Buying a Grey.

Hey,

I've been looking for a new bird for such a long time, researching etc and me and my partner decided it would either be an African Grey or an Eclectus.

I'm leaning towards an African Grey mainly because I feel Eclectus may be a little too complex and I would hate to get any bird I didn't feel 1,000,000% sure I couldn't look after. This doesnt mean I think a grey would be any easier, but I think more to my understanding.

Anyway, I started calling some local breeders about Greys and what they had. The only problem was that the few I called seemed desperate to get rid of the birds they had. They tried to sell them like they were selling a car, it was ridiculous. Half of me wanted to save them from these people because they didn't sound the nicest of sorts, the other half of me thought what kind of state will the birds be in.

There was one guy in particular and I know his area is known to be a little rough, so I'm contemplating going and getting the bird. He has a male grey, his last baby and keeps texting me about doing me a great deal etc. He really didnt sound too nice, he told me where he lived but not exacts until I said I would buy. He wouldnt tell me where to go but the neighbourhood. He also questioned me about money more then the bird.

I'm not fully prepared but shall I go and get the bird? I have a cage, food and the time but not the experience with these types of bird. I've done plenty of research but after hearing him on the phone and the people shouting I kind of want to just go and get it because I know even if its a nervous wreck with no hope of liking people, it's better off with me then him.

What do I do?

How much is the bird? How old is the bird? Does the bird have a health guarantee of any sort? Or has it been to an a-vet recently? Is the bird in a clean environment or not?

Just some things to consider...

Honestly, he sounds like a real jerk. He is in it just for the money. This is a hard desicion....... either you feel bad and want to help the poor birdy from someone that only cares about money and is probably neglecting the poor thing, and also the fact if you are spending money on a bird you want it to be as healthy as possible. I say go visit it a few times and see what condition it is in. If it is in really bad condition and it is in a bad enviorment i recommend honestly reporting them to the aspca. They will take the bird away for sure and hopefully put him in a new home. I think you should look for a different breeder that you can tell is nice, caring and cares about the birds and does it for the birds, not just for money! Hope this helps!

I have taken in many birds from bad environments, and bad people. Your heart is in the right place, but, be sure you are ready & able to handle the potential problems that come with a bird from those situations. It is honorable to rescue a bird, but, if you are not prepared to deal with whatever baggage comes with it, you are just adding another bad situation to this poor angels life, if you have to re-home it again. If you are not experienced & confident, this could become a real problem. I am not trying to talk you out of it, just reminding you that if you cannot give this bird a better forever life, you could be contributing to its' continued misery. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for getting back to me so soon. I told him last night I'd like to visit the bird, so I think I'm going to go and look him over.

I doubt there are any health guarantees or recent vet checks. He really didn't say anything about the bird. I asked about his plumage and he didnt seem to know wha I meant. I asked if he was timneh or Congo and he said at a guess Congo.


"Billsbirds" I think your completely right, although I'm desperate to go and get the bird I don't want to be another person who can't help him properly. He originally asked for £650.00 for the bird but told me he would reduce it. I may call a rescue if I find it to be a horrible environment, maybe they can find appropriate care for the bird.


If he seems okay, healthy, and social. He is apprently only young so is there is any signs of age I should be looking for? I may bring him back. We have been discussing a grey, this is just a little earlier then expected.

He is apprently only young so is there is any signs of age I should be looking for? I may bring him back. We have been discussing a grey, this is just a little earlier then expected.[/QUOTE]


First of all wise decision to see the bird first and then to decide. If the bird is younger than 1 year the color of eyes should be grey. Older bird will be with yellowish eyes.
Good luck

You said that you were not quite ready. My "humble" advice then is "don't." It's not fair to either you or your new companion. When you are as sure as you can be that it's time to get your Grey, then bring him/her home. Don't let anyone rush you with a good "deal." Also, go and see your prospective bird. Handle him, find out what he eats, get your health contract and guarantee in writing. Be comfortable with the person from whom you are purchasing your companion. He'll be around for a long time.

Someone wants you to commit to buy something before seeing it and knowing for sure anything about it (at least thats how it read in the first post). If it was anything else you wouldn't think twice about steering clear and as hard as it is you need to do the same here. That is unless he is going to come to the party and at least let you meet the bird before deciding.

Insist on spending some time with the bird so that you know it is what you are looking for