How can I encourage my grey to shred and chew toys? How can I encourage her to forage? She is a reliable perch bird. She likes to chill and sometimes I worry she doesn’t have enough stimulation through out the day while I’m at work.

I know she doesn’t like to solve things…or she doesn’t know how. A little background, I inherited my Timneh African grey from my grandmother. She is a nice bird, doesn’t bite. She can nip, but it doesn’t hurt. I know when she doesnt want to step up. When I first had her she used to let me pet the top of her head and now she’s more reserved. She doesn’t want head scratches anymore.

My grandmother fed her mostly seeds. I’ve had her for over a year and have introduced her to chop, walnuts, almonds, and pellets. She’s not a fan of pellets. But I always keep them in her cage. But she likes to chew up a Chinese finger trap if I put a treat in there. That’s about as much foraging as she does.

After reading many posts related to African grey and what they say about greys body language…I’m worried my bird is stressed out or unhappy.

How can I be a better bird mom? I work full time and feel bad leaving her home all day by herself.