African Grey with a full time job

[commander]

I've been greatly interested in greys for some time and I sadly just lost my little green cheek after having him for half my life or so. I see some people saying you can't have a healthy grey with a full time job and others seem to think you can. I understand all that comes with one and how intuitive and sensitive they can be. My other question comes with socializing a grey, I live alone but despite that, don't want the bird to become a one person bird. I feel taking him on trips and introducing to people in controlled environments would be great for him but are they too hyper sensitive for that?

 

[Terry57]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your green cheek
I don't have greys so can't help you with your questions, but I just wanted to extend my sympathies.

 

[thekarens]

There's no reason you can't have a grey with a full time job. Our grey lived 12 years happily with zero plucking while we worked full time. Unfortunately he passed away a couple years ago, but until then he did fine. He had attention from us for about 4 hours in the evening and we kept him cageless. He had a cage, but it was never closed.

 

[Katiejayne]

I'm sorry for your lose! green cheeks are sweethearts!
The socialising I would say depends on the age of bird you are getting I had a baby and she had no fears I harness trained her and she comes out with me and isn't nervous and this is what she is used to however my mum adopted her grey at two and when he has to leave the house for vet visits etc he gets really stressed out she spends lots of time trying small steps but he still doesn't like it.
Only you really know if you have time for an african grey, if you are home enough everyday to give him/her attention and time out of the cage and that is everyday whether you tired or ill because they soon let you know they are unhappy of you don't.
I have both a green cheek and a grey, I had a green cheek first and thought it can't be much different I think it is, green cheeks are happy to hang out playing whereas my grey demands my attention if she isn't getting it lol. I was unsure at first about getting a grey but she is so loving and I'm really glad I did! I'm sure more people will be along with better info sorry I can only say my experiences.

 

[commander]

Thank you guys the condolences, I'd be excited for challenges a grey would present along with the rewards. I just wanted to make sure working 40 to 50 hours a week left enough time as some birds don't do well occupying themselves. In the end it's how raise them though like any other pet I think. A lot of the stereotypes seem to come from poorly raised greys.