really thinking about rescuing a grey (long)

[god61021]

So a funny thing happened to me today, I went to a petstore thats run by kind of a friend of mine, looking for a pionus book and stopped to visit the stores two african greys, and when I looked into their eyes it was like I knew what they were thinking!
I can tell you what a dog is going to do next just by looking at its eyes but Ive never really understood big parrots.
The first one has been in the store the longest and is beautiful. he climbed down and walked to the back of the cage to get away from my wife. from the look he gave her I could tell he was friendly he just didnt want her towering over him so I bent down and he walked over and bent down for scratches. I could tell this was the calm, observant, poised gentleman of the two. it was also clear he was not afraid to bite if someone made it nessacary.

The second one was the ugliest thing Ive ever seen ; nothing but down feathers on its body and 3 red pin feathers sticking out of its butt. when I looked into his eyes I could instantly tell he was the trouble maker in the group. heres this semi-naked bird in a cage that was way too small and dirty and he never gets to leave it, but from the look in his eyes you could tell he thought life was great and I was gonna be his next source of entertainment. you could almost see the smile when he bent down for scratches watchin me out the corner of his eye. then you could almost see him calculating his next move when I didnt fall for it. It seemed fairly clear to me this guy feather picks because hes bored.

now my wife frequently says Im full of crap so maybe Im way off, but I really felt that I understood these two, who they were and what they needed.
unfortunately the owner says they are not for sale because they are the stores pets. (I would name them Dr.Frankenstein and Igor)

I have rescued dozens of pitbulls over the years. they are an awesome breed and I really connect with them mentally.
Im staring to think of greys as the pitbulls of the parrot world. everyone wants one but few can care for them properly and as a result they are one of the most common birds in shelters.
so now I need to figure out how to get over my fear of large birds and see if I can prepare myself to rescue one of these amazing birds.

 

[MacawGuy]

U just have to start handling them in be around them more.

 

[god61021]

my problems going to be taking a serious bite and reacting properly, im not quite ready for that yet. I would never hurt the bird but i would probably scream like a girl, which of course the bird would love and presto new game created.lol.
I have proven to those around me that I dont feel pain and am pretty much fireproof so im not sure why getting bit by a parrot scares me so much. Ive done worse to myself in the name of fun.

 

[Grenage]

Birds definitely sense that kind of trepidation, and it seems to make them more prone to bite. Be that down to a perceived game, or exercising authority, I won't pretend to anthropomorphise.

Our conure is nippy, I just assume I'm going to be bitten, and carry on regardless. It probably hurts a bit more with the bigger birds.

 

[greycloud]

I love how you talk about what you see in their eyes. I have 3 greys and have fostered and rescued several. They are such magical creatures! Looking into their eyes hypnotizes me. They surely are extremely intelligent and mine can convey their feelings and desires verbally to me.
I do want to point out that Cockatoos and macaws are the species most found in rescues. This is do to noise level and requirements. Greys follow closely, usually do to plucking issues and dust as well as being labeled "phobic".
I hate when greys are labeled phobic! The problem is they are not understood by their owners. Being such intelligent birds they need to be approached with the understanding that they regard their space as theirs. Respecting them and their desires will give you a wonderful relationship.
As far as bites are concerned. Just remember that every bird has the ability to bite, and they will. Some of the worst bites I have received were from tiny budgies and parrotlets. Many birds will give physical warnings that a bite is forth coming. Eyes pin, tails flare, ruffled neck feathers and slightly lifted wings to appear bigger.
Greys have a very sneaky approach! It is called the "bait and switch." The bow those lovely silver, ruffled heads, slightly lift a foot as if asking for a scritch and come hither look. Then BAM!! Does it hurt? Sure it does. Is it the end of the world? Nope. I have never had a grey hang on intensely during a bite. They nip and release.
So my suggestion to you is to spend some time with greys. The tiny bit of hurt in the beginning is well worth the love in the long run!

This is Sterling a 25+ yo retired wild caught CAG I rehomed. He has never bitten me, ever! He was never handled. In the pic he is testing my finger. There was no pressure. You can see his eyes are pinned. He is a bit cautious and on alert as this was his first time out of his cage on the play stand.

 

[PortaPerch]

The eyes have it. Seems like no other animal has the penetrating eyes of a grey.

Get me outta' here! (Yellowstone)