Congo african grey

[mandy92886]

I need help, I have been looking and looking for any tame non abused CAG to adopt. I would love to have a baby, I really don't even care. I am married and have been married for 21 yrs. I am a mom with 4 kids, 2 in college and 2 in high school. No one has time for me anymore, so now I want to have a social conversation with a bird. I work from home and I am home ALL the time. I am looking and looking but I can only find adds that are really scams! then you find an add and they are asking retail for a bird they have locked up in a cage for 15+ years and is ready to draw blood. Does anyone know what I can do or what I should do? I just turned 40, I don't want anymore kids!!!! I have an old dog that rather stay outside and snore all day. I am located in north Orange county, California... I will drive anywhere with in reason. I refuse to have any animal shipped to me, I don't mind hand feeding a baby if I had to.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Just because a parrot has been abused doesn't mean it doesn't want/crave/deserve love. If you have the time to put into a parrot some of the worst abused ones can be the most loving companions.

I know I have 2 rescues in my living room right now. 1 is the most loving affectionate companion you could ever dream of having and 1 is working on it (he's only been with me for a little over 2 weeks, so we have some work to do, but he is starting to come around already)

Just because a bird has been abused doesn't mean they can't learn to trust again, it just takes time, effort, and patients.

Also, just because you buy a baby bird doesn't mean it will be a sweet affectionate adult parrot. You get out of them what you put into them, just like children.

 

[itchyfeet]

Have you had much to do with parrots before? There are clear advantages to rescues, but also clear advantages to starting with a baby and if you don't have the confidence or skill base to handle a rescue, then chances are you'll rehome that poor bird too. Not saying you shouldn't do it, or that I disagree with Amanda, just saying that in fairness to the bird, you'll need to be super confident.

Are you fully set on a Grey? Ideally you could visit a local actual rescue, just not craigslist adverts. It could give you the skills in handling difficult parrots, and insight into other species. You might surprise yourself and bond with a parrot there

Don't handfeed. If you take the baby route, go fully weaned. Don't risk it.

Reading your situation, it sounds like it's potentially an awesome time to be looking into a parrot. You're motherly by nature and need something to mother! They are toddler like. Their social, nutritional and engagement requirements are really quite similar. In fact, both my mother in law and I both purchased our parrots as toddlers left our lives - she owned a daycare that sold - my children are school age. The more you put it, the happier, more responsive your baby will be.

I think, whatever you decide on, as long as you're willing to seek advice, stay open minded and learn you'll be fine.

 

[mandy92886]

I never re homed any animal, I am loyal to my animal, kids....etc
I know you can regain the trust of an animal, problem is when you have to have stitches in your hands not once but 4 times. You lose trust in your animal, you take a step back and give him his room. I am asking help and opinions not to get bashed because I have a bird that was abused and I am so tired of bleeding and getting attacked. I will NOT rehome the bird I have because that's the last thing he needs. I am wanting a parrot that I can handle, I don't mind a rescue.

 

[itchyfeet]

I'm sorry you've had a rough run. What kind of parrot was that? No one's bashing you or saying you would rehome - as I said, it sounds like now could be ideal - we're just trying to help you find ways to discover your perfect fid.

http://animal-shelters.find-near-me.info/in/yorba-linda-ca I'm on the other side of the world, so no help with breeders specifically, and I know how painful the wait and search could be. A quick google brought these places up, could help?

 

[Newbsi]

A Grey was the first parrot I thought I wanted. You mentioned talking. Not all greys will talk. The clarity of the Greys that do is great. There are other species that speak well also. Is there a avian rescue near you where you could go visit, just to get the experience of handling different birds? I wish I had done that before I got my baby. Do as I say, not as I do LOL!
I am a VERY new Parront that has 4 kids, 2 in college and 2 in elementary school. You will get great advice here... these people are kinda great (don't tell them I said that, we wouldnt want it going to their head)

 

[itchyfeet]

Check out IRN's as well. Newsbi want's one of those too
Full on, hilarious little things with amazing potential. Henry says: Whatya doing? gentle, bye bye, peek a boo, peekapeekapeeka, whoopsadaisy, weee! and can whistle like my phone, chirp like my 'tiel and bark like my dog. I went looking for a grey or IRN, and found my IRN first.
They have their own special set of behaviours and moments, but maybe you'll find a parrot faster if you lengthen your shortlist?

 

[mandy92886]

I have an African grey, I got him for my husband 10yrs ago. I paid $1200 for a 20+yr old rescue that was suppose to be tame. Well I should seen all the red flags when I went to get him. They used a wooden stick and towel to put him in the cage. I asked why and the lady said her skin was so thin that she bleeds easy. Well I got him home and omg!!!! he is a wonderful talker but he will come after you! so I called the lady and she told me it takes time. Well after 1 month still crazy attacks, biting, will not let anyone touch him. I called her back and she told me it was simply my problem now. Well 10 yrs later he is still our problem, we love him from a distance. He has the biggest cage, Play gym and he is not locked up. only problem is, I can not touch him! I can not take him out side unless I haul that huge cage out side, I cant take him in bed with me, I cant take him in my office. I cant do anything with him unless I sit in the living room all day. He is happy and content.... so moving on, I do not mind getting a rescue, I just don't want to pay retail for something I can not physically touch and bond with. I have made that mistake and I know they are not all like Houdini (my attack CAG) but I really have the motherly instinct and like to baby a bird. I use to have a Quaker that was a big baby, that was years ago. I really have been traumatized with Houdini and he is an expensive drama parrot.

 

[itchyfeet]

I have an African grey, I got him for my husband 10yrs ago. I paid $1200 for a 20+yr old rescue that was suppose to be tame. Well I should seen all the red flags when I went to get him. They used a wooden stick and towel to put him in the cage. I asked why and the lady said her skin was so thin that she bleeds easy. Well I got him home and omg!!!! he is a wonderful talker but he will come after you! so I called the lady and she told me it takes time. Well after 1 month still crazy attacks, biting, will not let anyone touch him. I called her back and she told me it was simply my problem now. Well 10 yrs later he is still our problem, we love him from a distance. He has the biggest cage, Play gym and he is not locked up. only problem is, I can not touch him! I can not take him out side unless I haul that huge cage out side, I cant take him in bed with me, I cant take him in my office. I cant do anything with him unless I sit in the living room all day. He is happy and content.... so moving on, I do not mind getting a rescue, I just don't want to pay retail for something I can not physically touch and bond with. I have made that mistake and I know they are not all like Houdini (my attack CAG) but I really have the motherly instinct and like to baby a bird. I use to have a Quaker that was a big baby, that was years ago. I really have been traumatized with Houdini and he is an expensive drama parrot.

Fair enough! Good on you for sticking with him, and for still loving parrots :O
Again, on the wrong side of the world to be of any real help, but good luck in finding your baby.

 

[Newbsi]

Check out IRN's as well. Newsbi want's one of those too

YEP!!! I DO ... here are a couple of my fav videos....
[ame="https://youtu.be/iB52iP2a_MY"]https://youtu.be/iB52iP2a_MY[/ame]


[ame="https://youtu.be/MNEIByUh_zw"]https://youtu.be/MNEIByUh_zw[/ame]

[ame="https://youtu.be/ccG3uGsky8M"]https://youtu.be/ccG3uGsky8M[/ame]

 

[mandy92886]

I have been thinking about the DYH as well, yes the IRN are so adorable. I will have to looking them too I think. thank you for your help... I guess I really love Houdini's personality that's why I wanted another CAG, I love the way they are. But I do really like the social aspect of the DYH too. I just need some one to guide me where to look, I have not found any rescues that seem like they want to actually adopt out any parrots. I have found 2 that ask for money to fill out the application, then after you go through a interview, then a 2nd interview with the family and then home inspection. I was denied by both places because I have kids... hahaha I was shocked because my kids are all older. 20yr, 19yr, 16yr and 14yr, and its a non refundable fee. it just seems like everyone wants money, no one really cares about the animal. These rescues act like they are just hoarding parrots. I know they are not all like that but this is what I have experienced myself, maybe it is just me.

 

[DexMom]

If there are any rescues around you, perhaps volunteer to come in and help them care for the parrots without asking about adoption up front. It will give you a chance to interact with some of the birds and give the rescue operator a chance to get to know you and see your nurturing side. Then, after they get to know you a bit, they'll see you with a different set of eyes than the average Joe that contacts them for a parrot. They must get so many requests that they have to screen so carefully in order to make sure they are placing birds with a family that they won't end up getting it back in 6 months.

 

[LeaKP]

Food for thought. CAGs are not generally cuddly although they can cuddle on their terms when they want. They almost have cat like traits. The Greys that I've had have been excellent companions, want head scritches and to sit with you and talk with you and love treats. Just my thoughts.

 

[OOwl]

That's strange you can't find any tame, adult Greys. I was just offered a 10-year-old very tame, super healthy, fully feathered, and socialized Grey because the owners were moving in with their adult child, who wouldn't allow them to have a bird. They just wanted him to have a good home, obviously loving their birds very much but needing housing due to their own health issues. They didn't want money at all for their birds. I didn't feel like I could add another bird to my flock but I helped them find a good home for their birds (wish I would have known you were looking) through my bird club. So, they're out there. I think you just need to keep networking. Maybe join your local bird club or place an ad in the very places you're looking and be patient. You're already aware of the fake ads, so I'm sure you know how to avoid those. There was also a girl on here recently that was going to buy a bird from a breeder there in California. He proved to be really ethical when he returned her deposit when she suddenly had to leave the country. That breeder also sells Greys occasionally. He's listed on the birdbreeders website.

I also wanted to say I really understand about the transition when your kids leave home and have less time for and need mom less. It really is comforting to have a flock of forever-kids to lavish your care on. I'm sure there's a disadvantaged Grey out there that will be a perfect match for you. Keep looking. Can't wait to read your post when you have added a Grey (or another great parrot) at home.

 

[mandy92886]

Thank you all for your thoughts and support, I will keep looking. I am not giving up, I am also going to widen my search and drive up to 200 miles to find the perfect companion. I know what ever and who ever I get will need work, but I also know I am not going to adopt anyone I can not at least touch. I do not regret my African grey we got 10 yrs ago, he has been a huge lesson for my whole family. I has his space and he is like a old grandpa in the corner and we all get along. We know our place and he knows his. So this time I will be more picky. I will let everyone know what I end up getting, I really don't know if I want a baby? I am kinda going towards the older more mature age, but I know everyone will have there own set of problems. Thank you all again

 

[Birdman666]

Try Omar's Exotic Birds in Orange County...

OMAR'S Exotic Birds :: Parrots and Bird Supplies, Orange County and Santa Monica, CA

I lived in Huntington Beach for about seven years. Went to school down there. (Long Beach State, UCLA)

 

[mandy92886]

Yes, I go to Omar's all the time. They don't have any CAG or amazons right now. The last AF was just stollen last month. I have spoken to the ladies that work there. Nothing right now, so we wait.... I didn't really want to go the whole pet store route, I was trying to adopt a parrot from a previous owner so I can have some type of back ground. I would love to have an open adoption, to stay in contact with the previous owner. That would be my ideal situation.

 

[Birdman666]

Most of the CAGS that end up being rehomed tend to be pluckers... and that's the hardest thing of all to deal with... in terms of behavior modification.

 

[Kyoto]

If you want a really cuddly bird, have you ever thought about a conure? :3 I'm totally biased and in love with mine. She just fills my heart with joy. They are nippy, but with bite pressure training I feel they are truly amazing companions. They just want to be with you.

 

[IamJolyn]

There is a wonderful parrot rescue in Santa Barbara, CA. I know that is a bit of a drive for you. I used to live in Ventura. The people who run it are pretty awesome people. I believe the name is Birds of a Feather. You can walk through and see all the birds, and they will let you hold and interact with them, and they work with you to make sure you have the right bird. If you do happen to go, say hi to Scoby for me (aka Sinbad) he is a beautiful blue and gold that I would love to adopt.

Edit:
https://www.facebook.com/Birdsofafeatherrescue?fref=ts

There is their facebook page

Edit 2:
Okay, this is the rescue I have actually been too, sorry it has been a while!
https://www.facebook.com/sbbsbirds?fref=ts