someone just gave me a grey!

[mellykyitus]

on monday afternoon i had a phone call from a friend who works in a petshop, she said that there was a guy in there that wanted to get rid of his african grey.
well a few hours later i went to his house and bought home parrot, he just gave her to me!
her name is fin and she's about 8 years old.
the man said he couldn't cope with the screaming anymore.
she is currently in quarantine in a small cage (she did have her cage but frankly i wouldn't let it in my house, its filthy and broken)!
she seems a little overweight, being fed a basic seed mix and cookies and marshmallows, but apart from that fine.
she steps up from her cage and goes back in without a problem and will sit on your shoulder when you're in her room. she is a sweetheart. i haven't heard any screaming (she can't be worse that Angel!!!)
the only thing is when you make loud noises she shouts "SHUT UP, SHUT UP YOU HORRIBLE BIRD, YOU'RE HORRIBLE" i think someone must have shook her cage cos she only says it when you banging or clonking about, but she says it with such hatred, i was nearly in tears!
well she's been good as gold (which is more than i can say for the rest of my fids) lol !!
she's even eating pellets and likes pomegrante and oranges best. here is a pic i took this morning...

i've never had a grey before so is there anyhting i need to know, and special dietry requirements etc. thanks

 

[Mayden]

Wow, that made me cry. That poor baby... she hears loud bangs and instantly thinks of those words being shouted at her. I'm so glad you have her now Mel. Just blubbering now the poor baby, imagine the fear and her not understanding...

There's no mega diety requirements for Greys (not like lorries etc) but I think they're prone to fatty liver disease? So as long as you get her on a good all round diet she'll be fine with your bunch.

Please though, if banging happens try and turn it into a game for her instead of that horrible phrase...

 

[antoinette]

That poor bird, glad the guy wanted to get rid of her and you now have her.
Give the bird lots of love and attention, you will see a remarkable difference soon

I have attached a link, read through it, any questions just go ahead.
African Grey Parrot - African Grey Diet and Nutrition

 

[wenz2712]

I am really pleased you now have her!

I am sure she will settle in very soon

 

[mellykyitus]

Please though, if banging happens try and turn it into a game for her instead of that horrible phrase...

I know it was awful to hear it. i've been quiet around her as she settles in and she hasn't said it again. she wont say much at the mo, just hello and whines like a puppy dog when she wants something. but her and willow do talk in english when the door is open! she is so good though and already landing on me (my lot would never land on a stanger)! and if she doesn't want to come out she pushes your hand away with her beak...no aggression at all!

 

[mellykyitus]

I have attached a link, read through it, any questions just go ahead.
African Grey Parrot - African Grey Diet and Nutrition

that great thank ant! I have some sweet potatoes that i will mash up for everyone in the morning...will see what she thinks of them

 

[ConureCrazy]

What a sad story! Thank you for saving her! She's adorable.

 

[wolf0994]

Congrats on you taking that heavenly bird away from that awful situation and giving her a loving home. I am sure she will adjust well and you will treasure her. I recently adopted my first parrot back in April. A CAG named Kawie. I have no prior experience with these amazing creatures. They are so fun and truly amazing to watch and be a family with. I was very worried about how to care for them but with the help of some folks here and tons of reading he seems to be getting along very well. A food recommendation I have for you is Harrison's.

Harrison's High Potency Coarse 5 LB - HARRISON'S by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

I tried more than one brand of pellet prior to this and Kawie wouldnt have it. He was fed human food all of his 16 years prior to coming to live with us and he proved to be kind of picky and I didnt want him to develop poor health so I was looking for a main type of food that I could give him that I could augment with fruits/veggies. This stuff appears to be one of the most recommended brands and he actually eats this one very well without much of a transition. The company itself will even send you samples. I included the link from mysafebirdstore just because they have a great price on it.

Best of luck to you and I am so happy that she is in a better home.

 

[ann]

what a relief that hes in your loving home! he is already showing such good behavior, im sure you guys will be best buds in no time

 

[justinlm24]

Good for you for saving that beautiful bird. I'm sure you will give her a great home!!

 

[ConureCrazy]

Ok, maybe I'm wrong and I missed it, but does this little gal have a name? I'm just curious.

 

[wolf0994]

Fin =D It was mentioned

 

[ConureCrazy]

Fin =D It was mentioned

Oh thank you. I guess I missed it, sorry. I really need my glasses.

 

[Cowtown]

1st of all Mel... you are an angel for taking Fin into your flock.. I know you will be a great mommy... sounds like she is adjusting already. Thank you for the pics... she is beautiful.

2nd Congrats on the Grey... I too just took in an 11 year old male Grey, he has not had any attention for the last 3-4 years... just seed, peanuts... human freeze dried fruit and peanuts and some kind of dry mixture that looks like cat or dog food to me..
I have had him for 2 1/2 weeks now and he is doing good, he will not get out of his cage, because the last 4 years he was not let out except to clip his wings.. and a glove was used.. did not mean to hijack your thread...

I know she will adapt real quick..

 

[bumblebec]

...when you make loud noises she shouts "SHUT UP, SHUT UP YOU HORRIBLE BIRD, YOU'RE HORRIBLE"...

Omg, that is so horrible and sad. ):

 

[friedsoup]

Ok first off thanks for saving this bird, they learn what is said around or to them and the more animated the words the more quickly they pick it up it's up to you to find words you can subitiute for what she say now. As in a bird who says "Shut the f%&k up" can be changed to " Shut the Duck Up "

 

[Casey]

Its nice to see he is not a plucker from what he's been thru.

 

[Spiritbird]

You will be rewarded 2000 over for taking in this lovely grey. And so will you Mike.

 

[TREETREE]

so glad you took this beautiful bird and now he can get lots of love!!!!!!!! God bless you!! So sad when people are cruel to animals makes me cry. so happy for you, this bird feels your compassion and will love you so much. Greys know when they are wanted and loved and they show us.

 

[Quizzy]

Greys musnt have a primarily seed diet, especially sunflower seed, try and get them onto a pellet diet, what you do is pretend to eat the pellets and say yum yum or whatever and they will naturally think they are delicious.

Another funny thing with Greys and this is where a lot of people disagree with me , the common theme is they are highly sensitive birds and should be kept in areas where there isnt a lot of noise blah blah ..... IMO and please note this is only my opinion.

Greys are incredibly smart and the minute they are isolated they think , : whats going on ? what am I missing out on ? let me pluck ! They MUST be in the middle of what happens in the household and if you are going to move furniture for eg , tell them , introduce them to visitors , let them experience as much as you possibly can .

Vetafarm sells a good brand of pellets too and arent as expensive as Harrisons.