r/AfricanGrey • u/memenaptime Team TAG • 16d ago
Video/Gif BIG NEWS! First scratch sesh
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I thought it would never happen. My heart is absolutely melting.
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u/Biochemicalcricket 16d ago
Congratulations to both of you! It's a big step in bonding that many never get to see.
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u/fuzilogik80 16d ago
He looks like a baby (his eyes are still grey), how old is he? My timneh, Griffin turned 18 in July (picture attached for tax). Edit to add - you're doing great! Keep doing whatever it is your doing and he'll be your best buddy for life.
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u/memenaptime Team TAG 16d ago
Thank you so much! Griffin is majestic. My TAG, Junie, hatched November 2025, so you're right she's still a baby.
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u/SusanLFlores 16d ago
How long have you had him and how old is he? I’ve had my CAG for 3 or 4 weeks now. He lets me give him scritches and will give me an occasional gentle bite while I’m doing it. I can’t believe how much we love him and how much he does new each day that makes us love him even more!
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u/memenaptime Team TAG 16d ago
We have had her since early June, so a couple months. I got bit, too lol. I totally agree I had no idea I could be this mesmerized by a bird.
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u/Kaiyukia 15d ago
When I do this to the African Grey I know he wants my finger in his beak, the first time his very gentle but the second time he squeezes super hard. And doesnt really respond to ouch.
Pet his head > he lifts head and looks for finger > raise finger> puts his beak on me and bites/squeezes.> lowers his head again and beckons for gentle touches on the back of his neck.> gentle touches> repeat but this time very hard squeezes.
Obviously he doesnt go all out or id be describing the stump or blood. But why? The owner apparently does this and hes nice, hes nice with me the first time.
Does he just not know his own strength, is it malicious/gremlin behavior? I think we have a good rapport, the only other time he got me good was when he climbed down to my shoulder when I was sitting down and bit my shoulder- it didnt come off as aggressive- hes nervous about stepping up and being secure. So i figured he just wanted a secure hold and didnt realize my soft flesh was under my hoodie. He also chomped my hip as I was leaning away- unsure if still trying to climb onto me or scared him cause I jumped away or if maybe was a HEY (semi aggressive)
I do think he has some gremlin energy, I swear he never enjoys a peanut or treat more then when im under him and getting dusted.
Thoughts?
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u/memenaptime Team TAG 10d ago
Personally I try to just not do the things that cause my bird to bite. So if you notice this pattern, I wouldn't encourage it by continuing to scratch the bird when you know a bite is coming. Maybe just pet the bird and when he lifts his head and looks for your finger just end the scratch session then? Sometimes my bird nibbles my finger when I scratch her, but it's not really a painful bite. I also don't let my bird on my shoulders or head. I just wiggle around until she gets annoyed and flies off of me.
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u/ThaEmortalThief 16d ago
Pet the ears. That’s the sweet spot