Can I get an African Grey?

[Parrotlover101]

I'm 13 and I love birds. I'm on the computer almost all my free time searching up how to take care of birds and parrots and the proper handling, ect. I really love birds but I don't want to get a conure or one of the smaller species because I'd be stuck with a bird I didn't want for 20-30 years. Any advice?

 

[Tswift]

Well, an African Grey can live WAY longer than 20-30 years.... lets say 50-70 years or more.

When i was 13 or 14, I started getting interested in parrots too. I begged and begged my parents for a parrot- specifically caique. Since my parents kept telling me no, I decided to research for 5-6 years about which species would be right for me, care, etc. Yes. 5-6 years, no joke. I am now 19 and my boyfriend and I got sister caiques last month since we signed an apartment lease and will be living on our own very soon. When Ava (my caique) was born in January of this year, I visited the exotic bird store every couple of weeks to watch her and her sister grow and be weaned. I had all of the bird supplies months before I brought her home. I would not have been able to do this when i was 13 years old.

I am not telling this to ward you off. If your parents agree that you can get a bird, and you have done your research, then I can't tell you no, but I do NOT regret waiting as long as I did to buy my caique. You have to think about the initial costs of the cage, toys, bowls, etc along with food every month. And of course, think about the cost of buying a bird... which could be 300-1000 dollars. Mine was $900. Plus... you do not yet have your life figured out yet. What about in 5 years when you might be going to colleges? Many colleges, such as mine, require you to live in the dorms which do not allow pets. Where would your bird go for 1-4 years?

Have you been to an exotic bird store and handled a conure or one of the smaller species? Just because a bird is bigger does not mean they are "way cooler". Caiques are rather small and they are extremely intelligent, cuddly, and playful. Green cheek conures are also great birds. If you haven't already, I would look up different parrot species on YouTube to get a better idea of different species of parrots.

So personally, my answer to your question "Can i get an african grey?" is NO! I would not even consider an african grey.. they require so much more attention than I could possibly ever give.

 

[Ratzy]

I'm 13 and have budgies and cockatiels, but would not even consider getting an AG. You are at school most of the day and in a few years you'll be off to college. A lot can change.

 

[leomacaw]

Grey Parrots can live up to 50 years or more. You're still young and are you sure to make such commitment? Are you sure that you can afford to pay the medical fee of the parrot? If so, it's a good idea as the parrot will be a great companion with you almost for the rest of your life.

However, if you are not sure, you will ruin a parrot's life.

Think twice before you act.

 

[mnsalani]

A parrot is a wonderful companion--that will be with you for life! It's great that you've been doing so much research and AG's are just incredible, however, it would be best to maybe wait a few years (I know you probably don't want to hear this) or begin with a smaller parrot. A smaller parrot is still a giant commitment & you must make sure this isn't a want that will fade in a few years. Doing the research is a good start, but it's only one facet you must think about before getting a bird. Maybe find a family friend that already has a parrot & offer to birdsit for a few days, then multiple that experience by 50-70 years.

 

[Spiritbird]

This is a good question from a young birder. Just the fact that you are asking it means you are not sure what to do. Also when you write "stuck with" deplicts your youth. Your life will take many roads and changes at such a young age. A bird such as a grey is a lifetime committment. Are you ready for that? I would seriously consider a bird that does not have as long a life span as a grey. Get your bird feet wet first before jumping in the ocean.

There is nothing wrong with a conure. I just got one and they are delightful.

 

[Nakiska]

I think you've gotten a lot of excellent advice here already and I just wanted to put my 2 bits in regarding Conures. I have 3 kids, my 2 sons are 12 and 13 and my daughter is 18.

We got our first, a yellow sided green cheek conure and he's FABULOUS! (see pictures of him in my profile page) From all I've learned about larger parrots, our little Franklin has a large parrot personality all wrapped up in a cute little conure package. When we got Franklin home and introduced him to my kids, within a few minutes each of them said..."he's soo cool!" "if we were with you at the store, we'd have wanted you to buy him too." And each day, my kids love to have "their" bird time with Franklin. They are constantly chuckling, giggling and laughing at his antics.

Franklin is learning to talk (he's only 3 months old) Already he's saying pretty pretty pretty birdieee..wolf whistling and making kissing sounds. He's such an acrobat! Hanging upside down by one foot swinging on his toys, he loves to burrow under blankets and cuddle up for a snooze, he's very brave and bold without being mean.

He likes to flip onto his back and plays with our fingers, he'll grab hold of our finger and we'll lift him up, he flops his head back, similar to kids on a swing when swinging really high and throw their heads back...that's what Franklin does. He loves to climb and swing, he hops and runs and summersaults...he's truly the most amazing little bird I've ever owned...EVER! He loves to carry things in his beak, and lay on his back and play with balls...he holds food in his foot and eats just like a larger parrot would. He loves to bathe and although we spend lots of time with him out of his cage, he's happy as can be inside his cage as well.

I think a majority of conures have this same type of personality and are slightly less "needy" than a larger parrot. They are cheaper to care for and take up considerably less space in your home, and I'm willing to bet they aren't quite as messy as a large parrot.

We also have 2 cockatiels who are absolute joys as well, but have a much more "reserved" personality then our Franklin does.

Franklin is by far the most social bird I've ever owned and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

I know so many of us are lured by the sheer size, beauty and awe of the larger parrots, but we can become quickly intimidated once bitten...and trust me, THAT can take all the fun out of parrot ownership and quick too!

A conure's bite is tollerable, yes, they can draw blood, but they aren't likely to take off your finger. Franklin has never done worse to any of us then an exploratory..."what's this?" test and if his "testing" get's too ouchy...we say to him..."OUCH! Beeee niiiiiice..." and he immediately backs off.

I also keep on hand, slices of apple, carrots, corn on the cob, grapes etc...so if he's seeming to be particularly more "beaky" then normal, I offer him up something he can sink his beak in.

Anyway, just my 2 cents about conures. I'd definitely put them in your "serious consideration" list.

I can't imagine life without ours.

Click on my call name to view my profile and see our Franklin.

Good luck with what ever you and your parents decide on.

Toni

 

[Nakiska]

Oh and I forgot to mention in my post...I personally think once you get a bird, be it a conure, 'tiel, or even a budgie...once you discover the personality of your bird and begin to bond with him/her...I don't think you'll ever feel "stuck with it" for the life of the bird. You'll truly ENJOY him/her and won't be able to imagine life without it.

And also, as far as I know, there is no law that says you can't own more than one bird once you get older and out on your own. You are 13, I know it seems like ions...but really...that time is really NOT that far away.

Toni

 

[wuvzbirdies]

Also think of having a Grey as being responsible for a toddler for the next 50-70 years. They are highly intelligent and require constant stimulation and interaction that I don't think a 13 year old who hasn't figured out life yet can provide. I am not saying you can not handle it because I don't know you but it is a HUGE step to take when getting not only a Grey but any parrot for that matter.

Good luck on your research

 

[Nakiska]

Also think of having a Grey as being responsible for a toddler for the next 50-70 years. They are highly intelligent and require constant stimulation and interaction that I don't think a 13 year old who hasn't figured out life yet can provide. I am not saying you can not handle it because I don't know you but it is a HUGE step to take when getting not only a Grey but any parrot for that matter.

Good luck on your research

SOO SOO SOOO SO TRUE! EXCELLENT advice!

 

[wibitywab]

Yea, I'm 13, and I am around AGs everyday because I help out at an exotic bird store everyday after school. They are NOT good for first time owners, and NOT good for 13 year olds. I have had a green cheek before, and am moving a step up with a Hahn's macaw now. The people on this forum are the best sources you can get! I really would stay small with a green cheek, or sun, or even a ringneck, but nothing bigger than that. The costs of these birds is humongous too. You don't just pay for the bird (about 1,000-1,400 dollars), but your going to need a cage that will cost you $300-$600, and toys, which are very, very pricey. So your looking at about 2,000 dollars, and thats just right when you get the bird. Vet expenses, especially first time, and injuries, can set you back a lot. And remember, these birds need to be out of the cage at a 2 hour minimum, and I'd say for AGs especially, about 10 hours because they are little talking machines that demand attention. Just think about it. You have a lot of time, and some great answers from some great people!

 

[Parrotlover101]

I really don't want to own more than one bird at a time... I want to devote my entire free time to that one bird and not have to split it between another. I just went to the zoo today and got to hold some lories.. (know this from all my research on parrots) I enjoyed this but farther back in the aviary was a cockatoo. I was thinking maybe a smaller cockatoo if the greys not right. A goffin???

 

[Parrotlover101]

I'd spend my entire weekend with the bird if I could and I would take him out before and after school while doing homework or on the computer. During the summer I'd get to spend my entire days with the bird. I don't think it would ever get lonely and about the expenses... Where I am everything is cheaper than every where else. The African Greys here from the breeders are about 800 dollars but in other places 1000.

 

[Parrotlover101]

I have a baby sister who would NOT interact with the bird until she was old enough to know what to do and what not to do. I take care of her and baby sit her every summer. I feed her and change her diaper and everything so I kind of already have a toddler.

 

[Conurekidd]

Ehhhhw. Idk. Cockatoos are more of a commitment then Greys. The fact you go to school you won't possablly be able to give the required attention with 6 hour intervals each weekday. I'm young and had birds since I was younger. I'm 19 and care for 2 conures 2 tiels and an amazon. Iv bad budgies and tiels since before 13 but my parents were bird lovers as well. So they had my back just in case. I'll always be apart of birds and theyll always be apart of me. But Greys and toos are not the best choise for first time birds. Maybe a gcc or cockatiel. Because it's not age on what counts on larger parrot commimits. Its experince. So 5 years down from now and you still want a grey or too AFTER youv adjusted to the bird world. Then concider it. But I'd recommend a tiel of gcc. Still it's a long term commitment

 

[CAGLulu]

@Parrotlover101: You've already been given great advice, but since I consider my self as a "young parrot owner" (16 years old) I will tell you mine .

Now I've always loved birds... especially the AG because of it's talent to mimic sounds. When I was about 10-12 years old my dad would not get me one. He said that the responsible was too big for a 12 year old. I kept begging but nothing helped. When I turned 15 I began to read about parrots, handling, feeding, etc... I found out that they really do need a whole lot of your personal time, but I felt that I could handle it. I'm 16 now and I've had Lulu (my CAG) for about 4 months. She is the best thing that I ever could imagine, but she has also taken a lot of my time with my friends... not saying that you can't go out and have fun and things like that, but it will definitely limit the time you spend with your friends now. One important thing that you should keep in mind is that the AG bond very much to one or two in the family. My AG have bonded with me and my dad, and no one else can pick her up or pet her. I was so stupid that I just let that go by when someone told me that they bond very much to only one or two in the family. It is very frustrating and annoying that no one else can get her to step-up or even touch her. Sure there is AG's that will step up on anyone, but that is not my experience at all... Maybe it's because she is still only 5 month old? I don't think so .

 

[wuvzbirdies]

I really don't want to own more than one bird at a time... I want to devote my entire free time to that one bird and not have to split it between another. I just went to the zoo today and got to hold some lories.. (know this from all my research on parrots) I enjoyed this but farther back in the aviary was a cockatoo. I was thinking maybe a smaller cockatoo if the greys not right. A goffin???

I DO NOT recommend a Cockatoo, here’s a link to give you a pretty good idea of what they CAN be like, they are not all like this but it is a reality of what owning a cockatoo would possibly be like http://www.mytoos.com/ I suggest you turn your speakers up.

I'd spend my entire weekend with the bird if I could and I would take him out before and after school while doing homework or on the computer. During the summer I'd get to spend my entire days with the bird. I don't think it would ever get lonely and about the expenses... Where I am everything is cheaper than everywhere else. The African Greys here from the breeders are about 800 dollars but in other places 1000.

The initial cost of the bird is not most forum members primary concern, it’s the vet bills and upkeep, you are looking into very high maintenance birds who require stimulating toys rotated frequently, will your allowance cover that? Regarding spending time on the weekends if you could or before and after school may not be sufficient, these birds are not ornaments and as I have previously mentioned they need constant stimulation, taking it out of the cage and cuddling for a bit will definitely not be in the best interest of the bird. The reason I mentioned cuddling is because I read a previous thread you started asking what the most cuddliest bird is because you want a bird who cuddles.

I have a baby sister who would NOT interact with the bird until she was old enough to know what to do and what not to do. I take care of her and baby sit her every summer. I feed her and change her diaper and everything so I kind of already have a toddler.

Sorry but there is a BIG difference in being responsible for a toddler and watching you little sister, you are not responsible for your sister, you will be for the bird and it is a massive responsibility.


I know I may sound harsh and that I am trying to convince you not to get a high maintenance bird; I probably am as I am thinking of the well being of the bird you may get. You mentioned you don’t want to get stuck with a bird you don’t want, can you imagine how the bird will feel being stuck with a guardian who was not up for the challenge of owning him/her.

I have Grey owning experience and I can tell you that I do not believe a 13 year old is not ready for this bird. And as an experienced Grey owner I personally wouldn’t even think of a Cockatoo, they are higher maintenance than Greys.

Members have suggested a Cockatiel as a starter bird, I think that is an excellent choice, possibly even a budgie, they can be very fullfilling.

 

[Parrotlover101]

Would an amazon or a goffin cockatoo be better?

 

[wibitywab]

OK, I don't think you really get it. If you have no prior bird experience, you really need to get a conure, you don't know what your getting yourself into!

 

[Parrotlover101]

I babysit my sister often and feed her, play with her, and take care of her. I'm like her second mother. So in a way I already have a toddler.