Thinking About Adopting a Grey

Hi:

I was hoping others would provide me with their experience on owning an African Grey. I'm thinking of adopting one...but, would like to hear what others have to say.

I live in an apartment and was wondering if Greys make good apartment birds? I know they don't screech like a Cockatoo. But, can they get loud? I've heard conflicting stories on this.

I work a full time job during the week. Would this be a problem for the parrot? My daughter gets home from school at around 3pm. So, the little guy would be home alone with my cat, dog and little Senegal from around 7am to 3pm (8 hours). Not to worry about the cat and dog...they're not interested in the Senegal at all.

I'm usually home on the weekends....I'm a home body and like staying at home. So, he'd be with me during the weekend. During the week I get up rather early in the mornings...he'd have time with me then. And, of course, a few hours before bed at night. Once he's acclimated to the new environment, I would have him out most of the time. Would this be sufficient time with him, do you think?

Of course, I'd have a large cage with lots of toys for him to play with while he was by himself. I've heard they make excellent pets. I just want to do my research before making such a huge commitment.

As a disclaimer, I do realize that not all birds are alike. I'm just talking about a generalization of the Greys.

Thanks in advance,

Kim

From my experiences I would say that African Greys are great birds but you also have to think about how much time you have to devote to him/her. I like to give my baby (a Hahn's macaw) 2-3 hours of out of cage/playing with mom/wandering around fun time. I also make sure she is in bed, cage covered at 7 pm so that she can get 12 hours of sleep. Will you have enough time between everything you are busy with to take care of an African Grey?

Will you be able to quarantine the bird? Whenever you bring a new bird into a household you need to quarantine them for at least 45 days. Do you have a different room/air system for them to be quarantined?

Do you have the financial abilities to pay for the bird, cage, vet bill, toys, food, etc?

Will you be able to socialize the bird enough so that he doesn't turn into a one person bird?

Will you have time to clean both cages and sweep up their "junk" daily?

I'm not trying to discourage you or give you a hard time but some of these things people don't think of and I want to make sure that the experience is best for the bird and for the owner. You didn't mention if your daughter was old enough to care for the bird when she got home from school. How old is she?

Thanks for responding...Yes, I've thought of those things as well. And, no, I don't think you're giving me a hard time at all. These are very valid points.

I'm a neat freak and usually vacuum, sweep once a day anyway. So, that's not an issue.

I do have another room to keep the new little guy in for the quarantine. It does not have it's on air system.

My daughter is 12. Is that old enough for a Grey? She's perfectly fine with the Senegal, Jerry. I don't know that she'd be comfortable handling the new one for awhile, if at all. But, at least the bird wouldn't be alone. He would eventually be out in the living room where we spend most of our time.

I have thought about the cost of toys, food, etc. I don't believe that would be an issue.

It's a HUGE commitment to get one of these types of birds, I realize that. Which is why I'd like feedback from others. I'm also thinking of what happens when the bird outlives me! I'm 42....So, he could easily be around 30 years after me.....I would definitely plan on socializing him with others.

Thanks,

Kim

It's great to hear that you have thought about all of those things because sometimes people just sweep them under the rug and unfortunately it leads to birds being rehomed. As long as your daughter has assistance with the bird then I believe she is fine with an African Grey. My friend has had his African Grey since he was around 12 and the bird is as happy as can be 8 years later. I believe that as long as you are in tune to the birds needs/wants and what you can give it that it would be a good match. Have you visited any breeders/stores yet? Where are you located? I might have a few good recommendations for you!

Oh & also a few older couples I know have written the birds into their will so that they know the bird is well taken care of.

I'm in San Diego. I've visited a couple of bird stores. I've also thought about getting an older bird. I'm just a little nervous of getting a bird that wasn't treated well and has "issues." I know that sounds awful. But, again, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. Can you tell me what it typically costs to take your bird to the vet? Do they require once a year check ups? Obviously, every region is different with regards to the price. I know San Diego is more expensive in just about everything say then, Ohio. I was just wondering. Also, I read somewhere that Greys need shots, like a dog or a cat. Do you find this to be true with your Macaw?

My macaw has never ever had to have shots. Greys do need to have vitamins but I have never heard of shots. I am located in Orange County & have the BEST bird store for you. It is called Omar's Exotic Birds. They are the most informed staff, parrots are well kept, etc. That is where I bought Bella. Make sure to talk to Cyndee or Amy & tell them that I recommended you if you call up there. They are amazing! I wouldn't have it any other way! Their website is OMAR'S Exotic Birds :: Parrots and Bird Supplies, Orange County, CA

For Bella it is $59 for the visit and then $98 for bloodwork (if chosen to do so) $98 for fecal/bacteria test etc. At Omar's they cover the first visit for you if you visit one of their approved vets. I already went to Dr. Ikeda anyways (their approved avian vet) and he is amazing!!!!

Feel free to PM me

Oh & I don't work there but I love the store so much they have been one of the best tools I could ever ask for!!!

AG either CAG or TAG are the best of the best. At least that is the way I feel. I have a little Timie and she is wonderful. She is my only bird now and I give her my full attention, lots of intelectual stimulation and playtime. We have fun routines too.
If you adopt it does not always mean the bird is full of baggage. They do outlive many of their guardians. I also cook for her and have fun doing so.

Whoever told you greys aren't loud has never been around my house lol. As everyone has metioned make sure you have the time they need or im sure you'll find just how loud they get.

I don't know what kind of stories you were told but greys can be rather loud. Especially when you live in a apt. None of the greys I've been around were quiet.

I think it really depends on the bird. I have met maaaany quiet greys.

You got lucky there....I've met MANY noisey ones throught out the years....

All birds are relatively noisy though, in my opinion. LOL. I live with the loud crowd.

My wife and I have adopted two Timnehs and one Congo and they are great birds. However they are individuals and there are no similarities with regard to their noise levels or personalities. Diane rarely speaks but loves to whistle, Romeo talks and whistles and Pluma the Congo, does not whistle but loves to boss the dogs.

I wrote about our experiences with each of them that may provide some additional insights:

“Diane” – Thriving at Birdzhaven | Life at Birdzhaven

“Romeo” – Our African Grey Timneh | Life at Birdzhaven

“Pluma” – A Very Special African Grey Congo | Life at Birdzhaven

It is encouraging that you are taking the decision so seriously. They are beautiful and intelligent birds that require and deserve a devoted owner.