African Grey Parrot Help?

Question

I've been thinking about purchasing an african grey parrot. I have read tons of books about them, but I'm still left with some questions. What would be the main cons of owning one? Also, I am still in school, so would it be okay for him/her to be alone while I'm at school, so long as I take it out for the rest of the day (several hours)? In the time that I'm not there, I would play music or leave the tv on so it would not be entirely lonely. Would this be fine?

Answer 1

I have a Timneh African Grey Parrot ( smaller than the Congo ) and they are great birds but do require a lot of time and energy. They are very intellegent and therefore can get bored easily. Without the time needed they can get nasty or develope behavioral problems ( feather plucking etc..).  Yes, they can be left alone for a period of time but also need time for play and interraction with it's human. While away, keep music/tv down low and give him things to play with. Rotate toys every week in his cage so he doesn't get bored with the old ones. My Grey loves the toys that makes him forage for food ( toys that make him think and do things to get the food/treats out and gives a reward). Also, Greys are prone to Chalcium/Phos. decefiencies, so make sure you supplement him with those. They also require 10 hrs. of undesturbed sleep a night, so if you are planning on having late night parties etc a grey is not right for you. They also are very weary of new people so a lot of people coming in and out will add stress to your bird. These are all things you must think about before taking on the responsiblity of getting a Grey.  

Answer 2

I pretty much agree with another who answered; Jesse

Except -  Is far better to feed your Grey ( or any other avian species )

a healthy avian diet daily than to give store bought supplements.

Greys do need more calcium than other species daily, so feed  lots of fresh, washed organic vegetables everyday along with a good and fresh parrot seed mix and organic pellets ( Harrisons or Scenic ) and

a small bite or two of fresh fruit.

You can feed whole or chopped like in a salad. I have other birds so I chop six or seven different veggies, add chopped almonds or tiny grated hard cheese like Cheddar, or some hard boiled egg->> egg once or twice weekly only.

Think color when shopping for vegetables. Dark green,Orange and Yellow.

Broccoli, Kale, Watercress, Carrot tops, Turnip tops, Bok Choy,Yellow Squach, Red sweet pepper's ( Bell Peppers) zuccini, Cucumber,Carrots,Green Beans, Pea's, Corn Etc., Make enough for two days and package in zip loc bags kept in refridgerator.

You can also use frozen mixed vegetables thawed under running hot water and drained in the "salad" or served warm for breakfast or dinner.

There are many good sites for food idea's.

Apple's are good, BUT not apple seeds! No pits like in peches or other foods, they are toxic to birds, as are caffine, chocolate, over heated Teflon cooking and baking pans, Heater's, Irons and more.

Scented Candles are toxic, house hold cleaning products, air sprays, smoke from any source, including cigarettes, cigars, Etc.

Feed grapes, wash well and then slice in half and examine for mold, mold kills bird fast.

People food can be fed to birds, but No sugar, salt or foods with perservitives.

Go to this site, when you are on the site type in Afrian Grey and read and learn. Bookmart this site.

http://www.birdsnways.com/