The name debate is over–our African Grey is officially named Pascal. Dave and Michael, although they both wanted different names, are being great about calling him by his name to help him learn it. Michael had been calling Pascal, Bee-Bee, for "Brother Bird", but I think we've got him switched now to calling him Pascal.
What to say about Pascal? Well, he's a real good eater. He actually is less fussy than Michael and I find myself buying vegtables for Pascal that we won't even eat, like squash. This morning I fixed his bowl with seeds and pellets, green beans, summer squash, carrots and apple slices. Last night when we were eating, Pascal had some of my baked potato. It's fun letting him experience different foods and be a part of our normal family activities.
He still opens his mouth at us at times like he's going to bite. This most often occurs when he's up high on top of his play area of his cage. He hasn't actually clamped down though in over a week (I've only been bit twice and once was when he had his foot stuck and I was trying to help him, so I couldn't be mad over that). I hope that he continues to settle down and that behavior will get eliminated.
He does not like his showers. African Greys are supposed to be showered 2-3 times a week. He definitely does not like the spray bottle. I spray it in the air so it mists down on him. I'm going to have to come up with a new game plan on showering for him. I may have to put him in the shower with Michael.
He's a quiet bird. Sometimes he'll sqawk when he really doesn't want to be picked up. Other than that he doesn't make much noise. I hope that he'll still try to speak our language someday. I make sure to say the words for the food and toys that I give him. I think he's also figuring out "nighty-night" because he doesn't look too happy when I ask him if he wants to go back in his cage and go nighty-night.
Usually when I put him to bed because I'm tired, he seems disappointed. He hasn't been very cuddly (although greys typically aren't cuddly anyway) but he apparently just likes being around us. We must keep him amused.
He's building his confidence and is gliding a bit more around the house. It is so funny to see him walkig around all hunched over like he really wants to fly but is apprehensive about taking the leap.
Somedays, I've been leaving the radio on for him during the day while we're out. I change the channel to give him something different to listen too each day. I hope it keeps it interesting. He hasn't said yet what his favorite channel is. He's usually too busy eating his breakfast to even care if the radio is on or if I'm even still in the room.
So, we definitely have a better idea what Pascal is all about. We still have a ways to go building his trust and self-confidence, but I think we're doing alright so far. He's added a lot already to all our lives.