African grey

[elaineann]

Hi there, new to this so asking for some advice please
We r looking to get an african grey as im now home
alot more and have loads of time. I have seen a young bird
Around 1 yr old who is attached to the male of the house
Unfortunately he is working and his wife doesnt like the bird.
We r wondering if its best to start with a baby or take a chance
on this one?? As i will b home the most, if the bird prefers hubby
It will b hard to get it out? Could the bird change to like females??
Id b glad of advice

[Eric&Rebecca]

African Grey's are extrodinarily easy to put into bad habits if you are not familiar with extensive bird training. Additionally, if this is your first bird, an African Grey is not the best place to start. Although no bird is ever a starter bird, African Grey's require a huge amount of experience.

What are your motivations for getting an African Grey or even a bird in general? If its a case of you want it to talk and perform tricks and be generally tame and fun that's part of it but to get to that stage it will require a huge amount of time and work. It's great that you have the time but is that going to be your situation for 60+ years... African Grey's live a long time.

Additionally, do you have the funds for a quality avian vet treatment. Birds cannot be treated by any normal vet. It can costs hundreds or sometimes thousands of pounds... That's not including the food bills. Pellets cost a fortune as do the large amounts of fruit and veg you should give every day.

The cage is also extremely important. I would advise going with a King's or a Montana cage which will set you back around £500 absolute minimum. Also wooden perches made of natural wood and all different sizes and shapes will be necessary for exercising the feet and the claws.

Not to mention the fact you will need to replace ALL your cleaning products with bird safe f10 disinfectant or something similar, all your cookware to stainless steel. Teflon is poisonous to birds. Also you will need to bird proof your whole house with bird safe materials.

Also you will need to make several sacrifices, no candles, no heavy scents or fumes, no perfumes or aerosol deodrants or air freshners... All these things are harmful to birds. Grey's are especially sensitive to airborne fumes and contaminants.

Taming fully will take many years and work daily, small mistakes done once could set you back months. You may well get bitten (sometimes bleeding with shredding).

I apologise if I'm sounding harsh or going through things you alrady know but African Grey's need exceptional care.

[elaineann]

Hi there
Thanks for the information, you don't sound harsh at all. Firstly tho I'm not new to birds have had cockatiels and cared for a Senegal once for a friend, for over a year when she was going thro a particularly bad divorce.
It is not the talking ability of the grey that attracts me it's the intelligence and potential companionship, I have two daughters (grown up) and have already made sure one of them would care for the bird on my demise. I have three chihuahuas and they have pet insurance to cover any unforeseen illnesses, so would the new arrival. This is not a whim, I have been thinking of this for over a year, I am happy to source fruit, veg and pellets for the parrot and would take its welfare very seriously.
I am just unsure if I could keep such a sensitive, intelligent bird happy, for the rest of my life.

[Cockatielsongs]

Yes, African Greys are an incredible responsiblity as are all birds. As you probably already know, trust is not part of the package. It must be earnt and can be difficult and time consuming. Aside from costs which you seem to have covered can you handle bites? You will get bitten sooner or later and you have to be prepared to not react badly to it.
Are you absolutely ready to make the commitment? Have the patience and time? tame the bird to it's full potential? Aware of all the behaviours etc? Is there even an avian vet near you, or located one?

Better to get a baby from the breeder, though the grey you've seen is told to be tame and love males etc etc, all parrots are likely to change when re homed.

Taking in a bird is like having a two year old. My cockatoo screeches and screams if his dinner is late (he keeps me on my toes ) will scream louder and louder until he sees me making it. Mind you, he can out shine the forever barking dog next door with ease.

All the best

[pennyandrocky]

it is not better to get a baby from a breeder. it's great that your daughter's have already agreed to take the bird on when you are gone but s are as high maintanance as they are just as likely to pluck if not given the proper mental stimulation. will they be able to provide the attention you will give being home? with dogs you're should be flighted for the safety of the dogs and your bird. birds do choose their people if possible you should spend time with he bird before you decide to bring it home there seems to be no specific reason why they choose who they do. my was adopted by me she was supposed to be my bird but she prefers my boyfriend who spends almost no time with her since he works to support the house. i'm a stay at home mom so i take care of everyone and the home but when he has the day off she's all about her daddy.

[Eric&Rebecca]

I don't think anything can prepare you for the amount of commitment and high maintenance of ANY bird but we all do and we all manage. I think there are many factors to be considered such as how well you think you would be able to cope with behavioural difficulties, health, diet and the day to day constraints, even if you can afford the best money can buy and source what you need it doesn't mean it will make a happy parrot. For instance, pellet conversion can be one of the most time consuming and thankless tasks.

I don't think there's anything wrong with getting a rescue and this African Grey sounds healthy however it would need a complete new bird work up by an avian vet and 6 monthly check ups there after. Its possible that in the distress of moving to a new home the bird may require re-taming and training.

I've never owned an African Grey personally but I am very close to several people who have. All birds are time consuming and expensive to look after but African Grey's, along with toos', macaws and larger parrots are extremely so.

I'm sure you've thought this through well, but I'm just preparing you for what may or may not ensue. The intelligence of these birds can cause problems, such as escape, destruction, boredom (which can lead to another of issues). This will be a lifelong commitment.

I would also recommend keeping the bird flighted, unless there is a medical reason for the bird to be clipped, let your bird be flighted and adapt the behaviour around them.

I really hope that this bird finds a nice home with you and I'm glad you heed everyone's advice and have seeked out help well

Good Luck.

[elaineann]

Hi all, thank you for the advice and taking the time to reply. I am seriously considering the grey who is needing a home as it would be more satisfying for me to do that, however I was worried that as he prefers the male of the household, this will continue, as I am the one home most of the time it would be a pity if he/she didnt let me take her out when Im there. However I realise that this could happen if we bought a baby, they could also choose my hubby over me. All animals choose who they wish, but I was just wondering if because the bird is already connected to the male of the house, could that change?? also what could I do in the first few weeks to settle the bird in as I realise this will be a trauma for the grey leaving his home and "mate"

[pennyandrocky]

yes it is possible he will take to a female. it could be that since the wife doesn't like him he would prefer the husband. when you first bring him home he should have a day or 2 to settle in. parrots like to study us for awhile. you can talk to him while you go about your normal day put him in a busy part of the house where he can watch other members of the house. then you can put a comfortable seat next to his cage open the door and just talk to him, read a book to him if you don't quite know what to say, maybe even sing to him. he'll come out on his own then you can build your bond. i like to lay my hands out to let them play before i try to touch it helps them trust you, a very important part of keeping parrots in my opinion. you have many years with him so don't rush anything.

[Cockatielsongs]

Oops, I know I said that better to get a grey from a breeder, I change that after realizing what I wrote Anyways, I mean to say. Yes, get the one that needs a home, one less poor birdie going to a rescue. Sure the grey is attached to males but nothing is stopping you from socializing the little guy with your daughters.

P.S Maybe you should visit the grey! See how he acts around you, if he is healthy or if he has any behavioral problems etc If possible try find out the history on the