Does anyone have an African Grey Parrot?

Question

I'm getting an African Grey next week, and was wondering what kind of experiences others have had with this bird.

For clarification, this is an African Grey Congo that belongs to a neighbor of mine at the moment. It's about four years old, has a pretty good vocabulary already, and is very good natured. I've been going to her house to visit the bird until it gets used to me (to make moving to my house easier), and it's pretty friendly with me now. The only reason she's not keeping it is because she doesn't have the time to give it enough attention anymore. I do, however, and am looking forward to having him move in next week.

Answer 1

Hi Robdob,
Phoenix here. Thanks Professor Grey for the recommendation! You've gotten a pretty good overview of what it's like to have a Grey.
Just bear in mind that they are all different. Read as much as you can with an emphasis on Positive Reinforcement Training. Greys respond to this like you wouldn't believe. Do some research on proper diet and nutrition, and make sure your Grey is getting a huge variety of good food.
You didn't mention if you were getting a baby or an adult, and you didn't say if it's a rescue, a relinquishment or what, so I don't know what you're getting into.
But if you do have any questions, don't hesitate to email me. I'm currently working with 4 or 5 other people from Yahoo!Answers as well as working as a volunteer for Phoenix Landing as well as my full time job, so it gets a little weird, but I'll try and answer any questions you might have. If you're interested, you can always pull up my "Answers" and find similar questions you might have that I've already responded to.
I'm sure you are going to have a Great time with your bird! Greys are just terrific, and my theory is, you are either a "Grey Person" or you're not. And if you are, it's the species you are totally in love with and the others just aren't as interesting. I don't know why, but I've found that to be the case over and over with bird people.
Anyway, if you need any help, or just want to run something by me, don't hesitate to ask. I'm always glad to help.
Good Luck and have a great time with him!

Answer 2

I have a 5 month old baby. She is soooo smart. She is already saying step up although it sounds more like pep up but she's consistent so I know what she is saying. She puts herself to bed and can identify some colors. We're working on big and little as well. What a joy she is. Loves to have her head scratched and unlike everything I've read, nothing frightens her. I take her for a walk through each room of the house every night before bed to show her that all is well and to familiarize her with the rooms and their contents and she knows if anything has been moved from the room. For example, I took a mirror out of the bathroom and she kept looking puzzled at the wall it hung on. She is my only bird, I've had her for 4 months but she's been home with me only 1 month. You'll love your new friend, please take good care of your bird, he or she will become a member of your family and will live perhaps longer than you will so I suggest you keep a journal of the birds like and dislikes in case she one day becomes someone elses beautiful African Grey. All the best. Also, there's a women who responds to questions on African Grey's on this site, her log in name is "Phoenix" she can be a real help if you have any questions. You've already gotten some pretty good advice from this site.

Answer 3

I currently have a grey, commonly known as CAG, for Congo African Grey. I have had several throughout the years. They are wonderful birds, quiet in general, easy to feed/house. They are smart and alert, but they know they're prey, so they can be weary of strangers and new(er) things in general. They make great companions when they bond to you, and can give a nasty bite if they feel threatened. They can talk, mimicking humans and other animals and household sounds. They require 12 hours of sleep nightly, so if they're in a main area, they should be covered at night. They should be housed in a large enough cage to allow them to climb, play, and spread their wings on a regular basis. They will require a misting at least every couple of weeks, depending on the humidity of your home. They should not be around:
smoke of any kind,
scented candles
room sprays
non-stick cookware
drafts.
They should never consume:
chocolate
alcohol
nicotine or
certain plants (this list is NOT complete)

There lifespan is similar to a human, meaning they can live 70 yrs or more, under ideal situations, or pass away at 20 yrs. Either way they're wonderful to have around, when treated properly

Answer 4

There are some fantastic experts here who have given the greatest information. Listen to them. I have a Timneh African Grey and I can tell you that having this little bird has been a fantastic experience for me. Greys are so smart and so wonderful. But all I could add is that it's a huge responsibility to keep a parrot. They need attention and time out of the cage to play and be a part of their greater environment. Please don't get a parrot and then leave it caged up for the rest of it's life. These creatures are WAY too smart to be forgotten in a cage.

Answer 5

I have two budgies, but my friend has two african greys - male and female. You know they can live a very very long time - so you will most likely have this bird for the rest of your life!
It is fun to visit my friend and his birds - when it would be getting dark and i'd lie in bed - i'd hear them talk through this routine they have where they have copied people talking and laughing (including me!), the phone ringing (you can't tell, it really sounds like the real phone ringing) - they will call the dog, they will go through a whole telephone conversation starting from phone ringing, hello? and then muffled voices as if eavesdropping on a real conversation. So much of what they say is very clear.. "good night.. good night". In the morning they will wake with the light and voice their morning shrieks.
So keep your language clean.. you will have many interesting conversations with your bird :)

Answer 6

I have an African Grey (and a Blue and Gold Macaw too).

African Greys are wonderful birds. Mine is chatting away as I sit here now! Making duck noises and calling the other bird by his name.

I think the key thing to know about this bird is do everything SLOWLY SLOWLY. They are highly intelligent and like to take things at their pace. You need to do this to earn their trust.

For example, if you buy a new toy you'll find he will be scared of it because it's strange. I usually lay it near his cage for a few days, then put it on top of his cage until he is well familiar with it. Finally show it to him in his cage whilst reassuring him.
As time goes on though, they get to trust you and will normally take a new toy straight away.

They are very good talkers though NOT all will talk. Their language really takes off around the age of 1, though they will usually say hello, wolf whistle etc before that age.

In this 'silent' period it's important to talk a lot to the as they are learning and taking it all in. Tell him the name of each food you give him etc.

Food, most important that Greys get enough calcium otherwise they can get very ill or even die. They must NEVER have advocado, it is very toxic to them, nor apple seeds (cyanide content in them). Also Don't use non stick pans to cook in as these can give off toxic fumes and kill the bird. Obviously there are other things like chocolate, alcohol etc. which can make your bird ill. Not too many sunflower seeds as these are high in fat not good for a Grey.

I usually put a calcium supplement in his water 3 x week.

Wing clipping : I believe in free flight for birds, though with the African Grey because it can take so long for them to gain your trust wing clipping can help because they don't fly away from you.
That said.....now here's the critical bit....it must be done by someone very experienced both sides must be clipped, it is cruel just to clip one side it puts them off balance and thirdly they shouldn't be clipped too short otherwise they may have problems flying later on.

Having had them clipped initially, I believe it's best not to have them done again...just let them fly.

If you try to stroke the bird he'll let you know if he doesn't want it, respect this always otherwise trust will be lost.

I've never regretted getting my parrots, they are gorgeous and entertaining. Every day my Grey seems to have learned a new word! He also has a sense of humour eg. he'll say dog goes miow!! or Dog goes (makes pig noise) then says dog don't do that dog go woof woof!

Good luck with your new feathered friend!

Answer 7

It does not subject what the kind of parrot it's. And in my view, I do not suppose being a youngster vs. grownup has a ton to do with fee. I've certainly not noticeable a parrot opt for so much not up to probably 10% because of being an grownup. Unless the fowl used to be midway via it is existence or whatever. If it used to be going for a lot much less, I'd publish a pink flag and relatively relatively assess or transfer on and discover an extra - there is lots of choices available in the market. ESPECIALLY with a grey. They can reside freaking ceaselessly. Meaning 60+ years! Mine will almost certainly outlive me! They're a truly dedication - they act like a child for his or her complete lives (for probably the most facet) Even a ten 12 months historic african grey would opt for the equal fee as a youngster. RETAILER: Sheet can the store . PLEASE - except it is a fowl simplest retailer and they're very near with breeders. You have simply the equal potential to buy from a breeder because the puppy retailer does. (generally). No subject wherein you're within the States, you will have to be ready to discover a youngster african grey from a breeder for round $750 - $800. VET CHECKUP: When you buy the fowl, get an contract from the breeder that says that you've forty eight hours or whatnot to get a vet checkup from date of acquire to make certain that the fowl is loose from any given or obvious disorders and that you'll have complete refund. Some breeders may also pay for the vet checkup. BABY vs. ADULT: VOCAB: Most birds be trained so much in their vocabulary among being a youngster and a couple of years of age. five years.. they have got USUALLY found out so much the whole thing. Some birds nonetheless simply hold studying and studying, however it is a small quantity. If you notice an grownup within the puppy retailer, it is possibly both it is been there ceaselessly - no longer well., or it is been with an extra dwelling already - additionally no longer well. It takes days to weeks to months for a fowl to get adjusted to their new atmosphere and for his or her personalities to come back out. - adding any complicated problems corresponding to biting, feather plucking because of strain., shreading (your arms), pronouncing naughty phrases, and many others. PERSONALITY: Birds will take at the personalities and be trained matters from their proprietor. If you may have a youngster fowl from the youngster level, it additionally bonds with you extra swiftly. If you've gotten certainly not had a fowl earlier than, I'd get a youngster. Be cautious with the grey despite the fact that.. please do LOADS of study. They can also be some of the emotionally problematic of birds. They also are some of the smartest.. an fascinating blend. But they're relatively relatively neat birds. Spend identical quantities of time with him day-to-day - and undertaking his brain like loopy. And speak speak speak speak speak tons! with intonations to your voice to hold him listenin. DON'T coach him to whistle.. they prefer up matters like that after which routinely dont desire to or certainly not speak. Noises are cool., however whistling for a few rationale just about ruins them or whatever it kind of feels. no longer continually, however a lot of occasions. Write you probably have any questions or desire to proportion experiences - might love to listen to from ya :) Yes, they are tons of labor.. however what is not? They're HELLA lot much less paintings than a dog or a little one. And CPS would possibly not be when you should you lock them in a cage for an hour. ;) And what is bigger than 30-60 years of a dating vs. commencing a brand new one over each and every 7-10 years. Birds rock!

Answer 8

Hi, excellent advice given out here. Just thought I would include some articles: the first one in particular in eye-opening. Others are more general, yet written by recognized experts in this field

(1) Grey Matters…New Thoughts on African Grey Parrots
by Pamela Clark
http://www.parrothouse.com/pamelaclark/greymatters.html

(2)Managing Parrot Behavior : 
Behaviour Problems and the Future of Companion Parrots
by Liz Wilson
http://www.silvio-co.com/cps/articles/1999/1999lwilson1.htm

(3)Feather Plucking / Chewing (GREYS ARE PRONE)
http://www.avianweb.com/featherplucking.html

To sum up:
African Greys as Pets
African Greys are beautiful, intelligent parrots, that would make a wonderful addition to any family who fully understands their capabilities and provides them with a stimulating, interactive environment. Building a relationship takes lots of love, time and patience. It can take just one stupid move on your part to destroy it.

Due to their highly intelligent nature, the African Grey can become easily bored and inactivity may quickly lead to behavioural problems such as feather picking. African Greys that are bored have a tendency to chews things and consistent training and a diligent owner are a must for this vivacious bird.
Don't worry though. They are famous for their bossy natures and in short order will be tellling you exactly what to do and when to do it and how long to do it for. You can tell I speak from years of experience. My last piece of advice: you can't force a grey to do anything it doesn't want to do. You need to negotiate and reach a mutually satisfying conclusion. Speak with them as you would a small child: they understand almost everything. Explain to them what do are doing, and why. My bird sometimes asks me "what are you doing?" Teach him his body parts, labels for things: in short all you can. It really does facilitate better two-way communication.

Answer 9

I've got two, they will be 20 next year, they were hatched in 1987. They are very much like having a two year old. Mine little boy, if I don't give him attention one day, he will be very much upset with me the next and give me the silent treatment. They are great birds and need to be handled quite a bit, if you don't they will start biting more and being a little more agressive. They also need CONSTANT metal stimutaion. I normally give mine games like putting an almond in a very clean pill bottle and let them try to get the almond out. Terrific birds, I couldn't live without mine

Answer 10

Do mind your language around the bird. It might be funny at first, but after the 500th time it is really annoying! One big tip is socialize your parrot with has many people as you can! Feed it as many different kinds of foods so it just doesn't eat just seed.

I have alot of behavior stories I could share if you would like to hear them. If you are interested just email [e-mail]