I got the name from his Gremlin like growling lol
Heres an update
I was on the market for a grey after being in love with them when I was a kid and now at 29 yrs old I have the time to spend relaxing and training a bird.
I visited a few greys before ending up with (Gizmo) which is by no means a perfect starter pet and has a lot of issues that brought my decision to returning to him and purchasing him.
The guy I got him from wasn't taking care of him and was telling a vast amount of lies but I have a soft spot for animals getting mistreated and believe I can give him a better life with time and patience.
He has DNA papers stating he is a male, The owner told me he is about 10 yrs old and was a former tame pet but on close inspection he looks to have a import ring (metal ring that has been clamped not a one piece ring) meaning he is more than likely a wild import.
Lets talk about his attitude!
When I came to collect him the guy agreed to clip his wings so I could hold his attention better while working with him but Gizmo didn't like the experience of being toweled as I suspected He started growling extremely loud through the whole episode
I got him home and after about 2 hours he was whistling away trying to get my attention and when I whistled back we had a whistle of competition lol.
When I or anyone goes near his cage he will start growling extremely loud but If left alone he is happy to settle down straight away and whistle and generally be happy.
His cage was a bit small so I purchased a large cage for him and yesterday decided it was time to transfer him over to it which was a bit of a task as I didnt want to restrain him with anything especially a towel!
He has been with me for only 3 days so I dont expect anything to be good from him but he has exceeded my expectations so far regarding communicating with me.
I opened his old cage and let him come out which he did rather briefly and run around the living room growling his little heart out
I left him out for about half an hour which he perched on top of his old cage and started whistling away happy as can be. I decided it was time to get him in the new cage via a perch and after much chasing he finally give in and stopped growling and stayed on the perch long enough for me to get him in to the new cage
I have no doubt he needs a lot of time but can someone please tell me where to go from here regarding taming him?
I have be thinking of clicker training but think he is to far gone for this ?
Can someone point me towards a supplier or brand of good food as I would like to wean him off sunflower seeds to use them as treat food instead?
I have been reading and reading and reading and there is a few option but im unclear to where to start i.e should I let him out for a while every night?
My technique to train my ringneck has been, Letting him out and waiting for him to give in and stay on the perch for as long as I require him. The other night he finally sat on my son's arm and was content enough.
I would like both birds (both in different rooms) to eat from my hand and this way I can engage clicker training with a better understanding for the birds to what is going on.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and give advice
Andy & Gizmo
Will take a pic tonight for you's
