Owning an African Grey

[Snidely]

I have done a lot of reading in the past few days and I have found that I am very attracted to the idea of owning an African Grey.
I have a couple of misgivings, however.
First is the cage size. My cage measures 22" x 22" (inside dimensions). This seems to be a little smaller than is recommended for a Grey. Can I get away with it?
Second is powder. I have breathing problems (not asthma) but I get short of breath very easily. This has improved somewhat since I quit smoking. Has anyone had this problem. Will an air filter help?
I expect to leave the cage open to allow the bird some freedom and I'll install perches through the apartment.
Any thoughts?

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I have allergies which were further irritated by parrot dust, however I now have two small air purifiers: one next to his cage, and one in my bedroom; and not only do they compensate for feather dust but my preexisting seasonal allergies are nearly non-existent while I'm at home.

I'm using Hamilton Beach TrueAir filters - they're small, affordable, and they work great, though any HEPA filter should work. When I looked into buying them I was faced with choices of all these 'ionic' this and that or UV purifying gadgets which were way too expensive, and upon doing some research they seemed to be all hype (and some of them even potentially unhealthy). HEPA filters are the way to go.


As far as cage size, yes, that is on the small size - though it does depend on how long he would be in the cage. If he is only in there to sleep this MIGHT be okay (though still small). If he has to be in the cage while you go off to work or run longer errands on a regular basis then you would need a bigger cage.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

You can, of course, also minimize any bird-dust by keeping them on a healthy diet, active, regularly bathed (or misted), and vacuuming/dusting regularly.

Bird dust is a problem for a few people, but in the vast majority of cases it is highly manageable. Perhaps you can visit a few pet stores that have birds and just walk around for a while to see if it bothers you. If not you are in the clear as the store will be worse than what you will face with one bird in a well kept home. If it does affect you then gauge the degree - as already said those conditions should be significantly worse than in a well kept home with one or two birds.

 

[Spiritbird]

Speaking from one who is the guardian for an African Grey AD is correct. I only have one air filtration system near the cage, dust frequently and mist or shower the bird. Have you read up on them? They have hi maintenance needs like your time and patience. My littie Rosie is now 8 months old and so loving. Always puts her head down for a tickle. She is not talking yet but does some mean whistles and cat meows. I am glad you decided on an AG. They are awesome! Hope you get one from a breeder and not a pet store.
Also I suggest Harrison pellets. The breeders usually start them out on seed so you will have to change over. Yes, your cage is too small. The Timneh species is smaller than the Congo. Let us know please what happens. Thanks

 

[Snidely]

The bird will only be in the cage for sleep. I expect him to be out for the rest of the time or when he is outside in the summer.