Getting a Grey

[SammyAndyAlex]

Hello.

I currently have a 4 year old Jardines parrot, Sammy, and have decided that I will purchase a CAG.

I will purchase the CAG early next year (2019), hopefully in the beginning of April.

I am very excited and have studied CAGs in detail for years.

Due to the lack of Grey breeders in my country (Finland) I will travel to Germany to purchase one, as Germany has a lot of good breeders.

What are your tips for welcoming an African Grey into the flock? I have studied and spent time with multiple CAGs but would still love to hear your opinion.


I am planning on naming the baby Andy.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welcome! Giving your thread a bump.

Finland? Wow! Tervetuloa!

I'll defer to the many Grey afficionados we have here for personal input. Meanwhile, I'd say... read, read, READ in the Grey section.

I'm glad you're here.

 

[wrench13]

Just remember - introducing a second ( or third, etc) parrot will change the family dynamics. Not always for the better, either. Do your homework and
a) Make sure his import papers are in order
b) if you will fly him home make sure the airline knows this and that you know their rules for pets in cabin
c) observe strict 30 day quarentine
d) Make sure your Jardine's doesn't feel like he is getting replaced.
Read up on here on all of the above. Good luck!

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

Just remember - introducing a second ( or third, etc) parrot will change the family dynamics. Not always for the better, either. Do your homework and
a) Make sure his import papers are in order
b) if you will fly him home make sure the airline knows this and that you know their rules for pets in cabin
c) observe strict 30 day quarentine
d) Make sure your Jardine's doesn't feel like he is getting replaced.
Read up on here on all of the above. Good luck!

Thanks. I am very prepared for the second parrot. I am autistic and have been obsessed with parrots ever since I can remember and have for the past year read up on what to do and not to do when it comes to Greys and getting a second parrot. Will still answer these questions in case anyone else is in a similar situation:

a) No import papers are needed when moving parrots within the EU. CITES papers are only required for CITES A species (for CITES B species a hatching record from the breeder will do). CITES A papers are handed over to the buyer from the breeder.

b)Yes. I have flown with my other parrot before.
(Depending on where the breeder lives, it might just be easiest to drive the whole way.)

c)I will consult my vet when it comes to testing/quarantine etc. Most likely one parrot will be at my mom's place when I live with the other parrot so they are in completely separate houses so no risk of either of them getting sick exists.

d) Sammy is and always will be the #1 parrot in my house. He will be greeted and played with first. Sammy is also trained to only sit on my left shoulder - the right one will "belong" to the CAG.

Also: The cage, harness, travel cage and toys are all ready for the new arrival. Both parrots will have their own 1x1x2m (approx. 3x3x6 feet) aviary (inside). A smaller cage is also outside so (one parrot at a time) can receive their daily dose of vitamin D from the sun. A parrot lamp on a timer is also installed.

 

[KevH]

African greys are CITES appendix 2 and you will need paperwork

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

African greys are CITES appendix 2 and you will need paperwork

They are CITES A (or 1) so I need the Yellow special CITES paper. The breeder has it.

 

[bigfellasdad]

I cant comment from my own experience, however, my CAG came from a home with 4 other parrots and apparently Enzo had no time for them, she is quite the diva. Id imagine it comes down to the individual CAG i suppose so if you are getting a CAG ask how it is with other parrots???

 

[Billdore]

Awesome research just a reminder that not all parrots follow the rules. And will go their own way despite your best efforts; and no where is that more true than with stubborn Grays. Timneh yells right back at me when shes being naughty. She will go to chew on a door or a 100 other things she can try to get a hold of. I'll say Hey at the same time she's already saying "Hey" back at me. Like Hey look what I'm doing. She attacks me when I try to clean her dishes on her play stand but could care less about the dishes in her cage. Shes also decided the top of one of the doors in the living room is hers and will defend that space also when I try to clean it. So I don't think my Timneh would do well playing with others if she won't even share with me. LOL good luck I hope it turns out well I would love to add to my flock. Congratulations so exciting to get a new baby. Nice game plan with the quarantine, I would try to establish a bond with your new gray quickly so he doesn't bond with your mother instead. I will be following a long to see how everything goes.

 

[Scott]

My experience with Greys is limited to TAGS, so your experience may vary! I found they don't typically mix with other species, however they are not aggressive and can be kept in very close proximity with others.

Currently have a single TAG living in a room with 3 Goffins, all uncaged. At one time there was also a Moluccan and Citron. Absolutely no hostility, ET will sometimes fly and land nearby a Goffin to hang out, no closer than about 3 feet or so. Previously had his mother "Timmy" in the same room with no issues.

Post quarantine, you'll have many creative opportunities to allow Sammy and Andy to attempt bonding.

Cannot comment on the required paperwork, only advice is to determine the ultimate requirements from the highest of authorities and be well prepared at all of the facilitation checkpoints.

 

[ChristaNL]

They are CITES A (or 1) so I need the Yellow special CITES paper. The breeder has it.

You would still need to apply for your own set - so make sure you get the originals and a "declaration of sale" (or whatever it is called officially) from the breeder.

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

They are CITES A (or 1) so I need the Yellow special CITES paper. The breeder has it.

You would still need to apply for your own set - so make sure you get the originals and a "declaration of sale" (or whatever it is called officially) from the breeder.

I do not need to apply for my own set. Since I live in the EU, and the bird is going to be purchased from within the EU it already has all necessary papers to be able to move freely within the EU, as long as the trade is legal (aka all papers and permits are included in the sale).

 

[Tami2]

Hi Welcome!

Very exciting, I remember all my planning & research before I got my Levi.

I’ll just add this, http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-timneh-greys/59366-cag-101-a.html

Good Luck & please keep us posted.

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

Hi Welcome!

Very exciting, I remember all my planning & research before I got my Levi.

I’ll just add this, http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-timneh-greys/59366-cag-101-a.html

Good Luck & please keep us posted.

Thanks!

I read through the 101, seems like a good post.