How can i get my mom and dad to say yes to an African Grey Congo???

Question

I LOVE CONGOS i read every thing you need to know about them my mom and dad both had parokeets when they were growing up my dad said no more pets (we have three) and my mom hates birds and when we went to the animal shop i was holding a congo and my mom said she liked that one but she is stll saying no!! and now i am making a book all about them!!

Answer 1

try getting a cheaper bird... other great talkers you can look into are:

Indian Ringneck Parakeet(they come in grey if you like that color)    :)

Quaker Parakeet/Parrot (great talkers, blue or green are common)

Lineolated Parakeet(comes in grey,blue,yellow,green..clear talkers and small)

maybe you're parents would be more persuasive if the bird isn't as large and loud as greys are.

try going to a local bird fair if you get the chance and meet some breeders that can give you advice on picking a good starter bird.  try birdsnways.com for dates of bird fairs.    

good luck! :)

Answer 2

get somthing smaller cockatiel or lovebird perhaps? Also having to many pets in the household can stress out the bird

Answer 3

Hmmm...  that's a tough one, my parents were really hard to convince to get a cockatiel.  I just kept being persistent.  I raised enough money to pay for the bird and the cage, and toys.  I learned different tricks that you could teach them, and when a really cheap one came around that i could afford my parents couldn't say no.

i looked in the newspaper all the time for a cheap one, that's how i found my Rebel.

Good Luck!!!  Let me know if you get one!

Answer 4

Show them the book when your done but have a really good letter  at the end saying you should have 1 with 4 good reasons

Answer 5

well mabee toy should ask for a less expensive parrot... like a green cheek or sun. african greys are alot of work, and you shouldent get a bird like that if YOU havent ever had a bird before. thats how so many birds end up at the world parrot refuge. your parents are saying no for a reason. too much money. when the cage, toys, food, bird  are bought they will be broke. and what if this bird mystiriously gets ill? then theres ann extra 1000 or up on that. i say wait longer and get something like a conure or parakeet.

Answer 6

Everyone says not to get a grey as a first time bird. I say horse feathers.

My first bird was a grey. I had never had a bird before, nor did I want a bird. My dad just got a crazy hunch and bought one from a very reputable breeder (30+ years breeding, worked in the avian dept at the local Zoo). Now my grey is a huge part of my life and I could never imagine living life without him. I did a lot of research about greys before bringing him home. I've had him for 3 years now, but I'm always learning new things about him, and the Grey breed. I have a male eclectus too, but my grey will always be my first love.

The most reputable source for information is going to be the breeder, as long as it isn't a "backyard breeder." I also recommend "For the love of Greys". It's a good book.

Do know that Greys are noisy, needy and VERY moody. My grey never spends more than 4 hours at home by himself. My dad and I are on different schedules so this has helped keep my grey entertained and happy.

Greys are expensive to buy and keep. My grey was $1299 and about $500 for his cage. Add in seed, perches, toys, and you're looking at $2000 easy just to get started. He gets fresh fruit and veggies daily and goes through 5lbs of seed a month.

Owning a grey is a LIFETIME commitment. Greys live upwards to 60-80+ years old.

By the way - They are called Greys, not "congos". There are two Greys, Congo Greys and Timneh greys, but both are refered to as Greys.

Answer 7

Besides all the care that a parrot requires, they are a life time commitment. If you decide to go to College which I hope you do - who will care for the bird? Monies may play an important role as well. The total cost for a Parrot can easily end up towards 2 grand after the cage and toys. My husband says our Parrot has a ranch estate and eats better than we do!

Answer 8

There is some reason why they don't want another pet.  I honestly don't think you will be able to talk them into it.  Also just because you have read up on them doesn't mean your an expert yet.  Your parents might want you to start off with a smaller bird.  Then your parents will see that you know how to take care of birds without the huge commitment of an African Grey.  A pionus might be a good starter bird.  They are so friendly and loving.  They are about 10 inches so your parents might be more willing to get a smaller bird first.  

African Grey's are great pets, but live along time and are a huge commitment.  Make sure you are ready for a lifetime pet before you purchase one.  Grey's are also very expensive.

Answer 9

I had the same problem. I had researched at deal about the greys and kept searching everywhere for ones for sale. However, my parents kept refusing (this was 4 or 5 months before my 16 birthday). I just kept searching anyway. i bought a book on them and continued to search. I eventually told them i would save up and buy it ( along with all the necesstities) my self. they gave in and said yes. they even purchased me one for my sweet 16. (i am 16 now)

We have more pets than you . Currently we have 10.

You will most definitely have show that you are responsible and ready for a long term commitment.  You should also be financially prepared, and be ready to deal with everything that comes along with the african grey's behaviour (its a lot more personality and individuality and care than a parakeet).  They are more than just brains and beauty, and despite their reputation for talking, you must be prepared to love your pet even if he/she doesnt ever speak.

And i would recommend loooking for breeders, rather than purchasing from a pet store.

Answer 10

show them how responsible youll be. read facts and randomly say did you know that......?. it worked for me to get a turtle fish and a cat!