I've always wanted an African Grey! <3

eisterunicorn

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Jan 13, 2016
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None... But I hope someday I will have an african grey! :)
Good day everyone! :)
I finally joined this forum after stalking it for a while lol! You seem like a very nice community. My name is Madison and I'm 20 years old. I'm in the Air Force and my job requires that I deploy at least 3 months out of the year, and I'm married to a nice man who enjoys and helps me care for our 5 year old sweet lab/pit mix named Gus, and our two rats Milo and Otis. :)
We both work full time but when I'm not deployed I'm home on weekends and after about 4:30 pm.
I'm an Arabic linguist - and for that I've always been very fascinated with the communication abilities of large parrots such as Greys. I've owned many cockatiels and budgies through course of my life but I've always felt as if it were all preparation for getting a larger bird someday! I want a bird that will be happy spending time with me when I'm home.
I want to buy him a large cage and keep it open in our office room for him to come out and fly a bit while we are at work. I also plan on training him to poo in his cage or in a kiddy toilet which will also be in his room, to make cage cleaning easy.
What I want is to save up and continue researching for at least another year before I get one. As of right now I want to go to a good breeder (I live in Arizona) and pick a baby who picks me, visit him regularly, and buy him when he is fully weaned. Then I want to take a week off of work to get him settled in and comfortable.

But anyways the point of this post is to ask, after getting a brief picture of myself and what I would do with a Grey, what you think about my life situation and adopting one. I don't plan on having children for a while, and I plan on being in the Air Force for another 17 years.

Thanks for reading and tell me what you think!! <3 :blue1::D
 

Mallory

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I think your heart is in the right place and you are definitely doing the right thing giving yourself time to consider and properly set up for a parrot. The only thing that stands out to me is, as I understood your post, you will be away from the bird for 3 months each year. I have no personal experience leaving my birds even overnight, and I feel like it will be an emotional roller coaster for you to disappear for that long and then reappear to rejoin the bird's life every year. Greys seem particularly empathetic and sensitive to stress. Another species might handle this absence with little concern.

A grey might work in your situation with some serious planning. There are, however, other parrots (amazons are a great example) with good talking ability and many large birds with little talking ability but which may fit your situation much better. I know you are a linguist but you will develop a relationship that goes far beyond whether the bird talks! I would encourage you to not limit yourself to only looking at greys - and of course go out and meet all the species possible so you get a first-hand impression.
 
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eisterunicorn

eisterunicorn

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None... But I hope someday I will have an african grey! :)
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I think your heart is in the right place and you are definitely doing the right thing giving yourself time to consider and properly set up for a parrot. The only thing that stands out to me is, as I understood your post, you will be away from the bird for 3 months each year. I have no personal experience leaving my birds even overnight, and I feel like it will be an emotional roller coaster for you to disappear for that long and then reappear to rejoin the bird's life every year. Greys seem particularly empathetic and sensitive to stress. Another species might handle this absence with little concern.

A grey might work in your situation with some serious planning. There are, however, other parrots (amazons are a great example) with good talking ability and many large birds with little talking ability but which may fit your situation much better. I know you are a linguist but you will develop a relationship that goes far beyond whether the bird talks! I would encourage you to not limit yourself to only looking at greys - and of course go out and meet all the species possible so you get a first-hand impression.

Thanks for the reply!
What kind of "serious planning" would be required? My husband lives here.
Also, how could an amazon or other parrots be a better option?
I've read in multiple places that greys are more independent birds compared to some other large parrots. :eek: Are amazons even moreso? I would like to have a bird who could handle my deployments and be happy hanging out with my husband until I get back, but not so independent that he would not bond to me and really enjoy spending time with me.:)
:blue:
 

Mallory

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YNA hen "Greenleaf", Black Capped x Green Cheek Hybrid "Eva", CAG (hatched 1/1/2016), European Starling "Koda"
I mean cockatoos are much more clingy but I would not consider African greys independent birds at all. In my experience, Amazons are very good self-entertainers and I can definitely leave Greenleaf to herself most of the day. As long as she has things to do she's happy. Granted, Amazons are completely different than greys, much more excitable and potentially dangerous. Parrots are also individuals. Greys might not be as animated as other parrots and they can be shy, but they definitely crave interaction and want to be with their people. I hate putting a number down, but I feel like any less than 4-6 hours a day of active attention given to your grey would not be enough. This can be training, shoulder riding (if well behaved), pets, talking, etc. The more you put in, the better your relationship will be.

Even though we try not to mate bond with our birds, they do see us as mates and companions and there is no way to explain to the bird that you will be leaving for three months but will be back. Parrots just don't understand that and they do feel loss and will go through mourning. With some birds you may even be met with aggression when you return. They are complex emotional beings and the biggest "serious planning" would be how you and your husband handle these periods.

I think any parrot will bond to you and crave your attention if raised/handled right. People have strong bonds with parrotlets and lovebirds all the way through hyacinths and large toos. The size of the bird does not determine the size of the bond, but it usually does determine the amount of work involved and the potential problems. I know you want a larger bird, but conures might be more accepting of your absence and tend to accept multiple people in the household. They also tend to need less time than the large parrots. You might look into caiques, pionus, etc. etc. African greys are definitely a big jump from your previous birds but not impossible. Before recommending any species for you to consider though I'd love to know more about what you want in a bird. I know you want a good bond and preferably talking ability but what sort of volume level can you handle? How playful and/or energetic? How big of a beak do you want to risk? What do you value in a parrot? Could you cope with screaming, feather plucking, structural damage to furniture and drywall, etc.? These are all questions you need to consider and I highly recommend looking at every available species before settling on greys. If you still come back to greys you then know you are making the right choice ;)
 
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eisterunicorn

eisterunicorn

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None... But I hope someday I will have an african grey! :)
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I mean cockatoos are much more clingy but I would not consider African greys independent birds at all. In my experience, Amazons are very good self-entertainers and I can definitely leave Greenleaf to herself most of the day. As long as she has things to do she's happy. Granted, Amazons are completely different than greys, much more excitable and potentially dangerous. Parrots are also individuals. Greys might not be as animated as other parrots and they can be shy, but they definitely crave interaction and want to be with their people. I hate putting a number down, but I feel like any less than 4-6 hours a day of active attention given to your grey would not be enough. This can be training, shoulder riding (if well behaved), pets, talking, etc. The more you put in, the better your relationship will be.

Even though we try not to mate bond with our birds, they do see us as mates and companions and there is no way to explain to the bird that you will be leaving for three months but will be back. Parrots just don't understand that and they do feel loss and will go through mourning. With some birds you may even be met with aggression when you return. They are complex emotional beings and the biggest "serious planning" would be how you and your husband handle these periods.

I think any parrot will bond to you and crave your attention if raised/handled right. People have strong bonds with parrotlets and lovebirds all the way through hyacinths and large toos. The size of the bird does not determine the size of the bond, but it usually does determine the amount of work involved and the potential problems. I know you want a larger bird, but conures might be more accepting of your absence and tend to accept multiple people in the household. They also tend to need less time than the large parrots. You might look into caiques, pionus, etc. etc. African greys are definitely a big jump from your previous birds but not impossible. Before recommending any species for you to consider though I'd love to know more about what you want in a bird. I know you want a good bond and preferably talking ability but what sort of volume level can you handle? How playful and/or energetic? How big of a beak do you want to risk? What do you value in a parrot? Could you cope with screaming, feather plucking, structural damage to furniture and drywall, etc.? These are all questions you need to consider and I highly recommend looking at every available species before settling on greys. If you still come back to greys you then know you are making the right choice ;)

Yeah, I figured. :(
I've been through some crap and want a companion bird to love and communicate with and train. Screaming is tolerable by me but not much by my husband. Playful and energetic okay. Cuddly and touchable preferable. Big beaks fine. Structural damage and plucking obviously nobody wants, but I've owned horses and had to deal with some serious behavior problems before, and it's not stopped me from dealing with them and not giving up on the animal. However it would be really nice to have a bird who was not an emotional disaster when I deployed. :(
 

Taprock

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Oct 22, 2015
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Buzz - CAG,
Ziggy - Nanday/Sun Conure,
Jasper - Goffin
Loki - Starling
Gloria - Foster CAG
I can't give you much advice as we haven't had our Grey for all that long and I don't know if he's a typical Grey. One thing did come to mind with two things to consider.

Our bird has a favorite person, my son. He can do anything with Buzz and rarely get bit. Buzz tolerates me, allows me to move him but is happy to bite me if I don't think through what I'm doing and watch him closely. Buzz hates my husband who does everything to try befriend Him, talking with him, treats etc. I think this love/hate is pretty common with Greys, So two scenarios:

1. You are the favored. Is your husband willing to care for and spend time with a bird who hates him while you are gone.

2. He is favored. That makes it his bird and again he gets the care but you won't have much of a relationship with it.

I know there are other breeds that are more family friendly but you have determine what will fit with you best.
 
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eisterunicorn

eisterunicorn

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None... But I hope someday I will have an african grey! :)
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I can't give you much advice as we haven't had our Grey for all that long and I don't know if he's a typical Grey. One thing did come to mind with two things to consider.

Our bird has a favorite person, my son. He can do anything with Buzz and rarely get bit. Buzz tolerates me, allows me to move him but is happy to bite me if I don't think through what I'm doing and watch him closely. Buzz hates my husband who does everything to try befriend Him, talking with him, treats etc. I think this love/hate is pretty common with Greys, So two scenarios:

1. You are the favored. Is your husband willing to care for and spend time with a bird who hates him while you are gone.

2. He is favored. That makes it his bird and again he gets the care but you won't have much of a relationship with it.

I know there are other breeds that are more family friendly but you have determine what will fit with you best.

Thanks for the reply! :)
Yes I've definitely considered both scenarios and spoken with my husband about them. I would prefer to be the favored for sure, but I have read that if the grey is raised gently and lovingly by a certain person, and especially being opposite gender, would incline him to bond to me more. But that if he is also raised by my husband with the same gentleness and softness, he won't have a problem with him, and that the more we expose him to new people and places, and the more we pass him off between each other for bonding time, the more tolerant he will be of other people and both of us.
Thoughts? :orange:
 

Grraarrgghh

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"Albert" - Female Red Bellied Parrot - 1y3m (Oct 8th, 2014), "Martha" - Unknown Yellow-Sided GCC - 11m (Feb 13th 2015)
As was cautioned above, you can't really determine which person in the home the parrot will bond to (if it's a one-person-type species), despite what efforts you may make. If you leave for 3 months and the parrot is bonded to you, it will literally think you died. Every time you leave. Coming home could trigger not only an aggression response, but also potentially a depression response, which in greys can lead to plucking, screaming, barbering, and self-mutilation. The bird at that point will have literally seen a ghost.

If it bonds to your husband, well, that's not nearly as big of a deal, it probably won't care if you leave.

Parrots that haven't gone through puberty can also throw you for a curveball, in that they could switch bonds on a dime after they become sexually mature.

I can't tell you what's best for your life, but for a bird as intelligent as a grey, leaving for 3 months if you are it's bonded person/chosen mate would be the furthest thing from best for the bird.

Your chosen career path isn't terribly conducive to a companion parrot at the intelligence level of a grey.
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
1. CAGs are flock birds, not pair bond birds. They'll go to more than one person. BUT

2. CAGs are also stubborn, and pig headed, and can be quite neurotic. They get handled on their own terms. Push it with them, and they fight you.

3. My CAG is VERY independent. And he's an instigator. He's more inclined to pluck you, than ever pluck himself.

4. With something like a macaw, or a too, you have to set boundaries and structure the interaction. With a CAG? THE CAG will set the boundaries of the amount of physical contact and handling he will allow, and you have to gradually expand the bird's boundaries. It's the exact opposite of all my other birds...

5. This will probably come as a news flash: THEY CAN BE QUITE NEUROTIC... AND THOSE THINGS GET ETCHED IN STONE. Easy example: My CAG knows I am right handed. He will NEVER allow me to pick him up with my left hand. He will ONLY step up if you offer the right hand. IF MY HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, AND HE WAS GOING TO DIE, HE STILL WOULD NOT STEP UP ON MY LEFT HAND.

6. CAGS panic easier than my other birds. Take them outside their comfort zone, and they tend to become skittish. Inside their comfort zone, they study everything, and everyone, and then mess with every thing and everyone once they think they've got it all figured out.

7. CAGS need to be introduced to people and things more often than the other species do. Avoids the whole freak out thing.

8. CAGS need to be conditioned to accept change, or they tend not to cope with it.

9. CAGS do not do well in isolation. These are flock birds. Birds that feel isolated, feel vulnerable, stress out, and tend to pluck. It's better to put them in the center of everything where they can see everything and everyone. Quiet isn't necessarily better.

10. A CAG has a beak like a scissors. It cuts right through flesh. Tusk does not "beak wrestle" the way my macaws, or even my amazons beak wrestle and play. You get a warning, and if you don't back off, you bleed. DO NOT ACT SURPRIZED... YOU CAN TELL BY THE LOOK ON HIS FACE, HE MEANS BUSINESS.

11. A CAG poofy bird dance is a threat posture. Like a macaw or an amazon going "big bird" on you. It DOES NOT mean he's happy to see you or trying to get your attention. HE IS NOT PLAYING, AND HE WILL BITE!

12. CAGS that displacement bite should never be shoulder birds. Hand/arm train them. CAG displacement biting generally does not go away. You need to be aware of the triggers, and keep them away from the triggers. If he's on your shoulder, and you walk by a trigger, YOUR FACE gets bitten!

13. CAGS love puzzle toys. Things they have to figure out. They are part bat, and spend a significant amount of time upside down hanging by one toe. They also love noises, sounds, and speech. They love to learn new stuff. They might not let on that they've learned it right away... but they do learn it.

14. CAGS are VERY empathic birds. STRESSED OUT PEOPLE GENERALLY END UP WITH STRESSED OUT BIRDS.
 

Anansi

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Actually, nothing that you've said makes me feel that you couldn't have a strong and healthy relationship with a grey.

On the plus side, you obviously do your homework. And just as importantly, you LISTEN and consider advice given to you. VERY important qualities in a prospective parront. You also take the responsibility seriously, and are willing to put in the necessary work in preparation for the grey's arrival. And you have a husband who is apparently committed to working with this grey as well.

On the more challenging side... you are committed to at least 3 months worth of deployments a year. (Are these deployments 3 months straight? Or do they add up to 3 months spread throughout the year?)

Now, I'd be lying if I said the 3 month deployment wasn't a big challenge. Especially since greys are so intelligent and emotionally sensitive. But truth to tell, this would be a challenge for any bird with whom you bonded closely enough.

And there's a lot that could go wrong. As outlined in earlier posts, your parrot could wind up resenting you, or becoming depressed.

But here's the thing. The key here is that you have a spouse who is also willing to work with this grey. That's HUGE! You see, the key is for both you and your husband to work exhaustively with this grey. Socialize, socialize, socialize. The more people you can get involved in his training and socialization, the better. If done properly, the effect of your 3 month absence could be blunted by the sense of community you will have fostered for your bird.

Here's an article about greys that you might find interesting: http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww26evii.htm

Oh! Just so you know, the opposite gender thing is a myth. There's no way to know who the bird will pick as the favorite. Examples abound, here in this very forum, of situations where the primary caregiver is bypassed for the one who only has a passing interest in birds! Lol! Sucks, but it does happen.

And there are people, btw, also on this very forum, who actually do leave their birds for extended periods and still manage to have deep and loving bonds with them. One who comes to mind is our very own Richard (Henpecked). And another is Walt (weco), though he hasn't been around for a while. But it definitely can be done.

It just won't be easy.

But being military and all, something tells me a challenge won't exactly have you ducking for cover.

Keep the questions coming. I'm hoping we can be of help.
 

texsize

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I don't have a Grey but I have a YNA. I don't go on long trips, never been away from home more that 7 days. When I come home after being gone for a week my YNA is just over the moon happy to see me.
What I did the last time I was away was use Skype with video to talk to my YNA. I think he recognized me and was happy to se me this way.
I don't know if that would be possible when you are on a deployment but it might help comfort the bird you end up choosing.
Good luck.
texsize
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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San Antonio, TX
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Generally speaking, as long as the bird isn't so overbonded to you that he can't function without you, as long as his routine doesn't change much when you are gone, and he still gets the same sort of interaction, he should adjust to periods when you are away...

Continuity of care with the person taking care of him while you are gone is the key to that one.

The first couple of times will be difficult, but they adjust fairly quickly... if their needs are still being met.

If their needs are not met, that's when it can be problematic... especially if they are so overbonded to you that they don't function without "their person."

That goes back to the isolation thing, with flock birds. If you become the birds sole emotional support outlet, AND YOU LEAVE, the bird is isolated, alone and vulnerable.

That's when the bad behaviors start, including plucking disorders.

If the emotional support continues when you are gone, then he just deals with it. Life goes on. Mom comes and goes sometimes, but she'll be back.
 
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Dopey

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1. CAGs are flock birds, not pair bond birds. They'll go to more than one person. BUT

2. CAGs are also stubborn, and pig headed, and can be quite neurotic. They get handled on their own terms. Push it with them, and they fight you.

3. My CAG is VERY independent. And he's an instigator. He's more inclined to pluck you, than ever pluck himself.

4. With something like a macaw, or a too, you have to set boundaries and structure the interaction. With a CAG? THE CAG will set the boundaries of the amount of physical contact and handling he will allow, and you have to gradually expand the bird's boundaries. It's the exact opposite of all my other birds...

5. This will probably come as a news flash: THEY CAN BE QUITE NEUROTIC... AND THOSE THINGS GET ETCHED IN STONE. Easy example: My CAG knows I am right handed. He will NEVER allow me to pick him up with my left hand. He will ONLY step up if you offer the right hand. IF MY HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, AND HE WAS GOING TO DIE, HE STILL WOULD NOT STEP UP ON MY LEFT HAND.

6. CAGS panic easier than my other birds. Take them outside their comfort zone, and they tend to become skittish. Inside their comfort zone, they study everything, and everyone, and then mess with every thing and everyone once they think they've got it all figured out.

7. CAGS need to be introduced to people and things more often than the other species do. Avoids the whole freak out thing.

8. CAGS need to be conditioned to accept change, or they tend not to cope with it.

9. CAGS do not do well in isolation. These are flock birds. Birds that feel isolated, feel vulnerable, stress out, and tend to pluck. It's better to put them in the center of everything where they can see everything and everyone. Quiet isn't necessarily better.

10. A CAG has a beak like a scissors. It cuts right through flesh. Tusk does not "beak wrestle" the way my macaws, or even my amazons beak wrestle and play. You get a warning, and if you don't back off, you bleed. DO NOT ACT SURPRIZED... YOU CAN TELL BY THE LOOK ON HIS FACE, HE MEANS BUSINESS.

11. A CAG poofy bird dance is a threat posture. Like a macaw or an amazon going "big bird" on you. It DOES NOT mean he's happy to see you or trying to get your attention. HE IS NOT PLAYING, AND HE WILL BITE!

12. CAGS that displacement bite should never be shoulder birds. Hand/arm train them. CAG displacement biting generally does not go away. You need to be aware of the triggers, and keep them away from the triggers. If he's on your shoulder, and you walk by a trigger, YOUR FACE gets bitten!

13. CAGS love puzzle toys. Things they have to figure out. They are part bat, and spend a significant amount of time upside down hanging by one toe. They also love noises, sounds, and speech. They love to learn new stuff. They might not let on that they've learned it right away... but they do learn it.

14. CAGS are VERY empathic birds. STRESSED OUT PEOPLE GENERALLY END UP WITH STRESSED OUT BIRDS.

Marc - thank you for this. I need to print this. I just got a TAG and this information will be helpful.
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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San Antonio, TX
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
I've actually expanded on it, and it's sticky-ed in the CAG section.

TAG's have essentially the same behaviors as CAGS. Not much different.
Quirky, opinionated, birds. But smart, and fun, and funny at the same time.
They're a little hardier when it comes to self entertaining, but all the other behaviors are roughly the same.

AGS more than all the others, just "have to get to know you first."
 
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eisterunicorn

eisterunicorn

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Jan 13, 2016
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Arizona
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None... But I hope someday I will have an african grey! :)
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Hey again everybody. :) I've been reading your replies but the computer I have accessed the forums with today at work didn't let me log in. (security block? idk.)

Wow, some very very helpful replies.
I didn't quote anybody in a reply because it was so much good information and kind, thoughtful advice. So thank you for taking the time for me, I appreciate it.

I've been speaking with a good friend of my mom about this whole bird business, as she is a very experienced parront and has 5 large birds total. Three are Goffins toos, one is a DYH Amazon, and I forgot what the other one is. She mostly rescues.
We were speaking for a while about my interest in CAGs, which she believed would work as long as my husband would spend much time with him while I was gone. (which he would.) However I voiced all of your opinions to her about Greys being too intelligent/one-person-bond-y/temperamental for me leaving 3 months (and yes, 3 months at a time) per year. She said that if I'm concerned about that, I should get an Amazon (like you have suggested) or a Goffins. That last bit surprised me. I've always been interested in toos but understand that they are Extremely needy and pretty much unless I didn't work at all, wouldn't be able to have one without him going crazy by himself. But she explained to me that Goffins are a lot more chill and less neurotic than their larger too counterparts, and that there most likely should never be an issue about him hating one of us and bonding strongly with the other. She went on to explain that would make me leaving and my husband being the main owner for a few months, pretty easy for him to deal with, assuming he got at least 3-4 hours out of the cage hanging out with hubby every evening, just like he would get with me. (Also planning on getting a large cage and leaving it open in a bird proof room for him to fly about.)

Now, my options are still very open, and I think I'm pretty open minded about which bird would best fit my situations, but my main preferences are these:
I would really like to have a medium (12-14 inch) sized bird, who had the capacity and intelligence to learn some words to communicate what he/she wanted (being a linguist I just cannot seem to let go of this one),
who would bond strongest with the caretaker but also be friendly and enjoy time with my husband and friends,
would eagerly anticipate lengthy bonding sessions with me, including training and cuddling and just hanging out,
and would have the intelligence of being able to be potty trained. I read that African Greys are quite good at learning this.

Back to the comment about amazons, I've done some research on them since that was suggested and have learned that they can be even more independent and less cuddly than Greys, which would make them good for my deployments, but bad for just enjoying time with my bird. :( Which is what makes me more attracted to the idea of a Goffin or a Galah.

Sorry for the lengthy, scatterbrained response. I hope I can continue to receive more of your excellent advice. :) Thanks again!
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
CAGS are not really cuddle birds. But if language skills are what you seek, then they have them in spades.

Amazons can be cuddly with their person, but they are also pair bond birds. And they are excitable. And there are hormonal behaviors, and body language to learn. My Panama amazon is an absolute doll! Talks up a storm. Loves everyone. Very social... BUT... he was raised right from day one.

Goffins... well, that depends on the bird. I've fostered some VERY neurotic Goffins, but I was fostering them because they were never raised right to begin with... so that's a chicken or the egg kind of thing. Galah's I think are the better choice of those two.

I still think a CAG would be fine in your situation, and if that's what you had your heart set on. Then follow your heart.

But don't go by reputation alone. Don't try to "guess" and then guess wrong with a creature that may out live you. Go interact with some of these species. Find the one that really floats your boat!

For years, I avoided CAGS because all the CAGS I worked with were the dumped variety (cagebound, neurotic pluckers.) People did that to them... Mine doesn't pluck!

Research only takes you so far. Hands on interaction is the next step.
 
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eisterunicorn

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Arizona
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None... But I hope someday I will have an african grey! :)
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CAGS are not really cuddle birds. But if language skills are what you seek, then they have them in spades.

Amazons can be cuddly with their person, but they are also pair bond birds. And they are excitable. And there are hormonal behaviors, and body language to learn. My Panama amazon is an absolute doll! Talks up a storm. Loves everyone. Very social... BUT... he was raised right from day one.

Goffins... well, that depends on the bird. I've fostered some VERY neurotic Goffins, but I was fostering them because they were never raised right to begin with... so that's a chicken or the egg kind of thing. Galah's I think are the better choice of those two.

I still think a CAG would be fine in your situation, and if that's what you had your heart set on. Then follow your heart.

But don't go by reputation alone. Don't try to "guess" and then guess wrong with a creature that may out live you. Go interact with some of these species. Find the one that really floats your boat!

For years, I avoided CAGS because all the CAGS I worked with were the dumped variety (cagebound, neurotic pluckers.) People did that to them... Mine doesn't pluck!

Research only takes you so far. Hands on interaction is the next step.

Very sweet, thoughtful, informative reply. Thanks so much.
My husband and I have decided to take all this information, continue researching, continue asking questions, and to visit a bird rescue 2 hours away. Hopefully this weekend. If not, next. I think that once I handle the different species and compare side by side I will be able to really narrow it down. :) :orange::yellow2::red1::blue1::yellow1:
 

Chelsea304

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Nov 2, 2015
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Florida
Parrots
Congo African Grey (Echo) & White-Eyed Conure (Regen)
Everything birdman said is exactly right for my grey! She may prefer hubby but she easily enjoys time with me as well! However she is super independent! When she is done with you she will literally fly away. Lol their body language is easy to read in my opinion. I think your situation is doable for a grey...but make sure both of you socialize with your bird! If/when you get deployed it won't be as big of a deal because a flock member will still be there!

Good luck and follow your heart!!!
 
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Anansi

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Dec 18, 2013
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Somerset,NJ
Parrots
Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
I really don't see a problem with a grey, either. As long as you socialize him/her, you'd have a well adapted bird capable of handling your extended absences.

But as a few members have said, interacting with different types of birds will give you a better idea which bird you'll want in the end. So I'm glad to hear you'll be visiting a rescue. Please let us know how it goes.
 

Mallory

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Jul 31, 2015
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YNA hen "Greenleaf", Black Capped x Green Cheek Hybrid "Eva", CAG (hatched 1/1/2016), European Starling "Koda"
Goffin's are a species I have some experience with! They are charming birds, much less intimidating and demanding than the large toos but with the same adorable mannerisms. The biggest issue I see with you getting a Goffin's is that they are not big talkers. The one I spent the most time with had "hello" and "hi" in her repertoire but that was it. Goffin's are definitely not independent - they want to be with you cuddling and playing and involved. They can be screamers if they do not get that attention! But they need about the same level of commitment/attention as a CAG or an amazon so I wouldn't worry too much about that. They are definitely much different in personality and mannerisms than a grey and much more bold and animated, although the one I knew best was skittish of new things at first.

Amazons are also a bit different than greys. They tend to be very animated and excitable. They are also very honest compared to toos and greys. You can easily read an Amazon's body language. They do not bluff, whereas other parrots sometimes lure you in for pets only to get you close enough for a bite. The Goffin's I knew enjoyed doing this to new people! She thought it was a riot. Of the three, I would consider the Amazon's beak the most painful but again it is easier to predict when a bite is imminent. You have a lot of variety in terms of sizes, looks and to a lesser extent behavior because there are a lot of Amazon species in captivity. I only have personal experience with the yellow naped Amazon, and mine is a rescue with a crazy past, not typical of an Amazon raised from hatch with love and support.

Any of the 3 would be a good pick for you, but also require a lot of work! I won't say much more because your volunteer work will give you way more experience and insight than anything you can read! And if you're working at a shelter, you may well fall in love with a bird and that bird may be a completely different species than you ever expected. ;)

EDIT: Woops, forgot to add something I wanted to say!! My Amazon is a big talker but not as much as an average CAG. She picked up a lot of words from her previous home(s). The biggest routine she has is going "Honey, have you seen the phone," then making the phone's ringing noise, then going "here, kitty kitty kitty!". I hear this when she is excited or when the vacuum is running. She has a lot of other words including names of other animals that lived with her, a lot of hellos including "Hi green bird" and "Hey bird", she will say "step up" and sometimes after say "Oww bird!" - someone got bit good there. She also babbles in "amazon speak" and has a lot of whistles and random noises. Her voice is not nearly as clear as a grey's although you can definitely hear inflections and different people's voices.
 
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