feeding however they get very defensive if we try to touch them otherwise. Is there a way to build up to that? Thank you in advance for any tips.

[@official_slp_]

Hi. My stepdad has an African Grey that’s somewhere in her 30s already. She has accepted my mother and she may touch her and give scratched without getting bitten but when i was younger i got bitten and never tried again. Now that im older i want to build a bond with her aswell but she always acts aggressive towards me and always goes for the bite unless i give her seeds or fruit. When my parents leave for holidays i take care of her so when i need to clean her bowls i have to guide her to the back of her cage then quickly remove the bowls and same process when returning them. She immediately goes towards my hands. She’ll still be around when my parents aren’t there anymore and ill have to take care of her so i want to have a good relationship with her before that happens. With grace ill have many years before that happens so i have time to practice. What can i do?

[@monikastankova5280]

Omg I would bite too with the ladder game, but I love Smokey so much, thank you for the advice 😊 🙏

[@alirezaahmadi1904]

Where can I buy African Gray ?

[@stylesparrowshop]

could you please a complete video how to train my 7 months old CAG for harnees

[@chriscorbin2059]

I adopted a Timney gray and taught him to step up without biting by offering him a grape, his favorite. He had the choice of the grape or my finger. Took two times before he would step up on his own but I continued to reward him until the "bribe" wasn't required

[@lisaandreatta9111]

I have a question. The parrot is at my parents house and my father has this idea, as you mentioned, that bossy and violent is the way with animals. So it happens that when I open the cage of my parrot and if I put my hand like that in front of him he is going to bite immediately. Just like in a 'get out of my way I wanna get out and go to the roof' way. Should I insist (obviously, non violently) and keep doing it until he accepts my hand, and maybe put him on the cage's roof afterwards, since it's where he wants to go?

[@fortunateadventures3664]

Thank you so much👍🏼,your videos are Always so Helpful💕

[@jaimenasser6239]

is there any way i can ask your help. I have two birds and would like to ask if you can help.

[@ShahidAhmed-dm7ue]

Hi, thanks for sharing all these amazing videos and tips for taking care of parrots. I have got an African grey, her age is 7 months now. When I got her home her wings were taped in one side and then I removed it but she cannot fly even though her wings are full. My main request from you is that when she was with the breeder the breeder was only feeding her sunflower seeds, but after looking at your channel I got her roudybush daily Maintanence pallets and at the first she had, and she also had different kind of fruits and veggies. But from the past 4 days she is not eating anything and only screams for sunflower seeds. So I have given her fruits, veggies, and the pallets but she doesn’t it at all. And of course then feel sorry for her and give her the sunflower seeds. Please advice what should I do ?

[@MrJdubz100]

I really hope that you got your african gray on a better diet. An easy pellet to switch them to is Zupreem fruit blend. Then you can slowly switch her to healthier pellets.

[@roserxn2737]

I really enjoy watching your videos, you are a good teacher😊. And Smokey its a beautiful and amazing bird 👉❤👈. You are doing a wonderful job ❤❤❤

[@joycephang9180]

Hi i would like to ask how would u bond w an adult amazon? My uncle want me to adopt his bird, it is currently cage bound. She really scared when I approached the cage, she would just climb all ard her cage n look at me hanging upside down. So far I have not bring her back yet. Any ideas to help me on it?

[@binkie433]

How do u read there eyes ? Mine wants to bite me and she screams and gets down off the cage to find me. I ha e 4 dogs it’s hard to deal with but I’m going to make this work. I got him when he was 3 months old. His name is Bongo and he is 5 years old. Help

[@kleislikes1589]

Hey I have a baby lovebird who is now 1 month old. He bites only the spots on our bodies like he thinks they are treats and I don't really know how to change that behavior (he is starting to bite hard). I did teach him to step up with the chest pressing but it doesn't seem he bites for that reason. Can someone give me an advice? Ps: I'm italian, here is 22:30 and I don't remember the english word for those brown/black spots on the human body but I hope you understand xD

[@takithetiel6854]

Cactushina He is preening your moles and freckles. He thinks they are a foreign thing on your body that needs to be removed (just like he would remove a seed husk off of his own feathers). Our cockatiel was starting to do that, too. I started carrying around a small toy pinned to my shirt and one in my hand that was different. The toy on my shirt kept him from looking for moles to preen and then when he got bored and started searching for them, I would offer him the other toy to distract him from the behavior. I would also say "ouch" when he touched my moles and freckles (even if it didn't hurt yet) AND I would say "ouch" any time he screamed while preening his own feathers. Since I say "ouch" when he feels pain, he knows that when I say "ouch" he is hurting me. With all those methods combined, he doesn't try to preen my moles anymore. He also likes to preen my lips, which I enjoy (I don't let him come in contact with any saliva) so I didn't want to teach him to stop completely. What I did when he preened my lip too hard was say "ouch" and then he would be more gentle. I would give him millet for preening gently for a few seconds and say "ouch" then hide the millet when he preened too hard. He learned in a day or two how much pressure to use when preening my lips. Same thing for my hair- he was plucking strands out and I got him to be gentler using the same process as my lips.

[@kleislikes1589]

Taki The Tiel Thank you so much! I'll try :)

[@MuslimahX79]

Have you had any experience with African greys other than smokey? or was smokey your first bird?

[@kendranethery8214]

I just got a grey like 4 days ago and hes 15 and wasnt abused or anything but hes really nervous around us the first/second day he would step up but now he only does if he gets spooked and flys and if we go near him with our hands he tries to bite, hell take treats but I dont know where to start building trust with him any tips for a grey that doesnt trust us?

[@krystaljames9447]

Just got a 10 yr old grey she was giving away because she started to just bite her owner who had her from since she was born. She wants me to pet her head but bites me hard when I try or when I am doing it also does not step up

[@sagarjeram596]

Hey man! I have an African grey and a red lored Amazon. The grey doesn’t bite at all but the amazon bites all the time. We have had them both for 10 year and the amazon still bites. He even lunges when I go near the cage sometimes. Any ideas?

[@billarmstrong6121]

Great Video, great name, I'm actually considering calling my baby grey Smokey when he arrives

[@leonwatkins5072]

Hey can I ask for some advice every time I go near him he humps his perch and tries to feed me but I’m very scared of birds I can stroke him but when he puts his beak near my hand I’m scared he bit he pretty friendly but has his moments but he always is happy when I come near him and he also fluffs up also dunno what this all means so be nice to get some advice 😊

[@scottporter4524]

I rescued/adopted a gorgeous & very talkative Congo Grey 3 weeks ago, 'he' is very territorial (or just scared, maybe was abused in past by a male), prefers women, kisses my girlfriend on the lips & lets her scratch him but won't let me or any other guy close to him without getting bit (not tooo hard). I spend hours with this bird talking, whistling, giving him treats but it's impossible to get him to step up on me or anyone else while in his cage. We just give him his space & respect his body language when he indicates he's about to bite you and doesn't want to do what you want him to. I look at it like he's still adjusting to his new home/flock after only 3 weeks... I can't wait to gain his trust & get him to step up or let me handle him without getting bit. When he flies out of his cage, he stepped up on my hand only to bite me 4 times on the way to his cage. I assume he stepped up out of fear of not being in his home and was reaching out for help to get home... Am I doing what I should be doing and does anyone have any recommendations or anything to help?

[@cockatielnation5425]

Scott Porter it took my grey a year to really settle in. He was a young bird grieving the loss of his former owner and we were really ignorant. I see now that I tried to force him to do things far too aggressively. In 10 years we have developed a relationship of mutual trust and respect although he is still very much his own bird! He now adores my husband whereas he used to hate him. Gary worked hard to be patient and kind with him and it has really paid off. We look at this as a long-term relationship and take it a day at a time. We can't imagine life without him now!

[@scottporter4524]

That made my day reading your reply, thank you for a wonderful heart-warming story! We have all the time and patience in the world for him to gain our trust and love, so if it takes a year I'm fully ready for that. Did yours bite Gary the 1st year? Did he not bite/hate you? The 1st 4 days we got ours, I fear that I forced him to adapt to new toys and better (bigger) perches that have scared him even more, but I learned my lesson. From '76-'99 we had a Grey my dad brought from Nigeria that lived w/ us for 23 years until a cat bit his head off sadly.. Anyways, I was very uneducated about them and appears my dad doesn't know as much as I thought either. I'll just be sure to keep cool n calm and take it 1 day at a time without shocking him w/ huge new foraging toys 3x his size..

[@KaylahDemi]

Scott Porter I found that with one toy, it helped to set it where my birdy could see it from his cage and leave it there for a day before I put it in the cage. I think possibly seeing at and getting used to it before it's on his 'turf' helped.

[@scottporter4524]

Thanks Kaylah, yeah I totally agree and do the same thing. Gotta make nice n slow moves with these bird brains. They are masters of disaster at destroying any and everything lol

[@KaylahDemi]

Scott Porter But they play with only the things you don't want them too and the most expensive toys haha. The cheap toys never seem to need replacing.

[@inspiredfireworks6503]

We have just taken on a pair of grays from rescue... Your vids are very useful thank you and keep up the good work regards 😁

[@brookealexis77]

My Senegal doesn’t bite when I get him out of the cage. He bites when he’s on top of the cage and I go to get him. I usually pet him first and I don’t do any sudden movements but when I put my hand in front of him he’ll reach out and bite. I know it’s not good to pull back or show a reaction but it hurts really bad because he doesn’t let go. I’m not sure what to do about that situation

[@identification133]

When we come across a pet bird owner, is it okay to reach out and pet? Love watching Smokey - she is very well trained.

[@monikastankova5280]

Naseem Khan make sure to always ask first, if they say no always respect that but otherwise if the owner agrees it should be all good

[@sandrajacobs998]

Did you find Smokey after she went missing?

[@helenpeterson2696]

I have a hand fed but not hand tamed young IRN and was wondering how you would go about taming her? I have been talking to her and she will answer me. Just noises though. I would like to become her friend

[@wizowizo9071]

My parrots are already old so how do I stop them from biting at there age

[@africanbeyond]

My grey is friendly but does not want to step up. A few vicious bites have taught me to move carefully. Now, my grey sits with me easily, enjoys scratches and treats but will not step up without biting. I can move her around with a perch and while moving her, she chews the perch to splinters 😂. I don’t know if you have suggestions for this case. Your videos are awesome.

[@elvenbeauty514]

I have a question about my Grey chewing. Since I lost my job last month and ive been home all the time, my Grey started chewing on the bars of her cage. She has broken of several of the bars and is chewing the plastic tray in the bottom. How do i get her to stop this behavior? I tried adding toys but its not working. Do you have some advice for this?

[@megsutube1815]

Will your techniques work with parakeets too.

[@christinadavison4046]

I have tried asking my African Grey to step up using treat but as soon as she sees my hand approaching she goes into defense mode ready to bite. Even the treat does not encourage her to step up.

[@jackieann7331]

I just got two linies from someone. They're not really tame. Now after more than a week I can get one of them to put one foot on me. My biggest problem is that this guy needs a nail clipping but I think grabbing him will undo all the bonding Ive done so far. And I quess it will takes months if not years to get him to be comfortable enough it not being a problem. Other option Im considering is using an electrical machine that can shave its nails when they're protruding through the bars. However Im scared of injuring the bird when it might suddenly move :(

[@nohandle-n8w]

Hello, I've started watching lots of videos as we are in the process of adopting an african grey. In one of your videos you said save your sanity and don't get a grey. I just wanted to know what you meant by that. My family is all on board to getting a grey but part of me is a little scared as to we wont be able to keep up or be good at it. My husband works from home and I am a SAHM mom. We would definitely have the time to spend with the bird where we lack in knowledge and being newer to bird ownership. Also, I would like a video on what your daily life with smokey is. Like you mentioned you are a teacher so you are gone in the daytime. Does Smokey come out as soon as you get home? With so much emphasis on how much time these birds need, what is the quality of your social life outside of home? Meaning, can you go out after work meaning Smokey will be left at home all this time? I guess I'm trying to get a gauge for daily life because you really cant tell that from the videos. I really enjoy your videos and you are my favorite to watch out of all the grey video people. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I will be so thankful if you can respond to my questions. Good night to you and Smokey. Rosanna

[@drip461]

Me and my brother just got 2 african grey my brothers own is a girl and its calm but will still bite idk if his own can fly but mune is hostile and can fly idk what to do cause i cant just remove it from its cage or ad i am carrying it it will bite my finger and i will bleed

[@wildog47]

My green cheek conure will bite while on my hand. he reaches down and starts lightly but then digs in. Please help.

[@TheresaLongo]

you are the best bird owner

[@kontbal]

I got a gray from my grandpa and hes been biting or snapping as long as hes been in the family he doesnt liked to be touched or the hand in general now im trying to train him to stop biting and he does it "softer" then before hé will walk up to me when im around and since a week he eats from my hand i was Just wondering if there are more focused methods/tools/tips/advice i can use in this situation or what not to do at the moment i Just use the moment when hé eats from my hand to softly touch him and he Lets me sometimes he wont bite till his done chewing

[@hugogonzalez8186]

hey mr love you're channel my African was 6 months old when I got her and can not make her eat her pallets its there a way I can teach to beat them please and thanks

[@apfgamer9303]

Hey does anyone here know what the difference is between a Sun and Jenday Conure? :)

[@michelled107]

aPfgamer the sun conure is more yellow ( like what i have in picture ) and with a jenday its no where near as bright and yellow as the Sun conure.

[@HyphenzaOfficial]

any tips to avoid african greys from flyying away?

[@masterroee38]

i just made my bird a stand and she is really afraid to go on it, i gave her treats and she still doesnt want to get on, do you have any tips?

[@rogermccants6804]

I have very old like your and the info I seen was great things you !!!

[@eliranlahijani4895]

I made a huge mistake I forced my grey into the shower And he hates me He is so scared of me I don’t know what to do Any suggestions?

[@fangrui8708]

thumbed up before watching