Would I be able to give a Congo Grey a good life?

[Zealous]

Ever since I was a kid, I've wanted a scarlet macaw. And throughout my life I've learned that a green wing macaw would probably be a better choice due to their temperament. Then I went to considering a harlequin macaw and even possibly a hyacinth macaw. And I've basically been set my entire life that I'd one day own a macaw in some shape or form. However, over the last 8 years of owning parakeets, I've learned I really don't like continual loud screaming. The thought of having a bird with a scream that loud isn't a deal breaker, but as a pet owner I know that whatever I adopt would be my bird for the rest of my life, and I decided as of now that I probably shouldn't get a bird that can scream my ears off.
About two months ago I came across a Timneh African Grey at a pet store, and I just fell in love. I never considered this bird when I was young because I remember thinking, "Why would I want a small gray and red bird when I could own a giant rainbow?" But since getting home and researching their intelligence and characteristics, I feel like this bird is perfect for what I'm looking for in a bird--Smart, not too loud, interactive, and long lived.

I learned how much these birds require mental stimulation and that they can be sensitive enough to where a small change in routine can lead to plucking. I'm 22 right now, and I honestly shouldn't own this bird at this moment in time due to me wanting to leave and have a life on the weekend. However, I want to learn more about these birds in case I ever get the opportunity. I prefer the Congo if that makes a difference.

My schedule now is on second shift full-time 12-8:30pm. That alone makes me wonder if I could even own this species on this schedule due to me missing basically the entire day. That being said, I normally have the entire Monday-Friday morning and night to myself considering I miss the entire day when my friends would be able to do anything--hence my weekend getaways for a social life.

As far as money, I'm well off enough where I can make it work--I don't foresee this being an issue. I would prefer to adopt due to the amount of birds that need to be adopted. If I did adopt, would I have to do anything special other than bring the bird home ? I don't know how they'd react to everything changing when a small change makes them want to pluck...

Sorry this is so long, I kind of got carried away in details and wanted to explain a bit more than probably necessary. I mostly just want to know if any schedule (and more specifically my current one) would work if it's consistent/if only certain things have to be consistent like feeding, waking up, and going to sleep, and if adopting this bird would be okay. (I'm sure it would be, but maybe someone has the opinion to raise them due to trust/lack of trust from adopted ones). I don't believe that, but it crossed my mind. Oh, and if anyone with a macaw can tell me if their birds scream a lot. I still am really bummed that I don't think I would like the screaming. But if someone has more info on their characteristics, maybe I could still consider a macaw.

Thanks for reading!

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

You are still very young with your whole life ahead of you! Who knows what the next 10 years where you'll be? Married? Living in another state? What you'll be doing as far as a job goes?
Don't forget now...these birds CAN live,and DO live,as long as we do,and longer!
I'm not trying to be mean here,or dissuade you..but you need to think about the BIRD too..ALL BIRDS need daily interaction. Greys,'Too's,Mac's are a needy bunch lol

Do you live a lone or with some one? Is there some one around constantly that can give the bird the interaction they need and thrive on,while you are living your life?? How long are you going to stay at your particular job? Or where you are living now? These are things that need to be taken in account for.

Personally, I'd wait. You have no idea what the future holds for you!
Good Luck!


Jim

 

[SailBoat]

One of our members has written a Thread that was developed for just such a question, please see:

To All You "Maybe" Future Parrot Owners With Questions
by:EllenD

You will find it very insightful and should address the majority of the questions you have.

Once you have read it, come back with specific questions.

Welcome to the Parrot Forums!


FYI: Detail is a Good Thing!!!

 

[DRB]

As a CAG owner for one year next week (with a 16 mo CAG) I always recommend thinking long and hard about one's schedule of coming and going when considering getting a CAG. If you are going to be gone from the bird for stretches of 6 hrs or longer on a very consistent basis (like a M-F full time job) then I would advise do not get a CAG. Yes b/c you have to think of the bird first, but also b/c you yourself will feel moments of stress once you become bonded you will start to desire more interaction with your bird but will have life obligations that will compete with that special time home with the CAG.

Then as others mentioned, what about what life holds in the future? Do you plan on getting married, start a family? That transistion stage of life will require time, and maybe time away from the bird.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for a very detailed question! Much preferable to a one-liner leading to a broad and often irrelevant answer!

Your situation is similar in many respects to a recent "new member" introduction that garnered much discussion: http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/67390-new-member-w-question.html

Bottom line is living with a parrot is a lifestyle! I don't see your work schedule as an impediment, but consistency of quality time spent in the morning and evening would be helpful.

Greys and macaws pose different challenges. In my experience neither are chronic screamers like cockatoos, but the latter are jet-engine loud!

 

[Zealous]

My plans in life at the moment are to work at my current job for at least another year, and then move on to a different job--I'm not sure what yet, but I want something that makes me excited for work.
And please don't jump to conclusions, I will not be adopting a CAG within that time. My question was more geared towards if I could even give him/her a good life if I was working second shift hours. As for marriage, hopefully someday in the future. As of right now, I could be in Hawaii next year for all I know, but I was thinking of getting information for in the future when I'm more settled in.

 

[texsize]

My plans in life at the moment are to work at my current job for at least another year, and then move on to a different job--I'm not sure what yet, but I want something that makes me excited for work.
And please don't jump to conclusions, I will not be adopting a CAG within that time. My question was more geared towards if I could even give him/her a good life if I was working second shift hours. As for marriage, hopefully someday in the future. As of right now, I could be in Hawaii next year for all I know, but I was thinking of getting information for in the future when I'm more settled in.

I am a second shift worker with a grey.
My mornings are spent taking care of all my flock but I pay special attention to my larger birds (amazons and my grey).
But I have a wife that stays at home and an adult Son that is still looking for a job.
They both help to keep my birds company if not always hands on.
If I was by myself I don't think it would work.
My cockatiels keep each other company. My YNA is good at keeping himself entertained.
I think my grey needs more interaction than I could supply without a family to back me up.
texsize

 

[wrench13]

Parrots that do not receive enough ( and they set the level of what is enough) attention may: get aggressive, turn love into hate, scream, pluck feathers. One or more of these.
I think the saddest thing have ever seen was a green wing macaw in a bird only 'supermarket' in a cage by itself ( too small a cage). It had plucked every feather from its chest, down to the skin. All this poor boy would do is sit on his too small perch and every 30 seconds utter a small low pitched squack, a little cry of lonleyness and despair. It still makes me tear up just to remember and write this. I will never, and I hope you will pledge, to be the cause of something like this.

 

[Freebird1969]

First well done for asking the question, it’s so nice to see someone looking into all the aspects of owner a parrot before buying one on a whim. Its lovely to see you are willing to adopt too.
Having a several years of experience with parrot rescues, I have seen many birds being rehomed, one of the most popular reasons is mainly down to lifestyle changes. African Greys in general don't like change. I'm am trying to find a home a for 10-year-old AG at the moment. He has a bald chest because his previous owners work took them away from home for longer periods of time.
There are no real guarantees with what life will throw at you, but at a certain point in your life you should hopefully be able to commit a certain amount of time, etc that you could offer a feathered friend. Then you can get a species of bird that will suit you and your family’s lifestyle. If you want to go out and socialise at the weekends, how would you make having a bird work? Would you really want to tie yourself down at 22?
It would be very sad if you took on a feathered friend, to then get married and have children and find that you can no longer cope with your bird. All things to consider, many parrots do not like young children, especially Grey’s due to their unpredictable nature.
Maybe for now you could get a smaller bird that will adapt better to change like a Lineolated parakeet? They have a short lifespan, they are small so you could have 2 so they have each other for company, they are pretty quiet too. They would also do well if and when you decide to expand as family? As you get older and more settled then maybe you could add an African Grey to your household.

 

[DRB]

Not sure if it has been specifically addressed or not, but the dynamics of working a second shift while owning a parrot on one's own is probably the trickiest part of this scenario. Second shift the parront is not home with the bird. Second shift (I realize there are different approaches employers take to second shift start times) is usually somewhere between 1pm-6pm start time, the time of day in which the sun is up (sun/daylight is important) . The point to that is bird would need to be secured at some point in the afternoon when the parront leaves, which is no big deal. But second shift end times are usually between 8 or post midnight depending on start time, meaning the bird's transition into bedtime will be a challenge, from the perspective that most people cover their birds at night. So the possibility would arise that you'd need to cover the bird when leaving for work for the day, in the middle of the afternoon. IMO, not a good thing.

I know when I have to leave for hours at a time come late afternoon (5-6pm) and I won't return until after 10pm I will put Perjo down for an early bedtime, during the winter anyway b/c of the changing daylight hours etc. I will not do that come summer when the sun stays out past 8:30-9:00.

In summary, it could really mess with the routine need to help set the birds "internal" clock. Just something to consider.

 

[texsize]

Not sure if it has been specifically addressed or not, but the dynamics of working a second shift while owning a parrot on one's own is probably the trickiest part of this scenario. Second shift the parront is not home with the bird. Second shift (I realize there are different approaches employers take to second shift start times) is usually somewhere between 1pm-6pm start time, the time of day in which the sun is up (sun/daylight is important) . The point to that is bird would need to be secured at some point in the afternoon when the parront leaves, which is no big deal. But second shift end times are usually between 8 or post midnight depending on start time, meaning the bird's transition into bedtime will be a challenge, from the perspective that most people cover their birds at night. So the possibility would arise that you'd need to cover the bird when leaving for work for the day, in the middle of the afternoon. IMO, not a good thing.

I know when I have to leave for hours at a time come late afternoon (5-6pm) and I won't return until after 10pm I will put Perjo down for an early bedtime, during the winter anyway b/c of the changing daylight hours etc. I will not do that come summer when the sun stays out past 8:30-9:00.

In summary, it could really mess with the routine need to help set the birds "internal" clock. Just something to consider.

I have wondered how disruptive my hours are to my flock. I usually get home 10:30-11:00 pm. My cockatiels generally sleep through my homecoming.
My 2 amazons and Bella always wake up to greet me and I make a point to greet them in return.
My Bingo waits at his food dish to share some of my dinner and goes back to bed when I do.
When I was forced to work day shift I had to get up at 2:30 am
No matter how quiet I was Bingo would be there at his food dish waiting to share my breakfast.
All my big birds take naps during the day, all my family take a nap at some point during the day.
Until I can retire (in 10 years hopefully) I can't see these hours changing.

 

[EllenD]

First of all thank you to SailBoat for linking the post I wrote regarding this topic, I was trying to be as open and honest as I could be while writing that, and I tried to relate the person's questions about bird ownership with real life. Often times we address questions in generalities rather than with specific, real-life situations that we have actually seen occur, so I was trying to paint a picture for the OP that he could actually visualize himself, and apparently it worked for him. I was thrilled that I was actually able to connect with someone and help them.

To address your specific question regarding owning a bird while working a second-shift job with your current hours of 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, there are a lot of variables that will influence not only the answer to your question, but also the real-life outcome of the situation. I've never worked a second-shift job myself, but I do live alone and have lived alone for much of my life, and I can tell you that it is not at all easy to be a responsible parrot owner and be solely responsible for them. I'll explain what I mean, but before I do let's first address bird species. It's not only the larger parrots that present a problem in this respect, but most all parrots that are kept as pets. With very few exceptions, most pet birds require a lot of out of cage time daily as well as direct interaction time with their "person" or "people". Yes, the African Grays are specifically challenging due to their high intelligence and emotionality, so you've chosen a bird species that would probably be most effected by your absence at home as well as by any changes in schedule, physical residence and environment, the specific people and/or the number of people living with you and your bird, and specifically YOUR relationship to anyone else that might suddenly be living in your residence with the bird. This is what I mean by the outcomes vary depending on what the future holds, and there is no way for us to answer you in specifics because you don't even know where you will be, what your schedule will be, who you'll be with, etc. I am only addressing this because these are exactly the things you need to consider BEFORE you get any species of parrot, and I have found that most people do not think about these things years in advance. And who can blame them? While standing in the pet shop after spending months and months researching the type of bird you want, making sure your schedule will work, your income will work, etc., most people do not say to themselves "Well, if I bring home this Congo African Gray today, and we love each other and bond closely with each other, and this bird becomes like my own child (because having a CAG is essentially the same as having a 4-5 year old human toddler, you need to remember this), what if 5 years from now I meet someone and we decide to move in together? Will I move into their home, or will they move into my home? (Because moving your bird into a new physical home after 5 years could cause lots of issues for him) Will my beloved bird be aggressive towards my future spouse, or aggressive towards me because he sees this person as competition? Will he start self-mutilating, simply if I move in with someone? Or what if I have a baby? Will my bird develop horrible jealousy towards my human baby?". Basically you have to ask yourself "If I bring home an African Gray parrot in the near future, let's call it my single life, will I possibly be forced to have to choose between getting married and having human kids and keeping this bird who I have loved like my own child for years?" This is the reason you see so many parrots in rescues and shelters, because an unforeseen life change happened to a loving parrot and his loving owner, and that life change basically caused a change in the relationship between the parrot and it's owner.

You really do need to think of pet parrots from this point on (if you are seriously considering bringing one into your home and life) in the same way you think of young, human children. Imagine this potential, future parrot you may own by yourself as you being a single-parent to your young son or daughter, especially if you are considering an African Gray, Cockatoo, or Macaw. That should help you to put the commitment you are considering making (and the potential conflicts and problems that can arise from those conflicts) into the correct perspective.

My main concerns with having a parrot of any species, living alone with no one else to interact with or take care of the parrot, and working a shift from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday are:
1.) Will your schedule allow you at least 3-4+ hours bare minimum per day, every day, to directly interact out of cage with your bird, and have this bare minimum time be quality time?
2.) Will your second-shift work schedule conflict with the natural solar schedule birds naturally dictate their lives by? And most importantly, will this solar schedule conflict cause major hormonal issues, such as severe aggression, self-mutilation, etc.?
3.) If working a second-shift will that necessary, bare minimum of 3-4+ hours per day, every day of out of cage interaction with your bird still allow for your bird to get the necessary 12-14 hours of sleep per day he needs to stay healthy and happy?
4.) On Saturdays and Sundays when you are not working at all, are you willing to dedicate most of both of those days to your bird to compensate for your lack of presence during the week, rather than going out and doing things that would not include your bird? *Even if your answer is yes, this situation is not ideal and most likely would not successfully compensate for the much needed, minimum daily interaction.*

There are a few more questions I have myself regarding working a second-shift job and owning a parrot, but these are the most important ones you should be asking yourself in a realistic way. If you were living with another person like a spouse, parent, sibling, etc. that was either home during the day or who worked a 9-5 job schedule, while you were working a second-shift job, and that other person was just as committed and responsible for your bird as you were, I believe that would work out well; my only warning about this situation would be the likelihood that the bird would bond closely with the other person rather than you.

Just as an added note, Wrench said something that I think is extremely profound. He commented that "The amount of time that is needed to be spent interacting with your parrot each day is dictated solely by each individual parrot". That could not be any more true. While you will hear us say that "The bare minimum amount of time you must make available to spend with your bird each day is 3-4 hours", this is meant only as #1 a bare minimum, and #2 a guideline. You need to think of 3-4 solid hours each day as a must, but some birds will require 6 hours a day, some more than that. You'll know how much time is adequate for your bird by his attitude, behavior, and in general what your relationship with him is like.





"Dance like nobody's watching..."

 

[MyCockatoo1]

I have bred multiple species of birds for about 50 years. With your work load, I would not get an african gray because you don't have enough time to spend with the bird and there is likely to become a feather plucker.

A good species for you would be a Senegal Parrot. These birds are great pets but also stay tame even when they have limited attention. They are also relatively quiet. A Jardine might also work as they are part of the same family group but I don't have personal experience with them like I do with the Senegals. We have had hand fed senegals that have been in our breeding building for years with only limited attention.

After semi retiring, we brought some of them into the house and they are still extremely tame, love attention and value what ever attention we give them. The same thing happened with a Jenday Conure who acts like a hand fed baby even theough it is now over 20 years old and has not had personalized attention. This bird rarely screams but the conures are known for being screamers so a Senegal or Jardine might be a better fit. Both species are from Africa as is the Gray but are less demanding of your time and don't emotionally suffer and become self destructive when they lack sufficient time with their owner. They a also colorful although very small in size. I think this species would be an ideal fit. After you retire, you can consider a bird that is demanding but it wouldn't be fare to the bird at the current time. I have always dreamed of owning a Major Mitchell Cockatoo but never got one as they are extremely demanding. Now that I have the time, I am fulfilling my lifelong dream.

 

[EllenD]

I have bred multiple species of birds for about 50 years. With your work load, I would not get an african gray because you don't have enough time to spend with the bird and there is likely to become a feather plucker.

A good species for you would be a Senegal Parrot. These birds are great pets but also stay tame even when they have limited attention. They are also relatively quiet. A Jardine might also work as they are part of the same family group but I don't have personal experience with them like I do with the Senegals. We have had hand fed senegals that have been in our breeding building for years with only limited attention.

After semi retiring, we brought some of them into the house and they are still extremely tame, love attention and value what ever attention we give them. The same thing happened with a Jenday Conure who acts like a hand fed baby even theough it is now over 20 years old and has not had personalized attention. This bird rarely screams but the conures are known for being screamers so a Senegal or Jardine might be a better fit. Both species are from Africa as is the Gray but are less demanding of your time and don't emotionally suffer and become self destructive when they lack sufficient time with their owner. They a also colorful although very small in size. I think this species would be an ideal fit. After you retire, you can consider a bird that is demanding but it wouldn't be fare to the bird at the current time. I have always dreamed of owning a Major Mitchell Cockatoo but never got one as they are extremely demanding. Now that I have the time, I am fulfilling my lifelong dream.

I have to disagree with what you have said about Senegal parrots not needing very much attention and still staying tame. I'm not disputing your own experiences, but my own personal experiences are the complete opposite of yours. In fact, my young Senegal gets visibly upset when I come home a bit later than usual or I don't spend the normal amount of daily time with him, to the point that his cage will be torn apart, all his toys knocked down, etc. if I'm late. He also has a habit of flying to me and giving me a nice nip if I'm paying attention to another bird, talking to someone who is at my house, or even talking on my phone. Senegal parrots are notoriously one person, jealous birds that live their attention and don't want anyone else to have it. They also hold a grudge very well, there is a Jardine owner here that can attest to this as well.

"Dance like nobody's watching..."

 

[DRB]

Not sure if it has been specifically addressed or not, but the dynamics of working a second shift while owning a parrot on one's own is probably the trickiest part of this scenario. Second shift the parront is not home with the bird. Second shift (I realize there are different approaches employers take to second shift start times) is usually somewhere between 1pm-6pm start time, the time of day in which the sun is up (sun/daylight is important) . The point to that is bird would need to be secured at some point in the afternoon when the parront leaves, which is no big deal. But second shift end times are usually between 8 or post midnight depending on start time, meaning the bird's transition into bedtime will be a challenge, from the perspective that most people cover their birds at night. So the possibility would arise that you'd need to cover the bird when leaving for work for the day, in the middle of the afternoon. IMO, not a good thing.

I know when I have to leave for hours at a time come late afternoon (5-6pm) and I won't return until after 10pm I will put Perjo down for an early bedtime, during the winter anyway b/c of the changing daylight hours etc. I will not do that come summer when the sun stays out past 8:30-9:00.

In summary, it could really mess with the routine need to help set the birds "internal" clock. Just something to consider.

I have wondered how disruptive my hours are to my flock. I usually get home 10:30-11:00 pm. My cockatiels generally sleep through my homecoming.
My 2 amazons and Bella always wake up to greet me and I make a point to greet them in return.
My Bingo waits at his food dish to share some of my dinner and goes back to bed when I do.
When I was forced to work day shift I had to get up at 2:30 am
No matter how quiet I was Bingo would be there at his food dish waiting to share my breakfast.
All my big birds take naps during the day, all my family take a nap at some point during the day.
Until I can retire (in 10 years hopefully) I can't see these hours changing.

Remember I am coming from the perspective of a single person on MY schedule owning one young CAG. To me it seems a difficult road to be gone through so many waking hours of the bird, and have to manage their sleep or clock in an unusual way relative to natural daylight times.

 

[Zealous]

Not sure if it has been specifically addressed or not, but the dynamics of working a second shift while owning a parrot on one's own is probably the trickiest part of this scenario. Second shift the parront is not home with the bird. Second shift (I realize there are different approaches employers take to second shift start times) is usually somewhere between 1pm-6pm start time, the time of day in which the sun is up (sun/daylight is important) . The point to that is bird would need to be secured at some point in the afternoon when the parront leaves, which is no big deal. But second shift end times are usually between 8 or post midnight depending on start time, meaning the bird's transition into bedtime will be a challenge, from the perspective that most people cover their birds at night. So the possibility would arise that you'd need to cover the bird when leaving for work for the day, in the middle of the afternoon. IMO, not a good thing.

I know when I have to leave for hours at a time come late afternoon (5-6pm) and I won't return until after 10pm I will put Perjo down for an early bedtime, during the winter anyway b/c of the changing daylight hours etc. I will not do that come summer when the sun stays out past 8:30-9:00.

In summary, it could really mess with the routine need to help set the birds "internal" clock. Just something to consider.

That's something I was worried about. I know the sunlight helps animals get onto a schedule, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make a schedule when the lack of sun already lets the bird know when it should be in bed.

 

[MwCrf450r]

There are a few more questions I have myself regarding working a second-shift job and owning a parrot, but these are the most important ones you should be asking yourself in a realistic way. If you were living with another person like a spouse, parent, sibling, etc. that was either home during the day or who worked a 9-5 job schedule, while you were working a second-shift job, and that other person was just as committed and responsible for your bird as you were, I believe that would work out well; my only warning about this situation would be the likelihood that the bird would bond closely with the other person rather than you.

Just as an added note, Wrench said something that I think is extremely profound. He commented that "The amount of time that is needed to be spent interacting with your parrot each day is dictated solely by each individual parrot". That could not be any more true. While you will hear us say that "The bare minimum amount of time you must make available to spend with your bird each day is 3-4 hours", this is meant only as #1 a bare minimum, and #2 a guideline. You need to think of 3-4 solid hours each day as a must, but some birds will require 6 hours a day, some more than that. You'll know how much time is adequate for your bird by his attitude, behavior, and in general what your relationship with him is like.

I am in the same situation as the OP in the fact that I do work and like the idea of a AG, but the difference being I work 10hr days, but I work 4am-2:30pm 4 days a week with the occasional Friday shift on OT. 40-50 hours a week, and my wife works bankers hours. Getting home around 4:30, leaving around 7:30-8:30 depending on the day, we were thinking that as she leaves at about 8 and I get home at like 2:35 (I work very close, close enough to maybe spend lunches with the bird, as does my wife, she works closer) that would leave around 7 hours max of alone time if we don't visit for lunch (which I almost think should be avoided in case work location changes barring the ability to dine every afternoon?) . My wives routine consists of waking up with me at 2:45-3am and cleaning, prepping dinner and walking the dog but she's convinced she'd have plenty of time for the bird before work granted he was up and awake early enough? (Any advice on when he should and could be awoken/awake would be appreciated). And then I don't go to bed until 8 or so anyways for a total of about 9 hours a day if you don't count 3-4 as that's getting ready for work and saying our "have a good day's". So I'd say closer to 7 hours of devotion and two hours of walking/playing with the dog and household chores or w/e. Also I'm home all day on fridays I'm not working putting around the house. If we go out Friday's night it's the only thing we really do for the weekend. As the OP stated sorry for over talking, also new to forum so if I should have posted my own post please inform me so I can not hassle everyone in the future. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[justinlm24]

I know I'm late to this party, but i wanted to offer my thoughts on this. I too was once in your shoes. I had always wanted a grey but given their reputation i wasn't sure it would work. I work swing shift, and sometimes 16 hour days. So i never thought I would be able to fulfill my dream. About a year ago, i started doing research, and lots of it. Books, online articles, even here on the forums. And about 6 months ago i finally brought my grey home. I have 2 dogs, a quaker parrot, and 3 kids. So my house is chaotic to say the least. Not the best fit for such a neurotic, sensitive bird right? Well, my CAG has made himself at home to say the least. Whether he is out of the cage 5-6 hours a day or only an hour or two he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. Now each bird has its own personality so i am not saying you'll have the same experience, but it is possible you could give a cag a great home. I think tje key here is to teach them at a young age to be independent. A much as i wanted to spend every second with him when he first came home i knew that would be counterproductive down the road. So i allowed him to settle in, i give him plenty of toys and things to keep him occupied. Just find the right balance between independence and being well socialized. It is a lot of work though. So realize that it will require your 100% attention or you'll end up with an unhappy bird, which will make you unhappy. Best of luck to you and i hope you will get the chance to own one. They truly are special and rewarding despite all tjebwork.

 

[DRB]

I know I'm late to this party, but i wanted to offer my thoughts on this. I too was once in your shoes. I had always wanted a grey but given their reputation i wasn't sure it would work. I work swing shift, and sometimes 16 hour days. So i never thought I would be able to fulfill my dream. About a year ago, i started doing research, and lots of it. Books, online articles, even here on the forums. And about 6 months ago i finally brought my grey home. I have 2 dogs, a quaker parrot, and 3 kids. So my house is chaotic to say the least. Not the best fit for such a neurotic, sensitive bird right? Well, my CAG has made himself at home to say the least. Whether he is out of the cage 5-6 hours a day or only an hour or two he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. Now each bird has its own personality so i am not saying you'll have the same experience, but it is possible you could give a cag a great home. I think tje key here is to teach them at a young age to be independent. A much as i wanted to spend every second with him when he first came home i knew that would be counterproductive down the road. So i allowed him to settle in, i give him plenty of toys and things to keep him occupied. Just find the right balance between independence and being well socialized. It is a lot of work though. So realize that it will require your 100% attention or you'll end up with an unhappy bird, which will make you unhappy. Best of luck to you and i hope you will get the chance to own one. They truly are special and rewarding despite all tjebwork.

To me it sounds like the key with your situation was a home filled with other people and even other animals. My gut tells me a single person with a rather "empty" home would have a different experience with a schedule like you described.