How to Handle an African Grey Parrot

How you handle your African Gray determines how he relates to you. It̵7;s best to begin developing a positive relationship with your parrot as soon as possible. African Grays are some of the most intelligent parrots around and they can learn to perform many tricks. How well you can handle your parrot depends mainly on you.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your African Gray a few days to adjust to his new surroundings before you begin handling him. Talk to him while he gets accustomed to you.

    • 2

      Start acquainting your parrot with your hand by offering him a treat through the cage. When he is comfortable taking food from your hand, offer it to him with your hand in the cage. He will soon come to your hand on his own.

    • 3

      Teach your parrot to run up your arm to your shoulder by slowly lowering your hand while he is on your finger.

    • 4

      Teach your bird to step on your finger. With your finger above his feet, gently press on his chest with your finger and say ̶0;up̶1; or ̶0;step up.̶1; Continue doing this until he learns the command. When he is comfortable on your finger, slowly move him out of the cage. Continue working with your parrot until he gets on your finger and lets you take him out of the cage.

    • 5

      Play with his feet and toes so when the time comes for you to file his nails, he̵7;s used to you touching his feet.

    • 6

      Run your fingertips along the edges of his wings and lift them up so when it̵7;s time to clip his wings, he doesn̵7;t want to bite.

    • 7

      Allow him to explore objects by holding them in your hand and encouraging him to pick them up. Engage him with tossing, talking, singing and flapping his wings.

    • 8

      Spend as much time as possible with your parrot. African Grays are social by nature. These birds like company and will enjoy any time you spend with them. Allow them to perch on your shoulder while you watch television or surf the web.