looking for free african grey parrot?

Question

Anybody know of any place I could get an african grey or congo parrot free ,unemployed so cant aford the cash ,had one before and loved it to bits ,unfortunatly moved to Spain and had to sell sparky ,would love anothere for company ,dont know if theres any sites you can adopt a parrot ,any age would do as long as it dident eat my face of . thanks .

Answer 1

Honestly, if you cannot afford to pay a reasonable adoption fee for a bird, can you afford it's cage, perches, many toys, and foods that it will need to thrive.. as well as vet care? I spend a great deal of money on my birds to keep them happy and healthy. As you may know from previously owning one, they are not like getting a cat and letting it entertain itself.

Answer 2

I presume you're not still in Spain? You've rehomed the bird because you've gone to Spain (circumstances beyond your control I presume - couldn't you take Sparky with you?); now you're back, unemployed and on a low income. Ask yourself, and answer honestly:
* Can I afford to feed and care for the parrot (toys - they need new ones regularly, vet - get insurance, one of mine died of cancer & the vets bills were several £00; good food - fruit, veg, seeds (sunflower should be small percentage)
* What about when you go back to work? How long do you think it's reasonable to leave an animal each day who relies solely on you for survival?
* What happens if you have to move overseas again?
* Who's going to care for the bird if you are sick/hospitalised?
* Is your home bird safe - eg open fires in the winter, large expanse of uncovered glass to fly into, gas cooker, etc.
*** Lastly, and most importantly, like a dog, a bird is for LIFE, not something to be taken on lightly and unlike a dog, life for an AG is upwards of 50 years. Can you look 50 years ahead and still see the two of you together despite a partner, children, other animals, new home, more demanding work? This is planning and even the most solid ones come adrift, but at least if you have plans then you can change them but without them you could be left with having to rehome the bird as you don't have any support mechanisms in place.
Think about getting a couple of cockatiels, generally live 15 - 20 years, and make wonderful pets - they can talk (males are more likely) - one of mine loved Ella Fitzgerald and used to whistle along! There are many less obvious birds which are cheaper to feed, still very comical, and talkative, and excellent company. Do some investigating first. then contact your RSPCA. One more thing: if I remember rightly, the Congo is the African Grey with the red tail. The Timneh/Timney Grey is slightly smaller and has a maroon tail. Look at http://www.unitedparrotbreeders.co.uk/tag.html, and there are hundreds of other sites. Get Parrot magazine (or get the library to take it) so that you learn as much as possible.

Answer 3

You certainly have had plenty of answers to your question... For your first bird, I would start out with a bird that is not as sensitive as a Grey (they are very sensitive, highly intelligent birds that have very specific needs). I am not saying get a budgie... but there are other birds that would not be prone to feather plucking and screaming if they are left alone for 6 hours a day. Some of these include the Pionus, Sengals, Meyer's, and perhaps even a Caique. Good luck with your search for a companion parrot! :)

Answer 4

hi have you eva thought about fostering a bird i have been on the the list now for 2 weeks and i have been offered 2 tame african grey and all you have to do is make a donation of 15 pound a year and pay for the bird to be deliverd to the the lady that runs safe haven parrot refuge is called cris forman she also have a wedsite with pics of the birds.www.safehavenparrotrefuge.co.uk have a look there is no cons involved.if you need more info email me [e-mail] i would be happy to to in anyway i can

Answer 5

in the event that you do find a free bird, think of the possible reasons why it is free. 10 out of 10 times, it has bad habits, loud, plucker, biter... secondly, if you cand afford to buy one, what makes you think you can afford to care for one. pellets, veggies, fruits, toys, cage. you are unemployd now, but what happens to the bird once you do get a job, is the poor thing going to be stuck in its cage all day? I would think about what your asking for a minute. Too me, it doesn't make much sense

Answer 6

If you are not working, this is not the right time to get a bird (of any kind.) They require alot of care, their food can even get expensive. Their toys arent cheap and their cages can run as high as 1,000. And what if it gets sick? No, you should wait until you are working again and then see about it.

Answer 7

If you happen to find a place for a free african gray please let me know. I've wanted a pair for ever but these birds can go for 1000. and up and when I have the money something else is there in more need than my hobbie.

Answer 8

Okay, if you can't afford to buy the bird because you're unemployed, how will you pay to FEED it? You can't get bird welfare and a bird can't live on love alone.

Answer 9

You should wait until you get a job and can afford one (and the care for one). Think of everything else you have to buy...the cage, toys, food, vet bills, etc.

Answer 10

You're the sweetest!
Check out http://www.netpets.com/birds/birdresc/birdgrp.html
for the bird rescue group in your area.

Make sure you have enough money to feed your new Mr. Featherface, though. :)