African Grey does not like to be pet

[K_Suares99]

Hey guys, I just got an African Grey few days ago.

He's around a year and a half old and used to be a house bird before.

He isn't afraid of hands, and he'll stay on mine for long periods of time. But for some reason, he doesn't want to be pet by me.

I've tried multiple times and with different methods, but nothing seems to work.

Any ideas on why he's like this or how to get him to like it?

Would be really nice if I can connect with him better.

 

[macawpower58]

Some birds just don't like being pet, others love it. It's also a bit early to tell what he really likes as you've only had him a few days.
Slow down and for now just work on earning his trust. Once trust is there, he may start to bend his head eliciting some touching.
Work on building a mutual relationship of respect and affection. More may (or may not) come later.

 

[Mizzely]

My husband isn't big on hugs Birds, like people, are individuals.

My best relationship with a bird was with one I couldn't touch. She was amazing in SO many other ways. Don't assume touch is the only way to connect.

 

[K_Suares99]

Some birds just don't like being pet, others love it. It's also a bit early to tell what he really likes as you've only had him a few days.
Slow down and for now just work on earning his trust. Once trust is there, he may start to bend his head eliciting some touching.
Work on building a mutual relationship of respect and affection. More may (or may not) come later.

He actually let me pet him once on the second day home, but never after that.

That's why I feel like he really does like being pet, but it might just be fear holding him back.

Does that seem to be the case?

 

[sunnysmom]

It's really early in your relationship. Give it time. And some birds don't like a lot of pets. My cockatoo likes them periodically but definitely on his terms.

 

[MnGuy]

Regardless of the species, some parrots just don't like physical touch. Please do not force it.

That said, greys are known for generally not liking pets. As a species, they're generally a lot less touchy feely than cockatoos, conures. Even though no personality trait is guaranteed in a bird, it's important to do your research so you can be prepared for some expected behaviors in different species.

My grey is amazing and wonderful and super docile, but she doesn't like being touched much. I've had her for 13 years.

Watch your bird's body language and respond accordingly. When my grey wants a head scratch (once in a blue moon), she'll lower her head and raise the feathers on her head and neck. I also ask, "Do you want a scratch," and hold up my index finger. She'll either bow her head or just look at me like I'm crazy.

 

[Toy]

Parrots aren't like dogs, who love being petted. Greys, especially, tend to be hands off birds. They like to hang out with you, but just don't like to be touched. We got our CAG when she was 6 months old. She is now 24 years old. The only place I can touch/pet her is her beak. A few quick swipes & that's it or she'll nail me. CAG's are highly intelligent. So I'd suggest just work on teaching her puzzle toys, word association, etc.