Hey there, fellow parrot enthusiasts! I'm new to this forum, but I have a favor I would like to put out there.

I have been wanting an African Grey as a companion pet for a few years, but I have been holding off on the idea because my work schedule doesn't allow me to provide the necessary time commitment to keep a bird. Twenty years ago, I used to own a cockatiel and a Sun Conure, so I have experience with parrots. Now that I am looking into retirement soon, I am able to meet the needs of being a responsible parrot owner.

I looked into parrot rescue organizations to adopt, but it appears many of their Greys have been traumatized in the past and are a challenge to tame to any satisfactory degree. I have searched online through classifieds, only to come across a pool of fraudulent scammers looking to make a quick buck. Even some of the online retailers are questionable based on the lure of low prices.

I recently came across a YouTube video on the topic of buying or adopting a parrot online without the risk of being scammed, or at least minimizing the chance of it happening. One of the suggestions was to visit a reputable parrot forum ...so here I am.

Does anyone know of someone who has an African Grey that is in need of being rehomed and resides within a 75 mile radius of Los Angeles? I have no preference with the age of the bird or with the gender, as long as the bird is healthy, tame, and trainable. I am more than happy to pay a reasonable rehoming fee and will commit to providing a safe and loving forever home for a newfound avian companion.

Have you visited the rescues? If you have a connection with a bird, that is more important than what others might say about them. If you buy online, you also do not get to meet the bird first and with adults, it helps to get a feel for them---I am all for adopting, as babies can change a ton at puberty, plus, they live forever if cared for properly and there are many in need of homes.

I'd caution against shipping birds, as it can be very stressful (and dangerous) depending on temperature, flight time, other pets on-board in cargo etc.

Re-homing is super stressful already, but the shipping thing adds a layer to that..I had to do it once with Noodles and I wouldn't do it again.


No parrot is tame. A "tame" bird with one person could destroy the next. They are not domesticated like dogs and cats and even a hand-raised baby can still be a holy terror in a year of 8 (depending on the species, owner etc). You could meet a bird that was super sweet and awesome because a certain person is in the room..take that bird away from its person or flock and put it somewhere new and you will see the un-tame side of that bird in many cases. That doesn't mean the bird stays timid or aggressive forever (assuming you are very patient and build trust without pushing anything like stepping up--study like crazy and know that a lot has changed in avian behavior/science etc within the past 10 years, let alone 20 or 30). Also, even a very docile baby will not stay that way, so at least with adults you have a slightly better idea of what you are getting.


I will tell you one thing that is 500% true for parrots- "tamable" depends on you/the person 100%. I grew up with parrot who (unfortunately) was taken from the wild before pet stores had better regulations and no one really knew or thought about sourcing--unethical as heck, but it was pretty much every pet shop in the US until the 90s.. I have a point here------It is that wild parrots can be trained and so can captive ones..It comes down to your knowledge of parrot behavior and your chemistry with the bird (along with your home environment etc). Some birds just don't like some people as much as they like others...but that doesn't mean they are un-trained, a lost cause or aggressive..although people do get bitten when they ignore a bird's cues (because biting is their last resort)

Welcome. Yes we are reputable, and wise in the ways of the world. You might tell us more bout your prior parrots. What happened to them? How long did you hve them? No offense, but you could very well be one of these disreputable scammers, with a good story. Have some pics of your birds? I'd post them in this thread. Get to know the people on the board, develop some trust, just like with new parrot. Fairly sure people are not going to just start flinging African Greys at you just because you come onto our forum. But, we just might be able to help.

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See ALL Salty's Parrot trick videos on our CaptNiceGuy Channel:
https://m.youtube.com/user/captniceg...8ZwKHVY_AsI%3D
AL & Salty - hard at work.

Follow Salty's 127 page lifestory thread:
http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/...now-salty.html

The Crew:
Salty - Yellow Shoulder Amazon (YSA) - hatched 8/15/15
Tinker - Cairn terrier, 4/15/08
Geri - Blonde haired Queens wife, birthday 4/25/19??

Peac in San diego has a CAG named Austin for adoption. He's older and a former plucker but he seems really sweet. These animals are extremely smart and they are no lost causes. Every problem is a solution in disguise. I hope that helps

welcome to the forum!
It must be so exciting to begin your search for your dream parrot!!

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"A Smooth Sea,
Never Made A Skillfull Sailor "
Franklin Roosevelt

In LA, there have to be a ton of reputable breeders and stores that have young CAGs. They’re like the most bred species out there.

Congratulations to you and Salty for receiving POTM!

I watched a couple of your videos showing Salty performing tricks. It was quite entertaining.

thank you!

__________________
See ALL Salty's Parrot trick videos on our CaptNiceGuy Channel:
https://m.youtube.com/user/captniceg...8ZwKHVY_AsI%3D
AL & Salty - hard at work.

Follow Salty's 127 page lifestory thread:
http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/...now-salty.html

The Crew:
Salty - Yellow Shoulder Amazon (YSA) - hatched 8/15/15
Tinker - Cairn terrier, 4/15/08
Geri - Blonde haired Queens wife, birthday 4/25/19??

Truly great advice provided above.

We have long taken in the 'yesterday's trash' of the Amazons, those commonly dumped because of their age, illness, abuse and no want to ever trust another Human. Add starting with feeding medications and that is a deep hole to start a relationship from.

Far too many individuals that 'want' a Parrot have huge expectations and that is just the wrong place to start a relationship! The reality is that 'if' you allow the Parrot to choose you! You are much further along the path of developing a Trust Based Relationship! When 'you' work at the pace of the Parrot, with zero expectations of time and results, they are far more open to a relationship with you.

Babies are wonderful, but you are old and a Baby will easily out live you by decades. What happens to the love of your life!?!?

Please revisit the Posts above and take notes! You may find that there is a Parrot out there that has been search for you.

By changing your Vantage Point, you just may find the Parrot that wants you!

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In each Morning's early light; there is a promise, an Amazon makes!