What do people out there have to suggest on care for African Grey Parrots?

Question

I brought home a Congo African Grey last month; he/she is now about 4 1/2 months old and seems to be doing very well. Is on a primarily pelleted diet (mix of Harrison's and Zupreem) and absolutely loves fresh veggies and other foods such as scrambled egg. I have a full spectrum light on for part of the day and the bird has also had a vet visit (I work at an avian vet) and will be going back next week for some blood testing (We tried to be conservative first visit as to not stress him/her out) I have owned birds before and know the essentials (large cage, plenty of toys, etc) but basically I am looking for tips from people out there that have experience with these birds and have learned things through trial and error. Things are going very well so far but I want my bird to be as healthy mentally and physically as possible and am open to suggestions on the behavior of Greys and what sort of little things you've learned to do to make your pet happy. Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

Males and Females are abit different as they are in all avian species.

Males are larger and have flatter heads, females have more rounded heads..and abit smaller. I know this wasn't your question, but as your baby grows is something to notice..just because-:)

Male Grey's make a natural jungle type sound. Some object to the sound,

Greys can be one person birds if allowed to be, so is important to socialize them when young. Expose them to a variety of toys, people, carriers, car trips,the out door's, sights and sounds Etc.

Not all talk as is commonly thought, but do talk to your Grey alot and often even though Greys don't talk until one year normally they do compute words/sounds in their minds before saying the word or words.

Becareful what you say around them..my first Grey's first words nearly scared me to death. I was in the house alone and "Someone" said Oh ****. I went from room to room looking for the stranger in my house, only to discover it was my TAG! true story.

She said over 2,000 words as an adult.

I now have CAG who is adorable and fun and funny, but she doesn't say more than 50 diff. words. But has a sense of humor and use's it to keep us laughing alot!

Handle the new Grey alot, teach her the Step Up Commands and other wanted behavior's, never let anyone tease her/him and continue feeding the healthy avian diet that you are.

Haveing a bird stand for him/her and hanging swing or Orbit to play on and hang out also is a good thing for the bird and for you.

It's too easy to spoil them when they are young, but for their sakes do try to ensure they have time alone to entertain themselves.

By the way, Greys love to be bossy. My CAG gives order's to the rest of my flock all day long, it's sooo funny.

Cockatoo's yell, Emmy says, NO! Stop That. Be Quite. and when all else fails, she call's my husband -Carl! LOL

CONGRATS! You will have many years of pleasure and fun with your new bird.

Answer 2

There's nothing like a CAG in the home!  I loved reading the other post about hers.  "CARL!"  LOL!

I would want to make it clear to any AG owner to make time for your new roommate.  They need a lot of love and attention.  That means time petting and loving as well as time for more physical playing.  

Ours was not socialized by his former "mom".  That has made it hard on us.  He bonded immediately with my sister.  And let's just say that I'll never be a hand model now with the scars he's left behind on me!

Expect to get bitten once in awhile.  That doesn't mean he's being mean.  Sometimes it is just to get some attention or to bring your attention back to him.  They learn fast!  So take care about how you react to getting bit.... if he likes your reaction it might happen more than you like.  

Ours can say easily over 300 words, phrases and sounds.  He probably understands the meanings of over half of them.  Watch your language!  lol!

Make sure he gets out of his cage a lot and spend as much time with him as you can.  He'll recognize the love you have for him and he'll respond to it!

Congrats on your lovely new roommate!