Getting a bird in less than a week.

[LePokemonNerd]

Hi, I'm Ashley! I'm getting a bird in less than a week, I'm planning on an African Grey, but not sure yet. I want an African Grey because I've seen how amusing and talkative they are, but a cockatoo or another kind would be ok, too. I'm hoping on a bigger bird, as they are more vocal and intelligent (at least I've heard). Also, my old bird, Romeo the cockatiel, died from a draft (R.I.P, love you forever) Do bigger birds die from drafts, or are they more immune? Just asking because I wanted to put him by the stereo so he could learn songs, and the stereo is by a window. If not, I'll just move the stereo. Anyways, hi to all!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hello Ashley, and welcome to the forum. Glad you found us and joined.

Please take the time to read and research as much as you can before taking the plunge into a possible life long commitment.

There is a plethora of information here, feel free to ask as many questions as you can think of, and we'll try to help you the best we can.

 

[Mirlito]

A very warm Scottish welcome to you from the sunny Costa del Sol, Andalucía, Spain!

I am with the others on this one, wait and do some researching first it will pay off in the long run.

 

[Peeker]

Ok well you already heard the research part so I won't step on that again.

All birds have much in common so far as care goes but there are some differences worth finding out depending on the bird you choose. All parrots are just NOT the same. Some require special diets, some are more prone to speaking yes, but some are more prone to plucking too. Some can be more anxious and some more bulletproof. Some live a long time and some a very very long time! You need to consider your lifestyle and your expectations for your life with a bird to find the one that will be the best fit.

 

[LePokemonNerd]

I think you misunderstood me, I'm planning to get an African Grey, if not a Cockatoo, if not more research. Sorry for confusion.

 

[Brodie]

Maybe a little info on yourself first and your circumstances will help us understand why you want a bird.
I think everyone is a little confused as to why your not sure on what species your getting.
African greys and cockatoos are completely different. And choosing based on intelligence is not the best idea.
How much research have you done?
Do you know the dietary needs of both the African grey and the cockatoo?
I knew exactly what I was getting a year before I got my Eclectus, and I put a lot of work into finding myself a fantastic breeder, putting a deposit down on Scarlet when she was first born, and then waiting 4 months till she was old enough to actually come home with me. Which included weekly visits to my breeders house to spend a few hours with her so she could warm up to me first. Even that didn't work though, I brought home the devils bird. But now she is my best friend, and she loves me to bits. Luckily I had the patience, time, knowledge, and money for her. Or else it may not have turned out as great as it did.
I am also planning on getting an African grey, I have spent over a hundred dollars buying books on them, hours and hours of research and advice, and made sure I know everything about their diet, and ups and downs.
I don't plan on getting one for at least 6 months, although I am looking for a breeder right now, so I can have a visit, spend some time with the greys, and make sure they are the bird for us.
There is absolutely no way I would bring another parrot into my home without making sure I knew exactly what I was getting myself into, and educating myself fully first.
Alot of people think they can just buy a bird and it will be the perfect bird, easy to maintain and stimulate.
But honestly it's not that easy.
I mean look at Alex the African grey, Pepperberg spent so much time with Alex, along with her students. He still plucked, I believe she worked him so hard he was stressed from all the work. Griffin as well. Makes me sad.
All we are saying is maybe take some time to do some research first, it will pay off in the end trust me!

 

[brianlinkles]

I think now I'm really confused?? Have you gone and visited a bird you are interested in? There are HUGE differences between African greys and cockatoos. Yes, they can speak however they don't all speak. What kind of a draft? How old was the bird, how cold was the draft? Birds don't usually die from this. I think maybe you need to slow down do your research and then go and visit various birds to make sure the type you are getting is the one that fits well into your family. This seems very "spur of the moment" to me. Meaning I don't think that it sounds like you have done the research necessary for such a huge commitment. How old are you?