Got my first parrot, tons of questions

Questions will be posted below and in future postings, I have a lot.

Intro and story time:
I was looking around for an animal companion, but I wasn't sure which. I had a long haired Peruvian guinea pig that was my best friend during some troubled years in my life. He was the best pet I've had; I'd sleep next to his cage many nights and he was my best and only friend. His only flaw was that he had a short life span (imo...tho for rodents, 6 years is considered on the high range) and it hurt so much when he died.

Then I got leopard geckos. One hardly ate (separated cage) and the other gave zero BEEP and ate like a pig. All I had to do was throw some crickets into a ziploc bag and open it near him and he'd walk in, 3 minutes later, walk out fat as heck and that would be the end of feeding. Problem, however, was that the poop was really smelly 'cause they ate insects and it gave me a major migraine. Sold them to someone else.

Then for some weird reason, I got interested in parrots. I'm not exactly sure how, either. I then began looking for one that wasn't super crazy and loud. At first, I was going to get a senegal, but eventually went out for green cheek yellow sided conures since they were cheaper, more appealing for me, and the babies being much easier to obtain. However, I wanted something bigger to satisfy my petting needs. I'm a very cuddly, playful person. I sort of wanted something significantly bigger, maybe even around the size of a small dog, to pet.

That's how I cam across the Congo African Grey. The price, IMO, was outrageous. I've never spent more than $200 for an animal (aside from vet bills etc) so $1400~ was an insane purchase. Even right now, I still think I must've lost my mind. I'm considering selling my car to help pay for him and get my parrot to fly me to work every day instead. He still has about a month left of weaning until he gets to me, so I have time to work out some loose ends before he gets here.

So far, I've settled on the African Grey for the following reasons:
1. Big size, not too big for me as the macaws are, but big enough to satisfy my snuggling and petting needs.
2. Can talk. I've never had one that could, so it's exciting!
3. Seems to make noise but more in talking rather than screaming and yaking away like I see with cockatoos. I really can't handle the screams in some parrots.
4. Seem to be on the calmer side, I mean, I like an energetic bird, but not too crazy. Basically, I'm crazy enough for the two of us.
5. I've been in the store and I also read that parrot poop doesn't smell much unless they're sick, mainly because of their diet. He will be in my room, so this is a major plus.
6. They live insanely long so less of the "oh no he's getting old, drama time..." I think I'll only be alive till I'm 60, so I'm fine being the first one to go, I really hate pet deaths.
7. Different from all the other pets I've had thus far, other than the one budgie.
8. I heard they're one the smartest animals, so I'm very interested to test that out.


QUESTIONS:

Please KINDLY help me out with these questions, I'm just going to ask them straight out. Please help answer them only if you can do it nicely and helpfully or supply me with a good direct link to the answers to them. I've only had a budgie but that was when I was little (I was 8-9 y/o at the time), but I've had many other pets since then. Getting a big parrot like an African Congo grey is a huge step from where I've left off since then.

I do search for some of these answers, but it's either I can't find the answers, found some but it wasn't everything that I wanted, or wanted to re-ask again to see what people here think.


1. I heard the end of weaning is around 12-14 weeks, but the place has had them for that long and now wants 3-4 more weeks. How come it's taking extra long? Is that a bad sign? He was born around the end of January and it's at least 4 months, which is about 16 weeks. They want another 3-4 weeks. The place seems very nice with knowledgeable people and their patience really makes me feel like they're giving the babies extra care, so I was wondering.

2. I was thinking of letting my African grey hang in the bathroom. This is only a minor thought as I already have a cage that I'm planning to get for him that I'm placing in my room. But I thought of the bathroom because it's easier to clean and less of a smell issue to think about. However, I'm guessing the parrot would really hate the bathroom smell, especially when and after someone used it (you know what I mean, hopefully)? Anyone know how sensitive they are to those smells? Toilet has low water lvl and is always closed unless used.

3. I have a small dog, he's fine with other animals. The question is, if my bird eats some of the dog food, is that okay? I read that they are the pigeon of the rainforest and can almost anything (I have the list of big no-nos like avacado so excluding those), but not as a main food. I ask because I know for sure the food will be there as I always keep food in there for my dog.

4. Here's my plan for keeping the bird: I'll have the huge cage in my room. I only have my one room to keep it in until I get my house in a year or two. I have computer and tv in my room, basically everything I personally own is in my room. So I'm planning to let the cage be his personal space and eventually try to teach him enough so that I can let him free roam around the room. If it's not possible, I plan to just leave him in there when I'm at work, typical hours. Think it's possible?

I don't want him chewing up any of my stuff, I'll be more than happy to supply him with toys (I can creatively think and make up some toys as well). Think I can teach him that and prevent him from ripping my room to shreds? I can make tons of foraging toys etc, whatever it takes for him not to go after my stuff and especially the electrical cords.

5. How energetic are they? I'm grown up but a kid at heart, I love to goof around and play. How much of that can they handle?

Hi there, welcome to the forum!

There are some things I'd like to address about your 'reasons' for wanting an African Grey.

1) Although I agree that it feels good to have an animal of a certain size to be hands on with and pet, keep in mind that not all individuals or species are appreciative of being petted and cuddled with. In fact, Greys are one of the species 'known' for not being a "cuddly" hands on type.

2) Although African Greys are known as one of the best talking parrot species, not all of them will talk. There is never a guarantee that parrots will talk. Not even Greys.

3) Again, depends on the individual. Some depends on the environment and training, but some individuals are more vocal than others.

4) That's reasonable.

5) Parrot poop is parrot poop.... African Grey or not

6) Well, if you're only planning to live til your 60 , I'd work out some serious arrangements for the wellbeing of this bird after your gone!

7) Birds are definitely unique, compared to other more familiar pets.

8) You're right! Parrots large and small are incredibly intelligent animals.

Since this can get quite lengthy, I'll step back now and let others chime in and answer your questions . We have many African Grey owners here. Enjoy the forum.

1. It's a good thing that a breeder wants to hold onto the bird until they think it's ready to go. A breeder that bundles it out the door at the earliest possible opportunity is far more of a worry.

2. Bathrooms are ok, more or less. Keep the toilet seat lid down and don't take you bird in there when you're just used cleaners. If your bird is flighted watch it carefully when you're in the bath - I had a disaster with a bird going head first into the bath just this week, it's a pretty scarey thing to happen! The bathroom would not be a good choice for the bird to live but it's usually fine to take one in with you.

3. Definitely no dog food! It might not do any harm but it would be very risky. Parrots in the wild are very different to pet birds and getting the right diet is really important. There are some great threads on here about what food is most appropriate. Being a scavenger of fruit, nuts and pants in deep jungle is very different to the feral pigeons you see in cities that can digest petty much anything, and it's better to er on the side of caution.

4. That's more or less what I do although the bird is in the living room. Big cage full of toys for when I'm in work, free to roam (under supervision) when I'm home. You want to keep the bird in whichever room you're in most. Watch them around computers, they love to break off the keys! Unfortunately parrots love to chew and shred and it's the owner's responsibility to make sure the bird can't get hold of things they shouldn't be chewing. Providing lots of chewable toys helps but they have an amazing ability to make a beeline for whatever they shouldn't be interfering with. We can help advise on bird proofing a room.

5. Different species and different individuals within the species will have their own energy levels and routines but generally parrots have fairly high levels of energy and playfulness.

Hi Zing, welcome and be welcomed. There are some very knowledgeable folks on here regarding parrots, and it's a nice place to hang. A preface addressing your points above, first. CAS (Congo African greys) are really smart and inteligent, some say as smart as the average 5 yr old child. Certainly as smart as a 2 or3 yr old, with the same emotional and educational needs as that age group. Grey's need to have interaction with their flock , you, everyday to satisfy those needs. Almost all parrots do. Some are better at self entertaining then others. All parrots are individuals, like people, some hold true to generalization about a specific species, some couldn't be further from that then if they were dogs. And there is no way to predict when you pick up your young parrot from the shop or breeder. But some generalizations are possible, because of known facts. CASS are among the parrots most likely to become pluckers (birds who pull out, or bite off their feathers). Why? Because some emotional or mental need is not being met, although it may be a medical cause, most often it's the first 2. Please keep these needs in mind as you go down the list of
why you want a CAG.

1. I heard the end of weaning is around 12-14 weeks, but the place has had them for that long and now wants 3-4 more weeks. How come it's taking extra long? Is that a bad sign? He was born around the end of January and it's at least 4 months, which is about 16 weeks. They want another 3-4 weeks. The place seems very nice with knowledgeable people and their patience really makes me feel like they're giving the babies extra care, so I was wondering.

Very correct. Don't release babies before they are weaned and eating normally. Sign of a good breeder

2. I was thinking of letting my African grey hang in the bathroom. This is only a minor thought as I already have a cage that I'm planning to get for him that I'm placing in my room. But I thought of the bathroom because it's easier to clean and less of a smell issue to think about. However, I'm guessing the parrot would really hate the bathroom smell, especially when and after someone used it (you know what I mean, hopefully)? Anyone know how sensitive they are to those smells? Toilet has low water lvl and is always closed unless used.

Bathrooms are germ centers. Personnally, I think this is a bad idea. Germs, cleaning and washing products, soap, shampoo ... your grey will get into all of these. Water supply tube for the toilet will be nibbled on or even chewed.

3. I have a small dog, he's fine with other animals. The question is, if my bird eats some of the dog food, is that okay? I read that they are the pigeon of the rainforest and can almost anything (I have the list of big no-nos like avacado so excluding those), but not as a main food. I ask because I know for sure the food will be there as I always keep food in there for my dog.

Dogs and parrots, not a good idea also. Dog (and cat and even human) saliva is bad and even fatal to parrots.

4. Here's my plan for keeping the bird: I'll have the huge cage in my room. I only have my one room to keep it in until I get my house in a year or two. I have computer and tv in my room, basically everything I personally own is in my room. So I'm planning to let the cage be his personal space and eventually try to teach him enough so that I can let him free roam around the room. If it's not possible, I plan to just leave him in there when I'm at work, typical hours. Think it's possible?

yes, if ( and that's a big if ) he can be taught to self entertain. You planning on bringing him home, and going to work the next day and expect him to know about toys and swings and puzzle boxes, etc?
Generally greys are very skeptical about new stuff, like to observe things before they engage. All like that? No, see my post above. But that would be asking a lot of any 2-3 year old, right?

I don't want him chewing up any of my stuff, I'll be more than happy to supply him with toys (I can creatively think and make up some toys as well). Think I can teach him that and prevent him from ripping my room to shreds? I can make tons of foraging toys etc, whatever it takes for him not to go after my stuff and especially the electrical cords.

Parrots find electrical cords irresistable. Mine does, Salty makes a bee line to any exposed cords. And parrots chew, especially wood, but in a pinch, plastic, cloth, basically anything that passes the tounge test and they find interesting gets chewed.

So that leaves his cage all day while you are at work. Are you going to come home and interact with your grey for the entire time your home, til bedtime? Greys who don't get the time with their flock, you, can develop all kinds of physical (plucking) and psychological ( screaming, etc, even insanity) problems. They are that intellegent.

5. How energetic are they? I'm grown up but a kid at heart, I love to goof around and play. How much of that can they handle?

Like others have said, greys often are not hands on, rough house kind of birds. Not trying to put you off getting one, but greys and cockatoos are special kinds of parrots. They are SO smart, it takes a special kind of owner to provide a rich, loving and fulfilling life for them.

Several things I would mention as some others already have.

1. African Grays aren't really cuddly in my opinion. Although after almost two years mine does like to have her head rubbed (sometimes). She will usually tell me when and tell when she wants to be left alone. This is going to vary from bird to bird, but if cuddling is important I would look at another species of parrot.

2. Parrots chew anything they can reach. Not sure there is anything else I can say on that subject.

3. My gray is slow to accept new experiences and toys, however, watching my kids and I helps to get her to accept new things. Be prepared for your CAG to want to play with what you are using instead of her toys since she sees her "flock" playing with their computer, pillow, phone, coffee mug, pens, (I could go on all day)... Whatever I have in my hands she is more interested in then what I provide for her to play with.

4. Be ready for the bird to antagonize the dog. Mine likes to sneak up and nip the dogs if I don't scold her in time. I can't leave them in the same room without watching constantly. It will only take one time for the dog to get upset and kill the bird. (My dogs are well trained, but if backed into a corner and provoked any dog will retaliate.)

Definitely great birds, and even though my first and only parrot is an African Gray I'm not sure they are the best starter birds. The good news is you have lots of friendly parrot owners here to help with questions and problems that you might encounter. And the interaction with your parrot will make up for the lengths you have to go to to keep them and your house safe.

Thanks for the replies, you guys make a lot of sense!

Dogs and parrots, not a good idea also. Dog (and cat and even human) saliva is bad and even fatal to parrots.

Click to expand...

Ah, true! I totally forgot about the saliva since they do grab food but some will fall away from their mouth and back into the bowl. I'm not too sure what to do about this then since my dog as always had food available to him. There's also a water bowl that is always available for the dog as well. Hm....


I'm also guessing many of those funny youtube videos about parrots playing with dogs and cats is a really bad idea? Since dogs and cats lick themselves to stay clean, especially cats, and the parrot can be seen invading the other pets bowls or nipping off strands of hair....does this mean that they were all doing their parrots a huge disfavor in actuality?

I still need to read up on it, but is it that serious of a problem? Human and dog saliva for them?

Parrots find electrical cords irresistable

Click to expand...

What is a good reaction to give my bird should I catch him in the act?

Is there anyway to deter them from biting it? Like maybe rubbing some kind of bad tasting thing around the cord or some kind of deterrent, I don't know what, but one that'll make them realize "cords taste bad!" or something like that. My room just has way too many stuff lying around, many I can clean but the cords are going to be there in abundance since I have a tv, game systems, and computer right there. I got to find a way to make them not wanna go after cords....

Are you going to come home and interact with your grey for the entire time your home, til bedtime?

Click to expand...

Yep, I'm not much of a people person so I hang out and play with my pets all day if I don't have work to do. Watch tv and have my parrot perched on my shoulders or cuddled in my arms so I really do wish I end up getting a cuddly one, I'll definitely work hard and try to make him one. I'm extremely patient and easy going, so I'll work on that and hopefully we'll bond well.

African Grays aren't really cuddly in my opinion

Click to expand...

I'm going to be truthful and say I'd be somewhat disappointed if he ends up being a bird that just watches from afar all day and avoids me. I handled the parrot in the store and the first thing I did was rub his neck, pat his back, and in a sense, try to cuddle him. But it was hard to tell since the bird was still new to me and I could only be in there under supervision from the store owner, I didn't have enough time. He did seem very inquisitive and did let me pet him on his neck, but was of course still standoffish. I've since have only handled him once, but I plan to come back soon to play with him some more and get to know him.

I was planning to get another bird, but I wanted a sizable one. Cockatoos seemed a bit too crazy and loud for me and the macaws were way too big. The smaller parrots seem to have some that were known to be cuddly like green cheeks, but as I've mentioned, I wanted something sizable to pet.

So I honestly didn't know what to get. Cockatiels, I heard, are very dusty and that might cause me some allergy issues. Greys have some dander/dust issue, but I heard not as much.

I wanted to borrow the bird for a week to try but they didn't let and that's understandable, couldn't find a place that would do that.

So yeah, that's how I went and got a Grey Parrot.



FORGOT:

I had one question I almost forgot to ask. I read this:

Don’t get in the habit of stroking your pet bird all the way down its backside. This can trigger your pet bird's hormones , which can lead to regurgitated offerings, nest-site seeking and construction, territorial behavior and egg laying. Limit petting to the pet bird’s head and cheek and don’t go below the nape of the neck.

Click to expand...

Is that true for African Greys?

One guy on here uses cable raceways to put all his electric cords, etc in. Those are hard plastic covers, but you still need to cover the areas near to the actual sockets. Nothing I know of that tastes bad will deter parrots, if you find something, you will make a fortune, that's a big problem for some folks. .

May I suggest volunteering at a parrot rescue in your area, to get a better idea of what each species is is like. Sounds like a smaller amazon species, similar to Salty, may be a better fit for you. They generally self entertain, have a better tolerance for handling, though not great, can talk, love head scratches, and generally are not as introspective as greys. Not one of the bigger amazons, or the hot 3
( yellow nape, double yellow head, blue front), they can be a handfull.
If the whole cuddly parrot thing is that important, reconsider the conures. They are the only ones I've read about that do things like climb into your shirt to fall asleep, lay in your hand and like it; stuff like that. Well, them and macaws.. NOT a good first bird choice.

Dogs, cats and birds (and human saliva). Afraid it's true. Even the stuff inside your nose (blech) carries bacteria for which birds have no defense for, and can prove fatal. One parrot board I know of forbids those kind of pictures and videos, specifically because it gives newbies the idea that that kind of interaction is safe for both animals. Its one reasons why Salty does not have floor privilegdes. Our cairne terrier,
Tinker, ignores him, but Salty would try to bite her given the chance, and then who knows what would happen. Not happening.

Stroking your parrot. Also true, but that's after your parrot has reached maturity 1 to 4 years or longer depending on the species. Best is to scratch against the feather growth from the back of the neck forward to the top of the head. Pretty much all parrots , except the Eccletus parrots, love that.

Grey's are pretty dusty, almost as much as a 'too. More then a cockatiel.

Baby's are nothing like juvenile or grown parrot , in temperment.

Honestly, if you have already paid for this grey, tell the seller that you changed your mind, that upon consideration, this would not be a good match, and can they apply funds twords a different kind of parrot. It won't be fair to you, who will dissaponted, and certainly not fair to the parrot, who can't help being what he is.

Ask more questions here, we'll help you get the kind of parrot who will be a lifetime buddy, who you'll love more then any dog or cat (no offense to the dog and cat owners here), and who will be a happy, engaged and loving companion.

Just food for thought regarding greys. I've had them for most of my adult life and am ever-fascinated with this species. They are extremely intelligent and all greys need their "me" time where they are obviously basking in the glory of us, their groveling servants.

Each bird is an individual, mine have always been accustomed to handling but they have all let me know when they don't want to be touched. However, they have always made it clear they feel deeply and love being part of the family. They have dinner with us, enjoy head scritches, and even learn to lie on their backs in my hands. It takes a lot of time, patience, and learning on our part. I'm always asking others about training techniques, learning more.

They are fascinating, smart, and need a lot of mental and emotional interaction. They also need to be socialized early to multiple family members and friends so they don't become overly bonded with one person.

The problem with cats and dogs is that they can sometimes cohabit very successfully but because of the saliva thing (and a swipe with a recently washed claw is as dangerous as a tooth) it only takes one accident to put the bird's life in danger. Lots of us do have both but even if they appear to get on it's safer to keep them at arm's length and never leave them unsupervised.

Lots of the youtube clips of birds and cats together really make me wince.

Guys is this real or a wind up???

Nothing I know of that tastes bad will deter parrots, if you find something, you will make a fortune

Click to expand...

Hmm...that I will do. If I find anything interesting, I'll let you guys in on it or ask you about it in case I'm unsure.

If the whole cuddly parrot thing is that important, reconsider the conures

Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm thinking about it now. I'll be terribly busy this week, but as soon as things settle down, I'm planning to go back to that store and double evaluate (hands on) and see if I should/could. I've already put half of the bird's cost into the deposit which can't be refunded back (store credit only) so I don't know. I do like how the greys are being carefully kept and weaned, doubt I can expect better from another breeder. They refuse to let me bring it home until they've done their full job weaning it. I put the deposit payment because the price was comparatively on the low side and one other person already bought it while I waited to decide and there was only one grey left.

Guess I have to lower my expectations in the cuddling department.

If I'm desperate for animal cuddling later, in a year or two, I might come back and get a green cheek.

I tend to have depression spells where I just gotta hold onto something
And I'm a loner when it comes to human interaction. Pets don't make me feel bad like people do.

Grey's are pretty dusty, almost as much as a 'too. More then a cockatiel.

Click to expand...

Crap.....I don't know how I got the idea that they were less dusty. Just did more searches on that. I don't think I have an allergy to their dust 'cause it seems to be okay when I played with the grey. Perhaps if I vacuum a lot. My room is a carpet room (I can't stand hardwood floors).

I'd definitely get a conure, but I just prefer a bigger bird like a grey. Now if there was a giant variety of green cheek conures, we'd all be happy haha.

They have dinner with us, enjoy head scritches, and even learn to lie on their backs in my hands

Click to expand...

You brought up something interesting. When I'm home, I plan to leave the cage open so he can run around and hang with me. However, I also tend to bring food in, eat and watch tv etc. My room is my hangout zone. Do you guys eat with the parrot running freely around you? If you do, how do you prevent them from going after your food? I would think if you're able to find a way to keep them away from your food, maybe that can help somewhat with the wire biting issue as well.

Stroking your parrot. Also true, but that's after your parrot has reached maturity 1 to 4 years or longer depending on the species

Click to expand...

Can I have my hand over its back like a pat instead of a stroke?
Never knew about it either, wow, that's interesting to find.

Lots of the youtube clips of birds and cats together really make me wince.

Click to expand...

One parrot board I know of forbids those kind of pictures and videos, specifically because it gives newbies the idea that that kind of interaction is safe for both animals

Click to expand...

Haha, I've been thoroughly enjoying those videos too. Wow, to now find that it was that dangerous and irresponsible all along.

I laughed hard about that one video clip where there was this cat that looked extremely depressed. A grey creeping by sideways and had it's right leg out and held onto the cats head so that it looks like the grey was doing a split. Then it leaned down and stared at the cat right in the eye. The cat had the biggest "I hate my life, kill me now" look.

I wanted a larger, cuddlier bird as well and knew a Cockatoo was not the best for me because of their loudness and attention required. I was thinking seriously about a grey. I had s GCC in the past and just decided that I was going to stick with a Conure species because I enjoy their cuddly and playful nature. Just food for thought.

If you're considering a conure instead, remember there are species other than Green Cheeks since you seem to be concerned about size. There are other easily obtainable conures that are almost twice the size. Still a small bird though. But as far as the size or the heft of how the animal feels in your hands, if it's smaller, then you will get used to it. It shouldn't bother you if the other characteristics you are looking for are there.

Even in the "cuddiler" species, some are not. To have the highest chances of getting a bird who enjoys the hands on interaction, you'd most likely need to get a well socialized hand raised baby from someone who has spent enough time socializing and handling the bird. Or a rehomed adult who is used to that sort of handling already.

You're on the right track on here asking questions. The amount of parrot knowledge on here is crazy and all are really, really trying to help you (because they want the best for the parrot, and you being well informed is what's best for him/her).

My mini macaw is not the cuddliest guy in the world, but he still craves interaction. He likes his head scratched, gives tons of "kisses", and talks to me all the time.

I am lucky in that he does not leave his cage/play area ever and can be left out of his cage when I'm at work. I don't think this is usual, and I've still "parrot proofed" the room as best I can.

I am confused if you meant keeping you parrot in the bathroom or just taking him in there when you are there. Keeping him in there is not a good idea. He wants to be where he can see you, where he can see people. Isolating him by himself can lead to problems.

While the greys I've seen weren't big on being held, they were very interactive and talked up a storm. They used words in context, like telling customers leaving a store, "thank you, come again". I think you will get your interaction fix even if you don't have a cuddler.

The more you hold him and socialize him with others the better he will be with the whole deal.

Good luck and keep the questions coming. No dumb questions here.

I wouldn't really say a grey is a good "first bird" honestly. My first was a green cheek conure that I rescued, then parakeets, then an amazon.

I now have three amazons, two greys, a conure and a cockatiel, all rescues. If you want a good mix of independent and sociable, I would honestly say go with a conure. Nandays and Blue Crowns are both great choices to consider.

Greys are extremely sensitive to change, including time of year, cage placement, routine, diet, you name it. Some handle it better than others.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 20? 30? Would you consider giving up your bird because your S/O didn't like it, or the bird doesn't like them? Do you want to have kids? My grey, Gonzo, was with his owner for nearly 18 years, though college and everything, until he got married and had kids. His owner gave up both his amazon, and Gonzo, because the wife told him to, and he was heartbroken over it.

My other grey, Tallulah, is about 5, and she simply became unhandleable by her owner. She's a mild plucker and so far I haven't been able to do anything about it, it can be heartbreaking. With me, she's a totally different bird besides the plucking, she's super affectionate and cuddly, whereas Gonzo is happy to sit with you, but don't pet me or I'll bite you. She's also not the greatest of talkers (yet!) but Gonzo is excellent and very clear.

I'm not trying to dissuade you in any way, but these are my experiences with rehomed greys, and you'll find them in shelters for the smallest of reasons.

Here's Tallulah giving herself a bath.
[ame="https://youtu.be/Zaa1K8HuBkI"]Tallulah giving herself a bath - YouTube[/ame]

And here's some of Gonzo talking. Sydney yells in this one, so volume warning!
[ame="https://youtu.be/-YDM1Gqrtz4"]Gonzo Talking - YouTube[/ame]

Thanks for the great replies everyone. So this is what I'm thinking of doing:

Sometime next week after I finish my work, I'm going to head over there. I'm primarily going to head over there and just handle my grey that I got and see about the allergy issues. I'm unsure, but the first time (last week) when I first played with my grey at the store, when I got back to work, I got a pretty bad headache. I'm unsure if this is because of the bird or because of the fumes that were coming from the machines that day at work. I want to double check that. Though I think it might be more from the machine or just me that day, because I've been in their shop a 3-4 times without issues before.

I would think somewhat smelling the bird would be a good way to test for allergies, what do you think?


Other than that, I'm just going to get the grey. The owner seems to be a good breeder that cares for the babies well and I'm expecting good results from it when it gets home with me. I'll just work hard from day one and try to socialize it well right from the start and hopefully it'll grow into the sociable, cuddly parrot that I'm looking for.

IF, in the future, that doesn't happen, I'll just go and get a conure or something like that.

As you guys have said, just because it's known to be cuddly doesn't mean it will and vice versa, a lot having to do with personality and how I take care of it, so switching might not solve it for me either.

If I have some allergic reactions, then I'll switch to conures since I hear they don't give off much dust, especially because they're significantly smaller.

But IF you end up with a non-cuddly individual which is highly likely especially upon sexual maturity, and then you get a conure or a species 'more likely' to be hands on for your cuddling needs, then the Grey will take a back seat? Greys are high maintenance animals, then with a conure, you'll have 2 to take care of.
The "I'm just going to get the Grey" in spite of all that you've mentioned... I swear I'm not trying to be mean, but I do see red flags, sorry.

Weezerj said:

Good luck and keep the questions coming. No dumb questions here.

Click to expand...

Eau d'troll is another thing entirely IMO!

Yes, smelling the bird would very likely trigger any allergies if there are any. You might want to travel with a good antihistamine in case the reaction is stronger than you expect.

You've received lots of good advice, so far. If you earnestly consider all that was said, I think you should be in a good position to give your Grey a good and loving home.

To address some of the concerns you mentioned earlier in the thread, yes, a bird can be conditioned to avoid chewing on certain objects throughout the house. Even to the point where, after MUCH repetition and consistency, incidents will happen few and far between.

BUT...

They NEVER get to the point where you can safely rely on that training. Chewing things is just part of their nature. So this is why your bird should always be supervised when out of his cage.

Both of my ekkies are fully flighted (Though only one regularly takes advantage of this fact), and are station (stay put) trained. The station training is convenient. But I never leave the room while they're out for more than a handful of seconds at a time. Maybe a minute or so at the most. And I always keep an ear out for the telltale flapping of wings so I know if anyone has left their playstands. (Though in Jolly's case, the flapping usually means he's gone looking for me and I'll feel him landing on my shoulder soon enough.)

If I ever have to leave the room for an extended period of time, I put them back in their cages until I come back. Are the chances very high that they would cause some trouble while I was gone? Honestly? No. My two are very well behaved. But on the off chance that they did, the consequences could be catastrophic... and not at all worth the simple convenience of not having to cage them while I'm gone. Know what I mean?

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk