noisy african grey parrot

[chrisgolf0]

i look after a friends african grey parrot regularly 4/5 times a year for up to three months.this time however "he" starts making a terrible barking noise if i come and sit down to read or watch tv use phone etc how can i break this habit ? is it seeking attention?cage is left open all the time and he comes out and walks around the cace whenever he likes.do hope someone can give me some advice so i can stop putting him in the bathroom! sorry bit long winded thanks

[NazNomad]

Have you changed 'something' that he's used to? Your hair, clothes, etc?

[ruthann58]

cover his cage with a blanket so he thinks its night time

[icemaiden]

I had the same problem with my grey. Had him for twenty years. When I was on the phone, talking to someone or I left the room he would scream and shout. Did not stop until I acknowledged him.
I put it down to him being peed off because I was paying someone else more attention. In the early days I would then pet him and talk to him so that it would stop.
However, thinking about it, to him it was working so I started ignoring him instead. Took a few months but now he doesn't do it anymore.
All I can suggest is that you do the same and see what happens. Perseverance is the key.

Good luck.

Only tip I cathonling about it hn give you us do not shout back at him as this may make it worse.

[icemaiden]

Oops. Ignore that last sentence, pc was having a fit!

[wildwood]

Icemaiden's system of ignoring it is a tried and proven method. Also make sure you turn your back to it when it screams.

Covering the cage will sometimes work but it is quite a task when your on the phone. If you're on the cordless, hush at it and as he goes on, leave the room but so that it can still hear you. It must learn to share your attention and ignoring a 'hush' will result in an empty room for it.