Number of hours an African Grey can/should be left home?

Question

My husband and I are planning on getting an African Grey Parrot soon, as I had one growing up and I do have quite a bit of experience with birds. (I work for an avian vet)

I know of all their requirements-diet, toys, cage size, etc, and am aware of them needing a great deal of attention. . . this is where my question lies, however. Some bird owners I have spoken to seem to have the idea that an African Grey should not have to be left alone while the owner(s) are at work, and that they will feather pluck if left unattended for any period of time. My question is, does this mean that nobody should get a Grey unless they are retired or independently wealthy?? I mean, most people DO have to go out and earn a living, but I have been made to feel guilty be some for the mere idea of purchasing a parrot.

I actually consider my schedule quite good. . . . I work 4 long days a week and I am off weekends and one full day during the week. So I have three full days off. (will cont. below)

Answer 1

some grays are fine alone and some are not ive been around parrots about 20 years even the best parrot can turn into a very unstable bird you mighteven know what causes it good luck

Answer 2

An African Grey will be just fine while you are not home.  I work with them every day, (lots of them) and I can tell you  that a Grey is not one of the birds that needs a constant companion all day long.  Plucking begins when the birds are put under stress for some reason.  If you buy a young bird, that has not belonged to someone else before, you should have no problem.   If you have had him for a long time and suddenly change something, including starting a new job or go away for a period of time, yes this can cause some greys (and other birds) to start to pick feathers.  If you are working and get a grey, he will be absolutely fine at home until you get back.  Just be sure to have plenty of toys for him to play with.  Ones that are puzzles or games work well, and they also enjoy swings and ladders.  Just don't over crowd the cage with the toys.  Have a variety of toys, put half of them in the cage and save the other half.  Then in a few weeks, take out the ones in his cage and replace them with the ones you kept back.  Switch them around to different spots in his cage every few days.  I can tell you without a doubt, that Greys can be fine when left all day long by themselves.  It is only after people start giving them lots of attention and then suddenly have it all change that can start the problem.  Other things can cause feather picking.  Too small a cage, overcrowding, diet, illness, mites, skin irritations, moving the cage to a different spot,losing one of his owners, moving to a new house, and one of the big reasons...sleep deprivation.  Your bird should have 9 hours of undisturbed (no tv in the room) sleep in a darkened room, with his cage covered every night.  Many people will buy a smaller "night time" cage and put it in a spare room, and this is where their birds sleep at night.  Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about leaving your bird to go to work.  And buying a birdie "friend" for him is not a good idea either.  Most birds are fine staying by themselves for 8 hours and more every day.  The exception  is the cockatoo breed.  They actually need more attention than any other breed of birds.  Please read my profile.