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To nicoleharres Baby Grey was hatched 6/9/06 She has been DNA sexed Her cage is 2 x 3 and she has pl2007-11-24 17:25:01

of toys. No I don't take her out every time she digs, I just wasn't sure if this was a normal behavior and if I would damage her in any way by taking her out or leaving her in. At such a young age she is still developing and I'm hoping to instill in her GOOD habits. I like the telephone book idea. I don't keep her on grate however because I don't think it's comfortable or natural for her feet. I have piles of newspaper, I can clean off the top layer periodically throughout the day. It also works as a cushion since she is so young, very daring and not completely balanced. Do they dig all their lives? I know it's instinctual, but I'm hoping it will fade in time.

Answers:

First let me note that I didn't mean to offend you and I hope I didn't. I am simply trying to help you elminate any potential sources that could promote her continuing this behavior.

I know you think the grate is uncomfortable but you might think about putting it in. It's good that you change the paper thoughout the day, but there will come a time when you have to be away from home for a few hours. And, if you put it in, she might stop the digging (she might not too - that was true of one of my greys). So long as she has several different sized/material perches throughout her cage I wouldn't worry about whether or not the floor is comfortable - birds belong on trees not on the ground anyway.

I have had three different greys, two females and one male. The male never dug. One of my females started digging (but not to the extent you seem to describe) when she was about the age that hormones became an issue (closer to a year old). She did this during the hormone crazy times (fall and spring) for the first few years of her life. We were able to get her to stop by doing some of the things I suggested - adding more toys (and new toys), using phonebooks, and covering her up when nothing else worked. Sometimes she would dig anyway. I'm not sure why. The other female grey never dug, but she was 15 yrs. old when we rescued her.

Your little girl is too young to be going through hormone problems. So I'm assuming that she's either curious or acting instinctually.

If you want you can email me at NHarres4748@msn.com.

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Digging is a normal behavior of Greys, young or old. Chewing will also be normal as she matures, so provide wood as well as paper. The more things you provide to keep her entertained, the better off she will be when you can't provide constant attention yourself or a mate for her.