My African Grey has owned me since 1981

[Guest39619]

I have had the pleasure of being owned by my male African Grey since 1981.

 

[BirdyBee]

I have had the pleasure of being owned by my male African Grey since 1981.

She looks like a very lovely African Grey!

I can't help but notice that she was some feather loss, have you had that checked out yet? It may be either plucking(causes by disease or psychological/mental issues) or illnesses such as PBFD.

 

[Guest39619]

Thanks for the kind words but “she” is a “he”. Greys are very intelligent and easily bored, so they’re prone to feather plucking. It was much worse during the 1980s before I switched him from seeds to a pellet-based diet. Since then all of his wing and tail feathers have grown back in but the breast abs leg feather follicles were permanently damaged over time so he looks like a little plucked chicken in those areas. He’s no longer doing it and he’s also much more mellow on the diet I have him on, plus he gets a lot of affection and a constant replenishment of new toys. He has arthritis due to his age and he also had cataract surgery which cost me $2,000 but was well worth it as it restored his vision. I was 23 years old when I got him and am now 64 years old so he’s been with me longer than anyone in my entire family.

 

[BirdyBee]

Thanks for the kind words but “she” is a “he”. Greys are very intelligent and easily bored, so they’re prone to feather plucking. It was much worse during the 1980s before I switched him from seeds to a pellet-based diet. Since then all of his wing and tail feathers have grown back in but the breast abs leg feather follicles were permanently damaged over time so he looks like a little plucked chicken in those areas. He’s no longer doing it and he’s also much more mellow on the diet I have him on, plus he gets a lot of affection and a constant replenishment of new toys. He has arthritis due to his age and he also had cataract surgery which cost me $2,000 but was well worth it as it restored his vision. I was 23 years old when I got him and am now 64 years old so he’s been with me longer than anyone in my entire family.

Oops, sorry for misgendering him!

Sorry to hear about his health issues. It seems like you're a very caring owner.

 

[wrench13]

Congrats on having him for that long! A real testament you your love and devotion.

 

[BirdyBee]

It's always interesting for me to hear about birds that are older than me. They can live so long.

 

[LindaRN]

I have had the pleasure of being owned by my male African Grey since 1981.

Congratulations on the long life with your Grey. Mine is 32 years old, but I’ve only had him 28yrs.
Looks like you have a nice stainless cage? What type is it and where did you get it if it’s not too old?

 

[cnyguy]

Obviously you've given your Grey a good home and a good life for all these years. Hope you'll have many more good years together.

 

[LindaRN]

Obviously you've given your Grey a good home and a good life for all these years. Hope you'll have many more good years together.

Thank you!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'm so glad you found us! My 38 year old Patagonian and I share a long history, too, and joining this Community has been one of the most gratifying and uplifting experiences of my life. We arrived here years ago, ad I have never strayed far. Never will. I kept an old school hard copy scrapbook for ages before uploading and continuing it here. I hope you will become a vital member of our group. You sound like our kind of folks!!!!!
Welcome!

 

[Guest39619]

Congratulations on the long life with your Grey. Mine is 32 years old, but I’ve only had him 28yrs.
Looks like you have a nice stainless cage? What type is it and where did you get it if it’s not too old?

Thank you for your kind words. The stainless steel cage is from King's Cages. He likes it because it is spacious and yet if he slips from his perch. he doesn't have to worry about getting hurt because it isn't very deep. The model is showing as out of stock:

3224 EUROPEAN STYLE MATTE STAINLESS STEEL​

 

[Guest39619]

I'm so glad you found us! My 38 year old Patagonian and I share a long history, too, and joining this Community has been one of the most gratifying and uplifting experiences of my life. We arrived here years ago, ad I have never strayed far. Never will. I kept an old school hard copy scrapbook for ages before uploading and continuing it here. I hope you will become a vital member of our group. You sound like our kind of folks!!!!!
Welcome!

Thanks so much. I began my life as a flock member (African Grey ordered me to take him home) in 1981 and then afterwards, I have raised three Scarlet Macaws since babies.