When getting a new bird...cage setup for Timneh grey

[Pookamama]

I m trying to make a checklist of things we'll need, and could use some imput. We are hoping to get a Timneh grey, nothing is decided yet and if we do get one it will be a two-month wait period to prepare. But I've already been shopping around...

Toys: How many toys? Any suggestions for a TAG?

We have a big cage-should I keep the perches lower in the cage until the bird get older?
Dimensions are: 43 inches high, 28 inches wide, 40 inches long

Here's what I was planning on doing for cage setup:

Applewood perches in various places, various widths and lengths

One pedicure perch-up high next to food

A cuttlebone in holder OR a cuttlebone perch - what would you suggest?

Swing perch

My cage has three food bowl places but only two food bowls (Somebody told me it was a California cage.) So I need to get a replacement bowl to keep the bird from crawling into the bowl slot and getting stuck. I am planning on putting food in one bowl-and water in a second bowl for baths, but I don't know what to do with the third bowl.

Birdie Butler water bottle

The African Grey book I had said to put sand in the bottom of the cage because they need grit to digest. But I haven't seen that on any websites! I think the book is outdated, it was published in 1986. I am planning on getting more grey books.

OK-Anything else?

There is a playtop on top of the cage as well. I don't know if I should add things to it or not. Here's a picture of the cage:

I gave the cage a thorough scrubdown. I like the material it has on it, it cleans easily! Next step is removing the rust from the two rusty parts, repainting with a parrot-friendly paint I found suggested online, and letting it dry for well over a month while we wait for the bird.

Any suggestions would be welcome! What am I missing?

 

[paulhanlon]

The cage is a good size for a TAG as they are smaller than the CAG the perches are fine also as for toys make sure you have plenty of differant ones as greys are very active birds and like to play alot as for the perch level always keep them below your eye level as they tend to think they are the boss if higher than you and that's about it really.

 

[Parrotmamma]

That looks like a great cage .
The third bowl could be used for fresh fruits and veggies or even to hold foot toys.
My TAG was 4 mos old when I got him and I did not have to have his perches down low . But I was worried about him falling so I padded the bottom with a towel and then had newspaper on top of them. I usually have 2 or 3 toys in his cage and rotate them every week or so with something different.
His favorite is a sea grass basket that I zip tied to his cage and filled with foot toys. He sits there forever digging through it : )
I have not heard of them needing grit, but I did read that cuttle bones are not recommended because they can swallow to big of piece ( and it being sharp) can hurt them internally . I scrape cuttle bone over his food and also add it to his birdie bread.
You sound like you have done a lot of research and are gonna be a great Parront
You must be so excited waiting for your new arrival : )

 

[Pookamama]

Thank you! That's good to know about the cuttlebone!
We don't have a deposit down a bird yet, so we're more hopeful. I'm waiting to hear back from a breeder.

Oh, one more question-
if I made my own wood perches-how would I attach them to the cage?

 

[paulhanlon]

Check this out it gives you a step by step guide on how to make your own perch How to Make Your Own Wooden Bird Perch | eHow.com

 

[Parrotmamma]

My husband made some for me . We used grape wood branches, he drilled a hole in each end of the branch then put all thread in the holes , then washers and wing nuts
Here is a great site to get branches from.
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