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by maddiver on July 16th, 2005

maddiver

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I am thinking about getting an African Grey. Is there anything about these birds that I should be aware of? What is a good website to find out more information about this particular breed?

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Answers. 13 helpful answers below.

  • by littlemissme on October 6th, 2005

    littlemissme

    Well I got my african grey about six months ago and there is so much i didnt know.
    They demand alot of attention to avoid behaviours such a feather plucking. Do not use teflon pans when cooking as they release a fume that can be poisonous.
    My big shock was that seeds are bad for your parrot as they are full of fat. They eat fresh fruits and vegetables, you need to check out what ones are not poisonous and how to prepare them.
    They poo........ alot........everywhere!
    Make sure you get one from a good breeder who has a history of disease free birds. Also read everything you can on parrots before buying one there is a lot to learn!!
    A good web site is www.birdsnways.com
    There is alot you will learn as you go along as each bird has its own character and needs.

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  • by scubabob on March 21st, 2008

    scubabob

    First bird? Not a good plan. Busy lifestyle with not much home life? Also...not a good plan. Not fond of kids? Not a good idea to own a Fid. Getting a bird for it's possible talking ability ( not guaranteed) and...not a good plan. Are you getting on in life's highway? Grey's live over 30 years so who are you going to have for a God Parent and will the bird like it?
    I'm not knocking parrot ownership (actually, they own YOU), I'm just pointing out a few realities. They WILL be your Fid ( feathered kid) and you will be their parent/mate. For life. That's just the way it is. All parrots are immensely social children. None are the same as regards temperament or their individual idiosyncrasies.
    There are two varieties of Grey by the way. The most popular being the Timmies (Timneh). The other variety is the Congo, which is a larger bird. If I were you, instead of relying on a web based review of either species, I'd actually visit a local aviary that raises either both or one that does either with additional species. You'll find a breeder that isn't biased that way.
    I am owned by a parrot, a Quaker. My second bird after a long time, companion 'Teil passed away. Greys entered my head, but as a male 40 year old at the time and doing some research, came to the conclusion that would be pretty unfair to any Grey I purchased unless I planned to take it with me to the grave. Hence my decision on a shorter lived bird, with similar traits in a smaller package. You do have to put them in a will, you know. They ARE fids. You can't just leave them with next of kin and hope all turns out well. That's one of the biggest reasons you'll find Macaws and Greys in shelters or animal rescues. Inconsiderate parents/ mates that died without thinking of the consequences or having advance care planned out.
    Don't buy a parrot for the sake of having a parrot. They aren't cars. They are unbelievably intelligent beings. The Quaker that owns me is just one step down ( so they say) from a Grey, and he's a handful at times. He's also my best bud. Get a Grey for the right reasons, plan it right, make sure both of you click and you will never regret it.

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  • by Anonymous on March 21st, 2008

    Anonymous

    African Grey Parrots often out live their owners. Having one is similar to living with a child in constant need of attention for the next 70 years. Caring for an African Grey is life a commitment second only to marriage.

    You should really consider getting a smaller parrot with a shorter lifespan. Also consider placing an ad in the newspaper or craigslist offering to baby sitting someone else's Grey for free, offering to pay for background checks. After a year or so and if all works out and after then you TRULY in your heart still love parrots, by all means get one.

    But be warned, these babies (Parrots) are like supercharged jetpowered psychopatic tamagotchis leave it alone, ignored in the corner of your home for too long and it will destroy it's self. You cannot for one moment even consider ignoring the thing.

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  • by Keysha on March 21st, 2008

    Keysha

    Galeanda and littlemissme are right. Let me point out one more thing. If you have not had a parrot, know now that it is a lifetime commitment. A healthy parrot will live as long as you do (50-75 years). And they form deep, deep attachments. It is not something you should plan on if you may get tired of it.

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  • by Galeanda on March 21st, 2008

    Galeanda

    They are very different from any other parrot, neurotically so lol!!! They require an enormous amount of attention to keep them sane and happy. Because they are so smart they need so much brain stimulation. You could spend all day with your bird and he would be happy as can be. I think they are more demanding than children:-)

    Please rad up about them before getting one. Google African gray and you should come up with the African gray page. And check into "The Grey Play Round Table Magazine"

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  • by bookworm on November 16th, 2008

    bookworm

    I have had my Grey for 4 years. She is the a wonderful addition to our life but be aware it is like having a permanant three year old in the house, vocabulary wise and behavior wise. To give you an idea, she plucked all the keys off my laptop today. She is potty trained so that is nice.It depends on how much work you are willing to put into having such a high maintence animal for the rest of your life (she will probably outlive you) Good luck!

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  • by Cognition aka Cog on March 21st, 2008

    Cognition aka Cog

    Great answer Galeanda.

    One of the most important factors is also their lifespan which is 50 -70 years under optimal conditions. Are you ready for that type of commitment, which is much longer then a dog and also longer then children stay at home which is normally 18 years.

    I would think long and hard before making this "life" purchase.

    "If you tame me ...You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed ..."Antoine de Saint Exupery


    http://www.kookycongos.ca/

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  • by Sgt. Widget will die from finals on March 21st, 2008

    Sgt. Widget will die from finals

    What about a Norwegian Blue? Beautiful plumage!

    Seriously, though:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_grey_parrot
    http://www.upatsix.com/faq/greyfaq.htm
    http://www.petbirdpage.com/
    http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=15&cat=1840&articleid=2268
    http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/africangreys/a/africangreys.htm
    http://www.theafricangreyparrot.com/African-Grey-Parrot-Care.html

    and see if your local library has any of the books cited in the Wikipedia entry. Good luck!

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  • by Turkey on March 19th, 2008

    Turkey

    Protect ur pillows......or anything soft and chewable...mine chews up my pillows and the molding above the fridge.

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  • by 1858 Remington 1-21-13 on December 21st, 2008

    1858 Remington 1-21-13

    Yes, be careful of what you say around them. You don't teach those birds to talk, if they like the word, they will say it.

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  • by Andy on January 21st, 2009

    Andy

    Hi if you are concidering an african grey you should be aware that you should provide a good calcium vitamin supplement, i use calcivet 2-3 times a week and supply fresh fruit and veg with a good seed diet,try to avoid to many sunflowers as these are high in fat.You can now purchase a low fat african grey seed diet from jonson+jeff.
    African greys kept in the house will omit a great deal of feather dust so you must use a fine plant spray to shower your bird 2-3 timesa a week.remember to keep him warm afterwards.
    Plenty of toys and your attention will be greatly appreciated, toys he can chew and demolish best but make sure they are safe.
    Natural perches are always best but please make sure that they have no chemicals on them,and also dont use branches that have grown on trees near busy main roads as exhaust fumes will have adhered to the branch.
    Good luck and best wishes and remember only captive raised birds should be purchased.

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  • by wack wonk on March 26th, 2009

    wack wonk

    well as you probably know they have large beaks so don't touch it. and they can copy anything so don't swear near him ;]

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  • by curieux on November 28th, 2008

    curieux

    They are said to be the best talker among parrots but they very much subject to "streaks" of depression. If you want him to be a good talker, choose a baby and first don't whistle with him until four or five year old. Second that kind of parrot can live 70 years; therefore you had better choose him while you're young.
    Third don't forget parrots are very destructive birds; you can't always leave him in a cage; during its first years he will ruin your sofa, everything that is made of plastic or wood; in addition he will pee & shit everywhere.
    Don't trust a website to buy one; you must go and see the breeder, ask about its sisters and brothers. Then, you go & see the buyers (if you can) or buzz them in order to ask very precise questions.
    I don't know breeders in the United States cause i'm french. Good luck.

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