African Grey Parrot?

[Yoshi&Sebastian]

My girlfriend and I are researching keeping African Grey Parrots (well, singular) as pets. Does anybody know any web sites off-hand that would explain, in painfully tedious detail, African Grey diets and care? Like a CavySpirit and GuineaLynx for Greys.

Right now I'm combing through Google search results.

I've already got one part done - my cavy vet is also an avian specialist. I also understand this is a huge commitment considering their lifespan is at least 50-70 years in good health.

[Tessa Bea]

There was a fellow on Youtube who has one that curses, I thought I saw in the comments somewhere that he cited a site but I don't recall what it was. He also advocates people properly educating themselves about Greys before buying, so I'd imagine you could get some advice from him... oneneverlovesenough was his username or something.

[Dichotomy83]

Im not sure of any websites offhand, sorry. But I do have bird and parrot owning experience.

Have you ever had a bird of any sort? Most people would suggest a bird like a grey or other large parrot only to experienced bird owners. Keep in mind that large parrots are very similar to toddlers. They demand hours of attention per day and can become quite loud at various times of the day. They also have the capability to bite.....and HARD! They need a wide variety of fruits and veggies and other "human foods" in addition to their seed mixes. Seed should be only a tiny portion of their diet, similar to cavies.

Greys can be fantastic mimics, even getting vocal "tones" down. My grandmother's grey whispers and distinguishably mimics both her and my grandfather's voice. They tend to be "one man" birds, choosing only one family member to be affectionate towards, and acting indifferent or even mean towards other people.

I've occasionally used this site ThePerch.net Message Boards - The Friendliest Pet Bird / Parrot Forum on the Net ! - Powered by vBulletin as a reference for questions on our hahns macaw. They seem to have an african grey section too...might be worth checking out.

Also, depending on where you live, please consider looking for an adoptable grey through a shelter or someone looking to rehome. Parrots have amazingly long life spans, and the amount of birds looking for forever homes is devestating. Adopting might take a little more work in the beginning, but is so worth it in the long run.

Good luck!

[Yoshi&Sebastian]

Originally Posted by Dichotomy83

Im not sure of any websites offhand, sorry. But I do have bird and parrot owning experience.

Have you ever had a bird of any sort? Most people would suggest a bird like a grey or other large parrot only to experienced bird owners. Keep in mind that large parrots are very similar to toddlers. They demand hours of attention per day and can become quite loud at various times of the day. They also have the capability to bite.....and HARD! They need a wide variety of fruits and veggies and other "human foods" in addition to their seed mixes. Seed should be only a tiny portion of their diet, similar to cavies.

Greys can be fantastic mimics, even getting vocal "tones" down. My grandmother's grey whispers and distinguishably mimics both her and my grandfather's voice. They tend to be "one man" birds, choosing only one family member to be affectionate towards, and acting indifferent or even mean towards other people.

I've occasionally used this site ThePerch.net Message Boards - The Friendliest Pet Bird / Parrot Forum on the Net ! - Powered by vBulletin as a reference for questions on our hahns macaw. They seem to have an african grey section too...might be worth checking out.

Also, depending on where you live, please consider looking for an adoptable grey through a shelter or someone looking to rehome. Parrots have amazingly long life spans, and the amount of birds looking for forever homes is devestating. Adopting might take a little more work in the beginning, but is so worth it in the long run.

Good luck!

I've already located a shelter here. Well, probably a 2 hour ride into the deep suburbs, but I've found one nonetheless. Thanks, I appreciate the info and the web site!

This has stemmed out of me interacting with several Greys over the last few months. Once for several hours non-stop. They are so intelligent it's amazing.

I'm going to be doing a LOT of research into their care. If I decide to get one, it will be at least several months before I make that decision. Most likely closer to a year or two. I have a lot going on right now (College, work, living expenses, etc) that I need to plan and get straight before I do this. IF I do this.

[VoodooJoint]

Keep in mind that parrots are technically wild animals, not domesticated pets. You need to alter your life to suite them as the other way around never works and leads to severe issues in these intelligent and active animals.

Research is the key. You MUST actively and thoroughly research every aspect of being a bird custodian and you MUST be prepared for the worst. Talk extensively to reputable bird rescuers (not breeders or petshops). If after you have soaked up all the knowledge you can and have a deep base of resources for further help then you must rescue, not buy from a breeder.

In the end these creatures should not be pets. Far ore suffer in poor homes then flourish and the captive breeding for the pet industry needs to end. these animals wish to live free, not in a cage or captivity. Adopt one already existing and waiting for a forever home in rescue and you won't be feeding in to the pet trade which breeds suffering with every animal.

[Yoshi&Sebastian]

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

Keep in mind that parrots are technically wild animals, not domesticated pets. You need to alter your life to suite them as the other way around never works and leads to severe issues in these intelligent and active animals.

Research is the key. You MUST actively and thoroughly research every aspect of being a bird custodian and you MUST be prepared for the worst. Talk extensively to reputable bird rescuers (not breeders or petshops). If after you have soaked up all the knowledge you can and have a deep base of resources for further help then you must rescue, not buy from a breeder.

In the end these creatures should not be pets. Far ore suffer in poor homes then flourish and the captive breeding for the pet industry needs to end. these animals wish to live free, not in a cage or captivity. Adopt one already existing and waiting for a forever home in rescue and you won't be feeding in to the pet trade which breeds suffering with every animal.

My intentions with this are clear. I've already stated in this topic that I've found a rescue and that I'm doing extensive research into their care.

Everyone you talk to about animal care isn't an idiot, and that's something you need to understand. I have seen plenty of people on this site that needed a slap in the face over their ignorance of animal care, but at least read everything I've said in a topic before giving a cookie-cutter response that's unneeded.

If I'm doing something wrong, absolutely call me out on it. But don't condescend to me.

[VoodooJoint]

Yes I did. I'm not lecturing you. I see that you found a rescue, I also see that you are doing your research. I should have acknowledged that you seem to be doing everything the right way.

I jumped the gun and simply was hammering home some of the issues because sometimes posts like this make others get excited about getting a bird and they don't bother to do the proper research.

Once again, sorry to have overlooked applauding the way you are handling getting a bird. You seem to be doing an exceptional job and your efforts should have been first and foremost in my original post.

ETA - You edited and totally changed your post. My original reply to it (above in this post) still stands. It was my error and I wasn't trying to be condescending. Sorry it came out that way.

[Yoshi&Sebastian]

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

Yes I did. I'm not lecturing you. I see that you found a rescue, I also see that you are doing your research. I should have acknowledged that you seem to be doing everything the right way.

I jumped the gun and simply was hammering home some of the issues because sometimes posts like this make others get excited about getting a bird and they don't bother to do the proper research.

Once again, sorry to have overlooked applauding the way you are handling getting a bird. You seem to be doing an exceptional job and your efforts should have been first and foremost in my original post.

ETA - You edited and totally changed your post. My original reply to it (above in this post) still stands. It was my error and I wasn't trying to be condescending. Sorry it came out that way.

I do apologize for getting so defensive.

[VoodooJoint]

No problem and no hard feelings. As I said, it was my fault and believe me, when I think I'm at fault I'll admit it.

Wild animals as pets is a sore spot with me and sometimes I get away from myself when the topic comes up.