First Bird decisions

[aniamllover9]

I am trying to find a good bird for my first bird after talking to some other people everything is up in the air so to speak. I was think a GCC but my heart keeps saying go with a African Grey. Last year at the local pet store in town they had an African Grey that hated everyone would bite anything that got close to his cage and would scream if people would stare at him. But every week when I came in (for over a year) he would do this to everyone but when I would walk up he would put his head down and let me put my hand in his cage and pet his head, neck and beak. If at the time I didn't live in an apartment he would of come home with me because we just had a bond as if he had picked me. Even after seeing the good and the bad of an African Grey I still want one but I'm not positive since I don't have much bird experience but I do have experience in pretty much every other animal as I went to high school at the Omaha Zoo and spent two summers being an assistant keeper one summer in Tampa one in Missouri. Should I go with the Grey or should i stick with the Conure?

 

[MikeyTN]

If you had your heart set for a Grey, then go for it. I had my heart set on a Scarlet Macaw for many years and now I finally got one. But I'm banned from anymore birds after this one....lol.....Just understand that they are super dusty birds due to the fact they produce powder dust. Make sure your not allergic to it. Air purifier is needed! Plus they do require a good diet with calcium supplements as they tend to get calcium deficiency issue.

 

[LeaKP]

CAGs are great. Not a bad first bird if you are committed to it. Bathing a couple of times a week and cleaning the cage daily helps with the dust. We have tile floors and wipe them down every day. We don't have a dust problem at all. Take time every day with your bird, at least 3 hours - ours is out usually 6-8 hours. I take him out very early (5 am) put him away around 8 am. Then he is out on and off throughout the day (we home school and he is our mascot out with us most of the day until he gets naughty which happens about halfway through every day). We play with him and talk with him throughout the day. He is potty trained, starting to talk, and loves to learn. Great bird.

 

[aniamllover9]

I do work nights so I am home all day I get home around 7 and that's when I take care of all the animals and I am normally up for a few hours so I can definitely have him/her out then and then when I wake up till I have to leave for work I could have him/her out as well. Luckly where I would place the cage has wood floors so that should make for easy cleaning

 

[LeaKP]

That's great. Lots of toys for when you're away. I play music for my bird all the time. You should be good. Be patient, learn your bird's habits, don't be offended when they want their own time (CAGs can be standoffish sometimes when it suits them, they are a bit conceited...ha!). But especially love your CAG and in time he/she will a best friend!