Initial advice :)

[GT_Ridaz]

Hi guys,
I'm probably the newest member, so i wanna take the opportunity to say "HI" to everyone.

I have a big problem, my mother has Asthma, ever since she was little she got allergic to animals, dust, feathers. I was thinking about getting a Grey Parrot, because they are just too cute.The only way i could probably have it, is if i built a cage in the backyard and put it in there. I know these parrots need alot of human-bird time, and care, so i was planing to be around it alot. The only thing i wont be able to do is bring it in the house. I can build a huge cage, so size isnt a big deal.But i was concerned about the bird, if left alone for long hours in the cage, is that okay?
Winter: lowest temp = 10c
Summer: Highest = 50c
Yah i know its too hot, i can instal a cooling fan or something in the cage

So what do you guys think?

Alex

 

[Bobby34231]

Hi Alex and welcome to the forum, you didn't mention where your located, so not knowing a lot about the outdoor conditions where you are makes it a little harder to give good advice, 10C/50F to 50C/112F is a pretty big swing in temp variations, you would need to have a shaded area and a misting system for the hot weather and a shelter and heating system for the cooler weather in case it gets colder than the 10C degrees you stated, then there are other concerns, you'll have to have the bird out of the outdoor cage in order to have physical human interaction, where you live do you have birds of prey? eagles, hawks ect? or furry preditors such as raccoons, coyote's, dogs ect, then there is the concern of disease transmitting insects, mosquitos, mites, ticks ect, a lot of things to consider about having a pet bird outside, depending on how severe your mothers asthma is you might still be able to house the bird indoors if you have a room or part of the house you can dedicate to just the bird, with daily baths using a spray bottle and using a good air purifier with hepa filtration it can be accomplished, but that would be something for you and your family to decide, its just my opinion, but I think housing a pet bird outdoors fulltime wouldn't be fair to the bird.....

 

[DustyBZoo]

IMO not a good idea.

 

[_Cass_]

As bobby said, there are loads of things to take into considerarion.
If you are building the cage, it would need to be made out of non-rust non-toxic metal. And it would need shelter if it rained. Also, the parrot would need to come inside if (depending where you live) there is a hurricane, tornado, thunderstorm, tsunami.... etc. Conserning the bugs, you would need a to have a Mosquito Net around the outside of the cage. And with the weather.. like bobby said... misting system, heating system, cooling system, a fan... etc. You would also need a close-by vet, as I assume living outdoors can be a bit more dangerouse than inside.

Also the bird would not be able to come out of the cage unharnessed into the backyard because of predators (if there are some in your area), burglars would be an issue (depending where you live), and outside in the big world, if something scares him/her- away she flies!!!!!!!!!

Your heart is in the right place, but there are alot of things you need to think about... In my opinion, I think you should wait to get a bird until your older and have your own place.

 

[leomacaw]

1. Grey Parrots are well known of picking their feathers once they feel unhappy. Now you plan to put the cage in the backyard, the grey may feel lonely... then, its emotional problems will be aroused...

2. Temperature is a big thing here. I don't think parrots can be placed outdoor... Especially Grey Parrots...

Huh... sorry but I just don't want a Grey needs to be rehomed later...

 

[Ratzy]

Some parrots can be outside ( my budgies are outside, they get plenty of interaction and it is their natural climate ) but NOT AGs. I agree with all advice given. Are you new to parrots? If so, then maybe it would be wiser to start smaller. Jumping into greys can be very dangerous to the bird and to you. Also, I'm a bit concerned that you're getting a grey just because they 'look cute'.

 

[HRH Di]

I hate to say this, but I have to agree with other posters here, I don't think this is a good idea. Not only are the temperature fluctuations significant, but I think you may be over-estimating the amount of real interaction you'll be able to have. Unless you build an aviary that you can walk into, your parrot will have to be harness or clipped at all times. And the clipping will have to be monitored carefully, clipped birds will regain their flying ability without their guardians knowing and have been know to fly away.

I've only had my CAG for about 2 months, but already I know that she requires and deserves A LOT of attention. They are wonderful birds, but there are may be other species that would be a better fit for your location and lifestyle. Where are you? We may be able to make some suggestions.

 

[GT_Ridaz]

Hi Alex and welcome to the forum, you didn't mention where your located, so not knowing a lot about the outdoor conditions where you are makes it a little harder to give good advice, 10C/50F to 50C/112F is a pretty big swing in temp variations, you would need to have a shaded area and a misting system for the hot weather and a shelter and heating system for the cooler weather in case it gets colder than the 10C degrees you stated, then there are other concerns, you'll have to have the bird out of the outdoor cage in order to have physical human interaction, where you live do you have birds of prey? eagles, hawks ect? or furry preditors such as raccoons, coyote's, dogs ect, then there is the concern of disease transmitting insects, mosquitos, mites, ticks ect, a lot of things to consider about having a pet bird outside, depending on how severe your mothers asthma is you might still be able to house the bird indoors if you have a room or part of the house you can dedicate to just the bird, with daily baths using a spray bottle and using a good air purifier with hepa filtration it can be accomplished, but that would be something for you and your family to decide, its just my opinion, but I think housing a pet bird outdoors fulltime wouldn't be fair to the bird.....

Great Advice Bobby. I think having him in a room inside the house would be a better option of course.Maybe your right.If i used air filtration it could be accomplished. Well i guess i gotta wait and see.
Oh by the way, i live in Doha, Qatar. The only predators runing around is street cats lol

 

[GT_Ridaz]

Some parrots can be outside ( my budgies are outside, they get plenty of interaction and it is their natural climate ) but NOT AGs. I agree with all advice given. Are you new to parrots? If so, then maybe it would be wiser to start smaller. Jumping into greys can be very dangerous to the bird and to you. Also, I'm a bit concerned that you're getting a grey just because they 'look cute'.

Yes i am new to parrots. Not to birds however.
I'm a professional pigeon breeder. I know parrots require different attention, thats why i am posting here

 

[_Cass_]

Great Advice Bobby. I think having him in a room inside the house would be a better option of course.Maybe your right.If i used air filtration it could be accomplished. Well i guess i gotta wait and see.
Oh by the way, i live in Doha, Qatar. The only predators runing around is street cats lol

You new to Parrots though. Like the other posts said, if are new to partots, a CAG is a very bad choice for a beginner. They very easily start plucking, and get behavioral problems, etc. when not socialized properly. You may want to get a Conure instead. Something smaller and easier to take of than a CAG. I know from personal experience- all the Grey's that I hve fostered are ALOT OF WORK, and would be miserable outside.
You should start with a smaller parrot and work your way up.

 

[Erithacus]

My Friend's hand raised grey is left in an aviary outside the house. Her feathers are badly chewed. Grey is very sociable and love to be in the company of humans. IMO it is cruel to leave the bird alone in an aviary like my friend does.

 

[GT_Ridaz]

Okay made up my mind. I went today to most local pet stores to get an idea of prices and so on. I will get either a Parakeet or a Cockatiel for the time being, to see how my mother will react to those birds.I will also get an air purifier and see how that works. And i will just move from there.
Thanks all for the great advice & replies

alex

 

[Bobby34231]

Hey Alex, if you do get an air purifier try and get one with a HEPA filter, you want to stay away from the "ionizer" typer filters as they are known to make respiratory problems such as asthma worse, and they don't really work that well anyway......

 

[_Cass_]

Also, my dad has asthma and allergies and he does fine with my Conure, and other parrots just not Greys or 'Too's. They are both a bit more 'dusty' than other parrots.

 

[GT_Ridaz]

Hey Alex, if you do get an air purifier try and get one with a HEPA filter, you want to stay away from the "ionizer" typer filters as they are known to make respiratory problems such as asthma worse, and they don't really work that well anyway......

I'll be sure to do that , thanks

 

[greenbirdsf]

A Grey is too big of a commitment for someone in your situation, I am sad to say. For the bird's sake, wait until you have a home where you can properly house a parrot.

 

[greenbirdsf]

Glad to see that you opted for a smaller pet for now- perhaps an avian vet could advise you on which species produce less allergens. I would hate to see you get attached and them have to give up your new bird.