hello I'm new to the forum.

[lovebird]

I just acquired a 3-year old African grey. He loves my husband but bites me.Do you think targeting training will help?

[Judy_234]

The training is always a good idea. I suggest you start with finding his favorite food and for a while, only you give him that food item from your hand so he can understand that ypu are his means of getting that food item. Once he's taking it from you with no problems, start target training with that treat. (Don't hand him food for too long with no requirements as he will learn to do nothing for his treats.) Your husband can also do sessions with him but make sure he gives him a different treat. After target training you can use this to teach him step-up. Start the step-up command with a perch, not your hand. As he get the hang of things, gradually introduce your hand. If you are patient and let the bird approach you at his pace, you will have him stepping up to you bite free in no time. Don't be disheartened, greys can be picky about people and may even see you as a threat because you get attention from your hubby (wich takes attention away from the bird, as he sees it).

[Pajarita]

Yes, target training always helps (see Michael's instructions and his book) but you did not say under which circumstances the gray bites you. Is it when you ask him to step up or does he fly out to bite you? Because those are two very different things... Also, how old is the bird and how long have you had him? If you are not his first owner, was he cared by a man before? Could you, please, clarify and give more info?