African Grey... North Carolina.

Hey folks I am hoping someone can help here. I just ran across a sad story thats ended up with the owner of a sweet african grey dieing of cancer..over a year ago. The bird has been caged every since and is presently in an empty house with a woman going to feed him every other day. My understanding is he was a sweet natured bird, but the surviving family members are scared to death of being bit by a bird... hence he is now in "solitary" confinement. I am going to see this bird tomorrow.. perhaps get pics.. and might even temporarily house him in my home if I have to. I have a complete "flock" now and hesitate to ad another bird in the mix. At present I am not even sure if its a Timneh or Congo.. but Im pretty sure its a male. I have contacted the Rescue place here in Charlotte and they have a 50 bird waiting list before they can take him in. Any help here would be really appreciated. Thanks

How sad for him. Why did it take them so long to re-home him?

Im not sure. I know "hubby" died and wife was scared of the bird and kept it caged...then for some reason moved the bird to her husbands mothers home... then mother had health issues and is in for a long rehab somewhere. So now the bird is all by himself. I just found out about this last nite and thinking of it has kept me from sleeping. Dunno what those people are thinking doing a sweet bird like that... just because they are scared they "might" get bit. I reckon there are people id do that too but not a bird.

That sounds awful. I hope you can get him out of there even if you can't keep him permenently.

I shuddered when I read this. That's why it's important to include your wishes for your animals, especially long-lived one such as larger parrots, in your will. I'm so sad to read about this bird, although I know it's probably so common. Breaks my heart. There are so many bird lovers out in the community. I think I would contact the local bird club (or closest one you can find). I recently helped place a RB2 and a Grey when the owners had to move in with their son, who wouldn't allow the birds. I went straight to my bird club, and through member networking, found a really ideal home for them (they got to stay in the same home, together, which had to be a comfort to them). Hoping for a happy ending for this bird. Knowing how sensitive my own Grey is, I can not imagine him only seeing people every other day for food only. That's no life for that animal.

Im not sure if there is a local "bird club" here. Guess it wont hurt to check. Id rather talk the owners widow and maybe get her some "bird" lessons. I think the rescue place actually has those. Heck id give her bird lessons myself...tho I am no expert on parrots and especially not the AGs. My bet is that bird is so attention starved hed bond bigtime with anyone that gave it any affection... either that or eat their arm off from going bonkers in solitary. Thanks Ill give it a look.

Is this the same bird that you have found a home for in another thread?

yes it is... sorry I didn't update this page. I did find a home for the CAG. Really gorgeous and well mannered bird all things considered. Again, apologies for not updating this post.