Need advice badly - baby African Grey

[caiquehead]

Unlike many of you wonderful and talented people, I am a "one parrot at a time" person. I have had caiques for 20 years. My first, Elmo, a BHC is 20 years old and living with my husband. My second, Kiki, a WBC, passed away in November at the age of 8. A rare viral condition.
Since bringing my first caique (20 years ago) into my life, I have aged. I am now retired (58 years old). My youngest daughter will be moving out of the house in July. So...empty nest syndrome. My 15 year old beloved canine companion also left me in October.
I adored my caiques. Energetic little sweeties.
I do not want to live alone, without my daughter, without my dog, without my parrot (my husband and I do not live together). I was not built to live alone, I am a very nurturing person, raised two very well-adjusted children and two very well-adjusted caiques.
I find myself longing for the company of a CAG. Have been researching and learning for the past 6 weeks. I am well aware that CAGs are the polar opposite of caiques, however, I want a parrot companion that I can nurture, guide and develop a deep emotional and intellectual connection with. I have interviewed a few breeders in my extended area (I live in Montreal, Canada) and I connected with only one. A hobby breeder who does not churn out birds.
I believe that my future CAG will out-live me, so, one of the clauses in the pre-adoption (sales) agreement that I have put in, which is absolutely non-negotiable is, that in the event of my death, or that I become so ill that I can no longer provide my bird with it's inherent social and physical needs, is that he will take back my bird and foster her (or keep her), until an ideal home has been found.
I strongly believe that my responsibility to my CAG does not end at my death, hence the "insurance policy" for her continued well being.
Here come the question: does anybody out there think that I am getting a CAG for the wrong reason? Essentially, I want a companion to live with until my death (sounds morbid, but I am being realistic). It is true, that I am filling the void left by the loss of my dog, my caique and my daughter. However, I feel that I have so much more to give in my life and I need a place to put that empathy and compassion.

Your responses are greeted with joy. Positive or negative. Please weigh in.
And...yes this is all part and parcel of my soul-searching/research that I am conducting.

I look forward to your responses!

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Sure get what you want!!! Honestly I think theirs a small percentage that live to their life expectancy. Im 44 and you see all my birds . I plan on having a Macaw my entire life

 

[JerseyWendy]

I applaud you for thinking this through so very thoroughly, for doing all the research, and for going as far as thinking and planning beyond the living years! BRAVO!

No, I don't think you are wanting to get a companion parrot (CAG) for the wrong reasons at all. I think you will be able to provide a VERY loving and nurturing home for your future baby!

 

[greytness]

Unlike so many parrot owners, you are in the minority for thinking things through and planning for your baby's future once you're no longer able to care for him. Why not take the plunge? This is a win/win decision in my opinion.

Now go get your baby!

 

[greytness]

May I also add that I didn't get my first bird until I was 56. Now I have 9, and I'm 59! My birds have all been added into my will, along with my 4 German Shepherds.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi really great to see you are giving owning a CAG serious thought. I agree with Pinkbirdy above also. BTW would you consider re-homing one instead of getting a baby? One that is older may solve some of the problems you talk of. Too many go through too many homes throughout their lifetime for various reasons and need good homes. Don't know if you have given this any thought or how hard or easy it would be to do in Montreal?

 

[Lullx]

I was going to suggest the same thing as Plum's mum! Rehoming an older parrot can be such a rewarding experience. They'll need just as much nurturing as a baby, if not more. One of my birds is a rescue, and he is such a charming and gentle little conure.

I don't think you're getting a grey for any wrong reasons! I'm 22 and did buy a baby from a small breeder, with the intent of living my life with her by my side. I can't have children, so I have birds instead!
It wasn't until after I had fallen in love with my little Nilly at the aviary that I realized how bad the rescue situation is for parrots. Otherwise I would have sought out a grey who needed a new home instead of buying a baby from a breeder. With that being said, seeing my young grey grow up has been such a remarkable experience and I can't say I regret my decision to buy her.

Either way, I know you'll have so much love to give, and that is a perfect reason for bringing home a grey. Ever since I brought Nilly home in June, every single day has been a surprise and she has never failed to make me laugh. She now laughs along with me
You're going to have so much fun with your grey! They are so clever and funny.

 

[MikeyTN]

Adopting one would be a great idea like it was mentioned in above post. More for you to nurture. There's many unwanted birds that needs love and care we can give.

We're putting in the will that in the case of both of us deceased that the sell of the house and all of the insurance policy and bank account will be used towards our animals. We're going to will them to a family of ours that we know that will take good care of them and they wouldn't have to worry about the cost.