Fallen in love with Africa Greys

[Anita1216]

My husband and I have fallen love with the African grey. We met a couple yesterday that were just the most loving and friendly birds ever. Yes. I know each bird is different. We are not running out to get one, no worry there. Currently we are owned by a parrotlet that we simply adore. Yes big big size and bird type difference from parrotlet to African grey.

We are joining a bird club/ rescue in an effort to educate ourselves. I think that's vital before taking on any animal.

I'm just looking for experiences from those that have or have had one of these intelligent, sensitive souls as part of their flock.

Thank you!!!

[Pajarita]

I love the grays but then, I love all birds so you can't go by me. I've had 6 grays under my care and found them all to be very different from each other in terms of personality (from practically catatonic to very outgoing) but all of them had a number of similar traits: very smart, harder than other species to convert to a good diet, VERY bad bathers, needing more 'company' than other species and not a single one of them ever bonded with another bird -not even a brother and sister pair that had grown up together.

[Dbeguy]

Yes I fell for a friend's African grey. Quickly (with permission of course) I set about stopping biting.
Offering half a peanut (Otie's standard treat) OR my hand to bite. It took her very little time to decide which one she wanted.

I swear I see the cogs working in Otie's head when I visit. What an intelligent bird!!

[William]

I want to get an African Grey in the future. They are great but I don't think I'm ready to accept such a big responsibility yet. It will be like adopting a child! One day though, for sure!

*Squawks and flies away*

[Rebellious]

Greys are sweet, aren't they? I have had a history of Timneh and Congo AGs. Each one was very different, but out of the 3 that I've had, I would describe them as very intelligent, playful, and (most of the time) sweet. But they can be really noisy. Get a Timneh first. They are a little most laid back.

[GreenWing]

Ah yes, the same happened to me. While I was grieving over the loss of my beloved Senegal, I met a male African Grey parrot named "Baby" and... well... it was basically love at first sight on both ends! He immediately wanted to be my "mate" judging by his... well, slick dancing moves

But Baby had already been purchased by someone else, so I kept my eyes peeled and started spending time with a female CAG. Unlike Baby, who "chose" me right away (although apparently he "chose" a few other women he was into, lol) it took time for Chance to trust me. Eventually, she "chose" me... because I am one of the very few she allows to handle her in the ways she lets me (snuggling, kissing, petting, playing). Chance is leery of most people, but we have really bonded and are great friends... it just took time. When it felt right, and the clerks noticed she and I were bonding in such a great, progressive way, I decided to adopt her as her rehome.

As said above, African Greys are like people; no two are the same and they're extremely intelligent. A recent example: I walked away from her for a moment to get her a nut and she asked me, "Where are you going?" CRAZY to hear a bird asking me that question while UNDERSTANDING what she was asking!

It will be like adopting a child! One day though, for sure!

*Squawks and flies away*

THIS. Yes, this is so true! I do not have children and am home all the time, so my Grey is my "kid."

My advice is to keep reading up and studying Greys; let one "chose" you, even if it takes time. Baby wanted to chose me right away; Chance was a work in progress. But if you want a Grey, you'll find one that will want you, too. And everyone I've talked to that is "owned" by a Grey says their Grey is their world. They are amazing, sentient beings.