First Parrot - Electus or African Grey

[Andromeda]

Hi, Maillet. First of all I want to say it's great that you're doing research because a lot of people end up buying a bird impulsively, have no idea how high-maintenance birds are, and then get rid of the bird at the earliest opportunity.

I'm not trying to be harsh, but I do want to give you my honest opinion. I agree with some of the other people in this thread: it doesn't sound like a parrot is the right pet for you. I'll list the reasons just so you know why I have this opinion:

1. You list "speech ability" as a main concern, but as other people have said, some Greys and Eclectus never talk. Yes, a talking bird is very entertaining but that in and of itself is not a good reason to get a bird.

2. You also list "indoor voices" as a main concern. Greys and Eclectus are loud. If you want a bird with an "indoor voice" you should really look at smaller species.

3. "Coloring" is listed as your third priority but both Greys and Eclectus are notorious for plucking. Many of them do not pluck but it is a very real consideration that you may end up with a bird that is partially or completely bald and no matter what you try, you can't stop it. You know who Alex is so I'll use him as an example of a bird who had a very rich and mentally stimulating life who still plucked, anyway.

4. You list "cleanliness" as a consideration and birds are some of the messiest animals you could possibly own. You will have to clean up bird droppings every day, as well as "spot clean" the cage. Birds fling food all over the place so you will also have to "spot clean" your walls, carpet, furniture, etc. depending on how far the food flies. I really cannot emphasize enough how messy they are when they eat. They also shed dander constantly so you will have a fine layer of "dust" all over the place and will have to vacuum frequently.

5. African Greys can live from 50 - 70 years. Eclectus live 30 - 50 years. You may want a bird now, but what about in 10 years? 20 years? 30 years? 40 years?

On the upside, you say that you're usually home for 12 hours a day so that is good, and it sounds like you have enough space and have budgeted enough for a large cage, toys, etc.

That being said, I again what to say how great it is that you've been doing your research and this is just my two cents on the matter.

As others have stated, if you do end up deciding to go forward with this, seriously consider adopting a re-homed bird. Both of my birds are re-homed and not a day goes by where I don't feel so happy that I was able to give them a good, loving home.

Have you considered a Quaker parrot? I had a Quaker growing up and he was a great talker. He knew many words and would use some of them in context. He also sang several songs. His name was Pookie and he would sing, "How much is that Pookie in the window? The one with the waggly tail. How much is that Pookie in the window? I do hope that Pookie's for sale!" He was also very affectionate.

[sophiacs123]

African Grays!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[coleen]

I agree with Micheal to some extent. If a bird is going to talk ,it will If it doesn't want to, it won't! NO Gaurantees! I'm lucky, I have 2 African greys which is suppose to be the best talkers of all the species, one is better by far then the other one. I also have a friend who has a congo african grey Who is happy & healthy but won't talk! Please don't base your decision on whether a bird can talk or not. The Electus can be a very cuddly bird, but their nutrician requirements is demanding & a bit different from regular type parrots. The african grey is also demanding in other ways, ( they are notorius for being pluckers! and a more nervous bird) Either way both are beauitful birds & a joy! just make sure you can give it what it needs!!!

[Symbasmom]

Hi Maillet,

I commend your intense research and time spent on Choosing the appropriate feathered companion for you I find you to be a very intelligent person who has a lot to offer a parrot, personally. I also admire your directness and honesty on what you are looking for in a feathered companion.I would also like to sway your vote to the grey if you are still undecided. I would like to personally share my experience with you on my decision for my
20 years ago, I lived with my mother-in-law who had a Timneh grey, named Maynerd. He was the most amazing creature for me! I was blown away by his intelligence and whit! He could mimic phone sounds, sound like both his owners voices (to the point that I thought he was them at times!).
Maynerd was an older bird and was set in his ways. We (us "kids") were nevere allowed to hold him or touch him for fear he would bite us. (something I now see would and SHOULD have been allowed for proper socialization ) Yet, as I would stare and watch him for hours, he totally captivated me!
I spent the next 20 years with the desire for a grey. I have had a cockatiel (wonderful pet "Silly), a few parakeets, and peach faced love birds during that time. Yet, none ever really satiated that desire so to speak. Yet I was told, "Don't get a Grey!". "You couldn't handle a parrot of this caliper", etc, etc, only that made my desire and determination to not only own one, but be the "best" Grey owner!
I now have my Symba. I re-homed him from a couple who have loved and cared for him for 13 years. He is 14 now and every day I am amazed and awed by him.
I decided that a young bird would not necessarily be the best fit for me. I have raised two kids during that 20 year stretch and the whole "hormonal" phase that I heard grey yearlings go through, I admit had me pretty intimidated. Plus, getting a re-homed bird from a wonderful bird loving couple who raised multiple parrots over their lives, was truly a blessing and rewarding experience.
I am by NO means an expert Maillet, but I did a lot of research as you have, and I was prepared for the commitment.
Symba not only has his own bedroom at night to get his 12 hours of sleep in his 5ft tall by 30" (sorry, not sure of metric equivalent ), sleep cage, but he has a tree stand in my kitchen/living large room during the day with large windows, and a sliding glass door. All my windows have blinds and has a south facing exposure, so this area rarely gets any direct sunlight. I also have a large day cage for him, that he stays in and can play on. I highly recommend you doing this as well. Leaving a bird in one room will not help his socialization skills. (as I am sure you are aware by now).
American currency, the initial expense was actually a steal for me. I got Symba, his night cage and the stand (which I have actually broken down and modified to contain branches and other textures, boings, etc for flexibility for his feet), and a take home carrier (which I must say is so important that you make sure they are completely contained and belted in for their safety on any car rides), for $600! Now I again must reiterate the "steal" comment, but, as I mentioned, these people cared more about WHO was taking their baby, then cost. May I also recommend that whomever you get your companion from, be sure they provide you with the diet they have been on. Symba is a pellet/seed eater, primarily. It takes a lot of time and patience to have them get accustomed to other foods. (that means a lot on the floor, lol)
I have read the other posts and I feel that most have a lot of experience and wonderful advice to offer. I agree to an extent that if there is any type of self-serving delusions that a bird is there to perform and entertain but be put back on the shelf for another time, like a toy, then parrot owning (any type/breed) is not right for that person. Parrot owning is truly about self-less acts. It is an amazing adventure, and long term commitment. It is about planning and prepping oneself for time and self sacrifice to devote to a little one who will always be like a 3 year old, and to accept the messes (lots of messes, not just from food, but toys, feathers, dander, etc), and even encourage this, as a bird is a forager by nature and therefore shredding, throwing food, splashing, and tossing, are their joys.
If you are truly seeking this committment, spend more time with each and go with your gut. It is not so easy to change your mind later, so consider carefully.
Oh and for the record, I have taught my peach-faced love birds to say words, (supposedly these birds rarely talk), which goes to show, anything is possible with love and true dedication!
Good luck to you!

[GlassOnion]

Great story, Symbasmom!

[naomi]

hi maillet
so which one u get?
i have CAG as well and i love him to death!if i try to steal his toys he will nip me nicely and say ''hellooooo come on!!'' i dont know if he really understand what he is saying or not
he talks alot and sometimes its very annoying.not all grey will talk,i know many people their grey dsnt talk at all.but if u really really interest in grey,try to find info as much u can because sometimes they can be 'trouble' for people that dont really understand them.when they bite u hard,they really serious about it.my grey able to make my finger look like a broken plum.
well what i can say,grey is perfect!
good luck!