The highs and lows of getting an already adult bird?

[Amandastander]

Hi guys and ladies. There is a gorgeous adult african grey at our local petshop. I have noticed him there for a few months already. Not the greatest of petshops, they keep the birds for sale in smaller cages than their resident pets. Every time we pass the window he runs toward that side and tries to interact, making noises, playing with his toys whilst coyly watching us, once even doing a little foot wave and dance. His cage is the size I keep ringnecks in, and is very soiled with droppings, as well as his perches. Toys are also very tatty, and he seems so intelligeble that its a shame for me to see him there. He's really pulling at my heartstrings, and I'm seriously considdering making an offer for him. So what's peoples experiences when getting a bird that you have no history on, he's not a plucker and seems very alert and friendly, though I see he likes to puff up, could that be a sign somethings off healthwise? I also have to add that he does not sit near the sun and we have winter now so perhaps that's the reason. Is it difficult to at least get them trusting if not tame, any tips, info advice highly appreciated.

 

[Mayden]

Hi guys and ladies. There is a gorgeous adult african grey at our local petshop. I have noticed him there for a few months already. Not the greatest of petshops, they keep the birds for sale in smaller cages than their resident pets. Every time we pass the window he runs toward that side and tries to interact, making noises, playing with his toys whilst coyly watching us, once even doing a little foot wave and dance. His cage is the size I keep ringnecks in, and is very soiled with droppings, as well as his perches. Toys are also very tatty, and he seems so intelligeble that its a shame for me to see him there. He's really pulling at my heartstrings, and I'm seriously considdering making an offer for him. So what's peoples experiences when getting a bird that you have no history on, he's not a plucker and seems very alert and friendly, though I see he likes to puff up, could that be a sign somethings off healthwise? I also have to add that he does not sit near the sun and we have winter now so perhaps that's the reason. Is it difficult to at least get them trusting if not tame, any tips, info advice highly appreciated.

How long is a piece of string...

The bird youve described sounds happy to interact with people. My Charlie (who is 10) was the same with me. He's happy, chirpy, wanted my attention, stepped up readily. I bought him (similar situation to you really) and brought him home and he's still an absolute sweetie.

Personally, I don't see any reason to not get him. Trust takes time to build, usually longer with 'abused' birds. I don't know Charlie's background, but I do know he was a sweetie to me in store and a sweetie to me now he's home. Not all older/unknown birds are distrustful or mean.

 

[Amandastander]

Yes I must say, he seems to be craving attention. I am a bit wary though as I'm not sure how he and Piper will react to each other, as she's a jealous missy. But yeah, I am not in the market for another bird, but as I've said he just tugs at the heartstrings, the way he enjoys it when someone approaches him makes me sad that he is caged up all day in such a small space. Here, Piper has her own tree, leaves and all, and basically romps all over the house, gets so much attention from everyone, I feel he deserves that too.

 

[Mayden]

Yes I must say, he seems to be craving attention. I am a bit wary though as I'm not sure how he and Piper will react to each other, as she's a jealous missy. But yeah, I am not in the market for another bird, but as I've said he just tugs at the heartstrings, the way he enjoys it when someone approaches him makes me sad that he is caged up all day in such a small space. Here, Piper has her own tree, leaves and all, and basically romps all over the house, gets so much attention from everyone, I feel he deserves that too.

We felt similar about Merlin, we didn't think he'd take too kindly to another bird around but we were hoping they could at least keep each other... vocal company! Charlie needed a home and we felt we could offer the best he was going to get offered there (he was going to be sold on as a breeder bird). Merlin however hasn't had too many jealous spats, just the odd one when they've both been out together and Charlie goes to Andrew or something.

If you think you can offer him a good home, then do it! I agree, it's so heartbreaking. We've got too many pets now, no more for me. :21:

Good luck whichever. Charlie was in a royally crap cage. It's horrid

 

[Pajarita]

All my birds came to me as adults and with the exception of the wild-caught male breeder zons or a couple of abused ones, they all did very well (and most of them came to me because of behavioral issues in their previous homes). Sometimes it takes a bit of work and ingenuity to circumvent whatever issues they might have picked up but it's entirely doable and extremely rewarding when they bond with you -much more so than with a baby because it's not due to their been babies and having no choice but to like you but because you EARNED it. Besides, he sounds wonderful! Go for it!

 

[kq_fan]

I got my GCC as an adult. And like Iv said before, I don't know anything about him but he is a great bird. Love him! My tiel was 3 when I got him. I don't know if that's young or not but both are great birds but the tiel isn't hand tamed at all. So long story short, yes totally get the bird. If you feel like your ready for a bird like that, then I think he would much rather want to live with you then in a small dirty place with no friends.

 

[torrap]

I would get him for sure if I knew I can give him attention and care he needs.
Think how rewarding it could be for you to know this little guy is in a clean cage and taken care off. I am sure he will love you for that and you will see it. It might take a week or two, but he sounds like a guy who came from a good home, he should be fine.

 

[GreyG]

I vote GET HIM - the incredible feeling of knowing how lucky he is that you've found him and given him a wonderful home and life will be overwhelming!! I agree with everyone else here so far - could be minor issues to work through, but he seems to be giving you all the right signals. Does he sit on one foot while puffed up? You might be correct in that he is just keeping in the warmth. Just remember to quarantine him from your other birds for at least 30 days and get that first vet check done!

 

[BillsBirds]

I agree with everyone. I've taken in many adult birds with no knowledge of their history. All of them adapt to the new environs. If you put in the time & attention that a Grey needs, it will work out well. Is he friendly & handle-able? If so, you're halfway there. He seems to want to interact with someone. If you don't want him, I'll take him. Just send him over...

 

[ShellyBorg]

Go for it. Highs of a adult bird. You know what you have! A talker, a player, shy or bold. You know. The lows. Well I am still thinking......

 

[RockysMom]

Iagree go get him , we have just taken in a almost 3 year old grey which we renamed him Smokey , he had one perch, one toy and only one food bowl and he has a potty mouth but I knew he needed a much better home then the home he was in and I'am sooooooooo glad we did , he is starting to come around and starting to get use to us and the other 2 birds I have , I knowm it will take time for him to trust us but in time he will do that , looking forward to the future with him