My first african grey

[fersie17]

Hello all,

This is my first experience with an african grey. She/he is 4 or 5 months old started eating on her own 5 days back. I dnt put her in a cage. I keep her chained at a stand. Not aggressive, but she don't step up. Keeps eating almost all the time. Is that a problem ? Sometimes she tries to fly, but can't because of the chain. I know she won't come back if i let her free. Thats why i am plannin to trim her wing. Is that a good idea or bad. Its been a week since i got her. I want her to get bonded with me and start talking and do some cool stuffs that other parrots do. When will a grey start talking ? Please give me a lil advice on how to workout with her.

 

[Parrot1]

She isn't a prisoner too be chained up! Please get her A cage it's way better!

Some muscles and organs in her body won't function properly if she
Has her flight feathers trimmed! She's a bird after all!

(She won't bond with you ever if she's chained up)

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forums, fersie17.

Congratulations on your African Grey. What is her name?

The vast majority of parrot lovers all over the world have come to recognize that chaining a parrot is a big 'NO NO'. Your bird can quite easily break her leg (or worse) if she attempts to fly, or if she gets scared and tries to flutter off.

Additionally, parrots' feet aren't meant to sit on perfectly round perches. Your bird will develop sores on her feet that will potentially cause her quite a bit of pain.

She needs a variety of different perches, to use different muscles in her feet. She will also need a varied diet, including lots of fresh vegetables and some fruit.

Then she will need mental stimulation = toys

 

[fersie17]

First i dnt know weather its a she or he. But i named it
"kiwi" & thanks for the advice and info.
Actually its difficult to get a good size cage for kiwi. Only two or three pet shops here and there are no big cages.
Thats why i keep it chained in a stand. I am sure she will fly away and won't come back. Thats why i want to trim her wings. After shes bonded with me i will let the feathera grow. Is it ok or not ?

 

[Terry57]

When you say fly away, are you keeping her outside? If so, please bring her into the house and take her off the chain.You will be able to catch her in the house and she can still get exercise without endangering herself by trying to get free from the chain.
Where are you located? Perhaps we can help you find somewhere to order her a proper cage

 

[getwozzy]

Some muscles and organs in her body won't function properly if she
Has her flight feathers trimmed!

Say what?!? I'm not quite sure where you learned this, but that's not completely true..... Sure, different muscles will be used, but I'm *pretty sure* all organs will function properly regardless of clipped wings or not lol!

 

[happy410]

Oh my, I agree with all the others. Don't chain that baby. You can find any size cage you need online.
You can get all the advice you need from members on this forum. You mentioned this is your first experience with a parrot so please take all comments to heart. No one means to offend you, we all only want the best for your parrot and to help you have a healthy relationship together.

 

[fersie17]

Finally i got a cage now kiwi is free and seems like hes happy

 

[BirdLover80]

Awesome! I'm sure he'll be snug as a bug in there. Might wanna invest in a stand for it in the near future. Birds like being up high plus its easier to clean out the cage and such too. Welcome to the forum.

 

[getwozzy]

At least he's no longer chained, but you'll want to get a much larger cage for him as a permanent home-- this cage would work well as a travel cage though.

 

[Regan]

Welcome! Your baby seems like she is very happy I'm new to this too, maybe we can keep each other updated? Thanks to BEwolf and BirdLover80 I have gotten my alexandrine stepping up in a week of getting him. If this is any help, have her get used to you (if she isn't already), then gradually get her to step on a stick and bring you hand closer, and eventually the stick will turn into your hand glad to hear she is eating lots too, mine didn't eat for the fist day and now is getting better at eating confidently.
All the best!