Bringing a parrot home

[thelonelysnake]

I'm bringing home my young African Grey in a couple weeks and I was wondering if I should just put him into his new cage with toys and everything set up, or should I introduce toys slowly over a few days? I don't want him to get bored without anything, but I also don't want him freaking out from too many new things being introduced at once. Any tips?

[Wolf]

I have a tendency to start with just a few toys, moving is quite a shock for them. If you know what he had in last cage use that as you guide, and watch to see how he reacts.

[thelonelysnake]

The problem is that he isnt kept in a cage. He is kept in a large play area. Its nothing but foraging trees and jungle gyms and play stands and he is kept with a bunch of other birds who help provide entertainment. I cant figure any way to have his set up resemble this because I cant just let him stay out on a jungle gym 24/7, as much as I would like for him to be able to be free all the time, its not safe or practical. I will start with a few toys and see what he takes a liking to, and hopefully he doesnt get too stressed out. About how much time should I give him to adjust before I start handling him and playing with him outside the cage? Should I give him a day or two or should the first night be sufficient for adjustment? (Or does it just depend on the bird?)

Also I have heard of people having separate, usually smaller, cages for the bird to sleep in at night. When I bought his big cage, it also came with a smaller one for this purpose and it sounds like a good idea. How/When could I introduce him to the bedtime cage?

[Wolf]

I wish that I could afford the setup that he is coming from! I am not sure about the purpose of the smaller cage as I have no idea of the sizes of the cages you got. you can usually tell if he is afraid of something as he will get as far from it as he can. If it is located high in the back right corner he will try to get as small as he can in the front left of the cage on the bottom and may even be shaking.
Even though it is going to take some time for him to actually adjust to his new environment, he is still going to need time out as soon as it is feasible to allow it. I would start by sitting outside of his cage as close as he will allow you to without moving to back of cage away from you and just calmly and softly talking to him in a normal tone of voice and offer him a treat every now and again. Leave the treat where he can get it if he doesn't take it from you. At this time allow at least a couple of hours for this. you want to be sitting as close to the cage as possible, directly in front of the door to the cage. If he in relaxed with this, close the door to the room and open the cage door while you talk to him. After a couple of hours of this make sure that he knows where the food and water are and leave the room closing the door behind you. Make sure that there are no electrical wires exposed to where he can get to them and that there is no place for him to get trapped or hide in. This is because he needs time out of the cage and you want him to be safe. give him an hour and carefully go back in the room and close the door. Locate him and sit down to where he can approach you if he chooses to an do as before. he may come to you or not, Greys are not huge fans of too much petting but you can try it if he comes to you, he will kind of bow his head for you if it is OK with him. On the other hand he may not approach you or allow you to touch him. Regardless of this when it is bedtime he will usually head for his food and water and eat before going to sleep, hopefully in the cage.
Now, all of my birds came to me abused, none had the setup that this one is coming from but this should give you an idea of what to expect til he starts to adjust to you and his new home environment. Although my Grey is independent and likes to explore, she does not like it when I leave her too long and will call to locate me. Greys are most comfortable around their human than they are with toys or other birds and this will work to your advantage when it is time to go into her cage as it will be easier for you to assist it to get in its cage if it is not already there.
I am assuming that this bird can fly, due to the description of its previous home environment. Also you can easily adjust the above procedure to meet your needs, the main thing is to be patient and to never try to force the bird to do anything it doesn't want to. My Grey was happiest with me right from the start, but one doesn't know until it happens. If you are not comfortable letting the bird out this soon, slow it down and if the bird is uncomfortable with any of this also slow it down.
If the second cage is to be used for sleeping, put in a couple of toys and its evening meal and water. It should basically be about all there is to it except for putting the bird in it and covering it for the night. When covering it leave some space around the bottom of it for air flow and to allow for temperature control.
I think that I have covered everything that you have asked and hopefully other will chime in and offer their ways of approaching this matter. Let us knowhow it goes or if you require further assistance.