How to Socialize an African Grey Parrot

African grey parrots are known as one of the most intelligent types of birds. Since they're not happy staying in a cage all day, it's important to socialize them with other people. Introduce your pet to a few friends so your bird becomes comfortable around new people. From there, you can expose your African grey to new environments. Remember that it's also important for you to bond with your parrot. Spend time talking or playing with your African grey daily.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Bonding with Your African Grey Parrot

1
Place the parrot's cage in a safe place. Give your African grey a chance to look at its new environment by putting the cage in an active space in your house. The cage should be elevated so your bird has a better view of the room, and may even be able to look out the window.^{[1]XResearch source}
- You might put the cage against a wall or corner so it can see all around the room.
- Avoid putting the cage in direct sunlight, or it may get too hot. You should also avoid the kitchen since your bird might breathe in dangerous fumes from non-stick pans and Teflon.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Your living room may be a good place to keep your African grey's cage.
2
Be quiet around the cage for the first few weeks. Keep in mind that your bird may feel a little overwhelmed by its new surroundings for a little while. If your bird seems frightened or upset, you could place it in a quieter part of the room for a few days while it adjusts. Move the bird's cage back to a busier part of the house once it's become more comfortable in its new home.
- Signs that your bird is scared or distressed can include puffed-out feathers, narrowed eyes, growling, and trembling.^{[3]XResearch source}
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3
Begin socializing your bird at an early age. If you're caring for a baby African grey parrot, start to socialize it even before it's weaned. Your parrot will develop healthy behaviors and become a better companion than if you wait too long.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you're buying a parrot from a breeder, ask if the breeder has spent time socializing the bird. Try to select a bird that's already been socialized and weaned.
4
Interact with your parrot daily. Talk with your African grey throughout the day. Take time to let it out of its cage and handle it. Ask the bird if it would like to get out and then offer your finger or perch and say, "Step up." Once it's out of the cage, you can feed it or pet it. African greys expect a lot of company, so daily interaction is important. African grey parrots will begin picking their feathers if they become lonely or distressed.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Prepare your home before you let the bird out. Remember to close all doors and windows. You should also get rid of any hazards (such as toxic house plants, choking hazards, or exposed wires) and remove other pets from the room.
5
Play with the African grey parrot. Offer your parrot small toys in a variety of colors and textures. For example, African greys enjoy noisy toys, toys they can shred, or thin wooden toys. Offer a toy to your bird and play games with it to get it interested. You might try rattling a noisy toy and holding it outside of the cage. Your parrot may play with you to get the toy.^{[6]XResearch source}
- You should avoid giving your bird toys that have parts that could easily come loose such as large wooden beads or balls that could become stuck in your bird's throat, and any toys made with lead or zinc.
6
Follow the parrot's lead. Young African grey parrots might need time to become comfortable with you. Instead of rushing the relationship, watch for signs that you need to take it slower. For example, if your parrot startles when you touch it, give it a little space. Talk to it gently, let it become used to you, and try again in a few days.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Remember that African grey parrots want to feel secure and cared for. Always handle your bird gently.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Doing Long-Term Training

1
Offer positive rewards. Always use positive reinforcement with your African grey when you socialize it. You can give verbal praise or give a treat when your bird interacts with you or others. For example, if your bird allows you to pet it, say, "Good bird," or give it a small food treat.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If you let someone else give the treat, your bird might begin to look forward to meeting new people.
2
Change your bird's environment a little. While it's good to socialize your parrot to a few new people, you should eventually expose it to a variety of new people and situations. Start small by making a few changes. For example, play different kinds of music or move the furniture in your home. You can gradually move up to bigger changes, such as changing your bird's food or taking it out in public.
- The goal with exposing your African grey to new experiences is to make it comfortable with change. This will help if you need to have someone watch your bird or if it needs to be handled for medical examinations.
3
Respond to any unwanted behaviors. If your bird is being aggressive or damaging itself by picking, chewing, or pulling out its feathers, it may be upset at something in its environment. Rule out any medical problems by taking your African grey to the vet for an exam and then try to make your bird feel more secure. It may just be that you need to socialize the bird at a slower pace.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Some medical problems that can cause African greys to become aggressive or hurt themselves include infections, allergies, liver disease, lesions, and hyperthyroidism.
- African greys can be noisy at times, but you should never yell at your bird or get angry at it. Your negative actions would only damage your relationship with your pet.
4
Teach your bird to talk. Talking with your parrot is a great way to interact with it and it may just learn a few words too. Start by naming items that your parrot sees every day. Say the word in a high, loud voice and be excited so your bird is interested in remembering the word.^{[10]XResearch source}
- For example, you could say, "Night night!" before bed each night or say, "Nut!" when you're giving it a food treat.
- Keep in mind that it will take lots of consistent training to teach your bird how to talk.
5
Reward your parrot for speaking. When you think your African grey is repeating or mumbling a word, immediately give it a small reward. This doesn't always have to be a food treat. Rewards for African greys can include:^{[11]XResearch source}
- Eye contact and attention.
- Petting, stroking or scratching.
- A new, small toy.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Socializing with Guests

1
Give the parrot a chance to watch others. If you have company, tell them to ignore the bird for a while and keep them away from the cage. Your bird won't feel threatened or overwhelmed by immediate attention. Tell your guests to ignore the parrot for 10 minutes to an hour.
- Your African grey will feel secure as it watches your guests from its cage.
Open the cage door and give your bird the chance to get out and interact. Continue to ignore the bird, so it can decide whether or not to approach your guests. Never force your parrot to come closer or have your guest approach the bird.
3
Teach other people how to handle your bird. If your guest doesn't have any experience with birds, show them how to behave around the bird. For example, always let the bird come to the guest instead of letting your guest reach in and grab the bird. You should also show your guests how to hold out a finger or arm so the bird can come perch on it.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Your guests should only try to pet the African grey once your bird is comfortable stepping up onto their fingers.
- It will probably take some time and practice before your African grey is willing to step up onto another person's hand. Give them time and don't force them to become comfortable with others.
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