to grey or not to grey

[mh434]

Clearly, the bird is already trying to bond to you, and that's fantastic!

As far as the allergies go, my wife is horrifically allergic to cats (as well as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) - if she even visits a house where one used to live, within seconds, she can't even breathe & she's sick as a dog, for days.

On the other hand, she cuddles her CAG (who releases a visible cloud of dander whenever he gives a big shiver to rearrange his feathers) for hours on end, with absolutely no issues at all. I suspect cat dander and CAG dander are completely different.

Sure sounds like a winner to me!

 

[jeffisme]

I went to see him (or her) again today. I told her about this forum, and she said hi to everyone. Anyway, she was fine. Sat on my hand for a long time, tried to throw up on me a couple of times and held her wings out a bit (the owner thought she had some balance issues, and that might be the case).

I do have a basic and vital question as I try to decide, and I really want to do what's best for the bird. Somewhere in this forum, a new bird owner posted about getting a grey, and one poster said, "please don't get the bird if you can't give it four to six hours of attention a day."

I was wondering what that means. I work at home, the cage would be a few feet from my desk. I plan lots of interaction, but I also have to work. I'm not sure I would have four hours a day to play with him. He'll be by right close by for twelve, and I wish I had four hours, but I don't. If he needs that, the grey just may not be the right bird for me. Please let me know what you think.

 

[Maple128]

What I have found with the ownership of our DYH zon, is that giving the bird 4-6 hours a day doesn't necessarily means being very hands on with the bird. It's more along the lines of eating a meal with the birds, just talking with them, a training session here or there and generally hanging out is a lot of that time spent with a bird. Sitting your little friend next to you on a perch while you work and and chatting while you do so is more then enough attention for them, they know who you're talking to.
here's a good form on the subject Click
It most definitely sounds like you've been picked and i wish you the best of luck in you decision making!

 

[jeffisme]

Thanks. Can't seem to open the link though.

 

[Maple128]

Shoot! oh well, ignore the link haha. Best of luck

 

[Anansi]

Maple128 is correct. 4-6 hours a day does not necessarily mean having your bird on you for all that time. Your situation actually sounds ideal. Just make sure your fid is taught to self-entertain so that the times between direct one on one interaction won't be a problem.

Now, don't get me wrong. A good amount of direct interaction is needed. Just not necessarily 6 hours' worth.

 

[jeffisme]

Thanks.reassuring to hear. The bird is a teenager. What kid likes to spend four hours a day talking to his father anyway?

 

[plumsmum2005]

After more than a month of researching, writing, visiting stores and interacting, I finally came across a bird that just clicked with me. It's a 15 year-old grey of unknown gender. Let's say it was a she.

She immediately came down from a high perch, stepped into my hand, snuggled into me, walked up to my shoulder, and then, of course the ultimate expression of affection, tried to throw up on me. She was wonderful, and apparently she thought I was ok too. I spent a lot of time with her, and it went as well as could be. I intend to go back for a second visit tomorrow.

So great.

Two concerns though. I have pretty bad cat allergies, so bad I sneeze if I see a picture of a cat or meet someone named Katz. I haven't had a reaction in the stores I visit. Anyone with cat allergies here have a reaction to a grey? I'm happy to get an air purifier if that will work, and do what I can making sure the bird gets misted and keep the area clean. Don't know if that's enough though, and what if it isn't? It's not like I can bring her back to the store and say, "Oh, I made a mistake." Nor would I want to.

Don't know about my lungs though.

Hello, I know I'm coming in late in the day on this one. I can sympathize with your allergies and had a thought regarding the bird affecting you - do you take any meds day to day that would block you knowing if she affects you? BTW I am fine with my RB2 who is a bit of a Dusty Bin, I have an air purifier and clean often.

 

[jeffisme]

I don't, but I found an air purifier that should work.