Finally found a companion

[MrBackpack]

After many fruitless emails and contacts across Texas and a few surrounding states, I have found a feathered companion to adopt.

His name is Bobby and he is a 7 year old African Grey.

I'll post a picture when I'm at home and not on my iPad.

Seeing as this is my first bird of any kind, what should I be expecting? I've been I doing the research on general behavior and temperament and those sort of things, but I was wondering if there was anything that is should be expressly aware of. I'm aware of the noise, the commitment of owning a 3 years old for the next 50-70 years, and the expense of the avian vet and everything else.

His current/previous owners did mention that when if there was a BIG change or some serious stress, he clips his feathers. Not pluck, she did emphasize this quite emphatically, he cuts the tips off of his chest feathers making him look a little raggedy.

He'll be here between the 14th and 15th, we're so excited.

 

[Katiejayne]

Congratulations on ur new friend, sorry I can't really help with much else don't know a lot about adopting older greys. Although I would say to have everything ready so that we can get used To his new cage with little disruption. Also to find out what they have been feeding him seed, pellet and his favorite treats but I'm sure you've already done this and hopefully someone with more info will post soon
Xx

 

[RockysMom]

I have a 3 year old grey we adopted .it takes a lot of time and patience and lotsssss of attention plus some good food

 

[getwozzy]

I was just wondering about if you found a fid!! I'm glad to hear you guys finally found one

African Greys are one I've always been fascinated with, and lately it seems like I really really want to adopt one at some point....

As with any new fid you bring home, it's best to keep things at a minimum for at least the first few days or week....it all depends on the individual though. Bobby will have to make the transition into a NEW home with NEW surroundings and NEW people and NEW everything- this can be very stressful with some birds. Essentially you'll be literally starting from square one, you'll have to earn his trust so don't expect too much in the beginning...

Have you spent some time with him already? How does he act around you and your wife?Can you do a few visits between now and the 14th?

 

[MrBackpack]

I was just wondering about if you found a fid!! I'm glad to hear you guys finally found one

African Greys are one I've always been fascinated with, and lately it seems like I really really want to adopt one at some point....

As with any new fid you bring home, it's best to keep things at a minimum for at least the first few days or week....it all depends on the individual though. Bobby will have to make the transition into a NEW home with NEW surroundings and NEW people and NEW everything- this can be very stressful with some birds. Essentially you'll be literally starting from square one, you'll have to earn his trust so don't expect too much in the beginning...

Have you spent some time with him already? How does he act around you and your wife?Can you do a few visits between now and the 14th?

Unfortunately the distance is too far for the two of us to visit any more than the time to go and pick him up.

He's going to come with his old cage, toys and some food. I'm fairly certain that we're going to transition him over to the larger Macaw cage taht we got just a little while ago.

I just need to get on making him perches and things of that nature.

Question: I want a hanging perch for my office, so that her can be closer to me in there and a floor perch/gym for him in the living room; where should I look for plans for either?

 

[getwozzy]

A popular online store is mysafebirdstore.com I would look into a boing- which is a bendable rope perch that hangs down...or look for "atoms" or "orbs"....chili loves her boing they should also have some play stands too....I made a table top stand and large jungle gym out of PVC -which is MUCH MUCH cheaper than a java tree stand. You could also browse the DIY section here http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/

 

[getwozzy]

Here's one of my posts- you'll see the jungle gym, table top stand, and boing...
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/35407-newly-remodeled-jungle-gym-d.html

 

[Lintini]

Hi,

I adopted a 20 something....ugh is she 25 this year?? old african grey last year. She wasn't let out of her cage for 15+ years. I bought her a macaw sized cage and it's so full of toys my family claims they can't find her when I am away when they feed/water her. I put her in my room, as my computer is in here with me where I am still a college student. She has thrived with all of the attention. I share all of my food with her that is not toxic to her........omg she loves NOODLES!!! When I am bad I love having a ramen noodle instant cup......good god I have to share and it makes me mad because I don't want to share!!! Hahaha I laughed out loud! Just be patient and share everything and be open to a lot of love. I didn't know what I got into by adopting a 24 y/o CAG and she's a pleasure in my life. She now talks like me and says my phrases and it's something I could never have experienced anywhere else. I brag about her to my friends, and she does come out and steps up. Sometimes we do have pinching but I am still working on that. It's a VERY long process but I think it is also very rewarding. I think I am very lucky considering how she was handled ...never.....

Honestly, it's just like everyone told me on this forum. It takes a lot of time, and love, and a lot of patience. You can win them over with that.

 

[KeroRocks]

Lintini,
I'd be careful with the ramen noodles. Birds can't metabolize salt and the salt content in those is crazy high.

 

[MrBackpack]

Finally going to pick up Bobby tomorrow, the holidays and a family emergency delayed everything.

I'll post pics as soon as I have him home.

 

[Katiejayne]

Congratulation and keep us posted with pics

 

[Shayner]

Its always nice to know that these older birds are still getting adopted
Congrats!! Like katiejayne said put up some pics when you can we'd love to see them and keep us posted on all the good stuff and good luck!