Grey Headed Cape Question

[Vapor]

Hello this is my first post here.

I have the oportunity to give a home to a 10 yr. old grey headed cape. I'm wondering if there is anything i should be aware of (good or bad) to doing this vs getting a younger bird. This bird is at the breeder's but did not produce. The bird is far away from me so i wont be able to see her beforehand to ensure that we get along etc. Im somewhat concerned that given the age of the bird there could be challenges bonding, socializing or engrained behaviors? Any advice would be very appreciated.

 

[psychocircus91]

Your best source of information if from the breeder him/herself. Have you dealt with this breeder before? Do they have positive reviews?
Is this your first bird.

Most birds can develop a good relationship with a new owner at any stage in life, but your concerns are legitimate. It can certainly take more work and time, and can be challenging for a first time bird owner. The good news is, at ten, the puberty stage has passed.

Edit: And Welcome!!

 

[RavensGryf]

It sounds like this bird is one who the breeder was trying to breed, but didn't produce so he is selling the bird as a pet now?

I would definitely call the breeder and ask him every detail of how tame this bird is before making up your mind. The age is on the younger side and just fine if this is a socialized 'pet' bird. IMO, unless you are a person who is very experienced (not to mention very patient) working with wilder adult parrots, I'd pass. Even if you were, I'd not expect to be able to tame it down to the extent of a hand fed, hand raised parrot.

 

[Vapor]

Sounds like i will definately need to call the breeder and ask the questions you both have flagged. Thank you so much for your input! This would be my first parrot so i want to make sure the whole experince is a good one for both the bird and I. I'll report back when I know more.

 

[RavensGryf]

First parrot, IMHO you might want to take your time to see all that's out there, and be a little picky and not feel obligated to a certain one. Choose carefully.

Keep in mind, 'if' the breeder really wants to get this parrot out of his hands for whatever reason, he might make things sound a bit more attractive than they are. It's enough work gaining the trust and working with a handfed, hand raised baby, let alone an adult bird that is not used to being handled and living as a pet. A 10 year old who is not used to being a pet (but is used to humans) will not tame easily, and over much time, only to a certain point. If that's true, he's not a "pet". If it's a pet companion you're hoping for, you'll end up disappointed. With a parrot who was hand fed and raised to be a pet, you will have enough of a challenge as it is, but it is doable. You certainly don't need to get in over your head and disappointed with your first bird. I hope this doesn't sound harsh, just trying to help based on experience .

 

[Vapor]

I hope this doesn't sound harsh, just trying to help based on experience .

Not harsh at all! It has to be a win win for both the bird's best interests and our own personal expectations. Thank you for your candor!