Hey! I'll just give you my opinion about my Grey and what I've learned! I brought mine home just under two years ago. My only knowledge was from owning a cockatiel (which was a family pet) long ago as well as advice I learned online! But you really never know what it's like to have an African Grey until you have one! The best way to describe Sully, my grey, is like having a toddler....forever! He's messy, noisey, attention-seeking, and can be a little bugger a lot of the time! He follows me everywhere. Whether I'm in the bathroom or downstairs in the kitchen, he will climb down the stairs or march down the hall after me. If I'm home, he's out or with me. Sully shares my attention with three dogs and fours (and my husband lol). And that can be a struggle at times as Sully thinks Sully comes first! Finding a good vet is another thing I struggled with recently. So that is VERY important as not everyone has a aviary veterinarian close by! Like the others have mentioned, owning an african grey is a HUGE commitment. Not only because of how much attention they require, but costs (vet, food, toys, etc) and their life expectancy as well! They are emotional creatures with a ton of character that require a loving, committed life-companion. Good luck with whatever you choose!