Getting an African Grey ??????????

Good posting on AG and so true!! They are beautiful too.

Mmmm, nice post. Wish more people would read stuff like this before buying a Grey. Here in Ireland I've noticed that not many pet stores really vet a prospective client. Thus oftentimes people end up buying one of these guys and end up with a very sad bird and wonder why. Little regard or information is given to diet and they often end up being given only seeds. A boring cage with no stimulus, and little positive interaction to cater for its "emotional" needs. It's no wonder quite a few end up with a calcium deficiency, are overweight with atrophied wing muscles, and are unduly stressed.

William I totally agree with you......
You have covered it extremely well, nothing more for me to say.
They should make a law anyone adopting / rescuing or buying a bird should go through a course of some kind. How to be a guardian, the general upkeep of a bird etc.
Wish it could be implemented.
Take care

If one were to adopt at phonix landing they do require a parrot care course. I don't know about the other ones.

SB just imagine what a wonderful world the bird place would be if everyone had to do some sought of a course. No more sad depressing stories of how they are ill treated.
I wonder just how many birds have died, by not being cared for properly.
Guess we will never know.
Take care

Nice one S.B. I've heard of a few places doing that. It's the correct and ethical approach. Having said that I realize that for some pet-shops it's a question of business. Parrots don't cost much to keep (unless they get sick), are desirable, make a good profit if sold quickly, and make a good attraction. Unfortunately some floor staff haven't got a clue and would rather talk nonsense than appear to not know their job. It really frustrates me but as usual there are two sides to the coin.
Having said that if I come across a stressed/sick bird in a shop I approach management and try fix things. Many times this goes down like a lead brick as the proprietor/manager takes this personally, human nature I suppose. But at the end of the to hell with sensibilities,it's about a bird who cannot talk for itself.

Antoinette what you didn't cover was behavior, what works for me with biting or naughty birds is a good couple of whacks with a wet newspaper. Nothing like a good beating to keep them docile..........nou trek ek jou been (now I'm pulling your leg :in Afrikaans) sorry couldn't resist it.

JOU BLIKSEM !!!! sorry couldn't resist it.
Great sense of humour boetie ha ha

Wow a South African living in Ireland hello there, been there long?
When Mishka is naughty etc. I make a fist just above her head.
She lowers her head and says sorry LoL.
Great day
Take care

Also revived thread.