KyleA

Hey thanks a lot baxter's mom! really appreciate it. Karma to you for the extensive scenarios! I have thought about those things actually. I guess I'm not sure what I'd do if he/she bonded to someone else. So again I'm unsure. Most likely I won't be able to own one until I'm 30! haha. To all of you who have these life-long friends, you're so lucky. I think right now I would just enjoy being able to "bird-sit" for someone. Unfortunately I don't know anyone with a Grey.. Eventually I will have one though! for now, I'll Let time roll I guess! Thanks again everyone!

My family is fine with it. I have taken care of an African Grey for one of my dad's business guys for about a month. I actually did this twice and loved it! If I ever get a Grey I'm actually naming after the one i watched which set the spark that made me really want one! his name was Iggy! really good name for a parrot. Anyways, My point is that my family and I have experienced having a Parrot in our house before and everyone has enjoyed it. They will also be interacting with it. Probably not near as much as I will be however. When I get one that bird will be with me EVERY second. except when I sleep, even then it will be in the same room as me. I'll even build it it's one little shower perch so it can shower where I do! once every couple of weeks of course, not every day. This may all sound lame and korny but this is seriously how strongly I feel about having a parrot. It isn't just a pet, it's a responsibility, a family member, and most of all - a friend. -Kyle

Yeah I worded that pretty badly. I know cockatoo's are more affectionate and (from what I've been told) want MORE attention I do know that CAG are also needy but, like you said, in a different way.

Thanks very much to everyone! Also, I failed to mention that it is VERY rare for our house to be totally empty. Whether it be my sister, mom, or dad, someone is ALWAYS home. My mom is currently unemployed and my dad is lucky enough to be able to work from home! I would be able to put a second cage/play gym in the family room where he'd get fresh air from the windows and interaction with people all day while I am away. Another thing I saw mentioned was a girlfriend or social life. Really, my social life is very slow, for two reasons. One: I've had the same girlfriend for around 3 years, I know, CRAZY for my age. But I am very happy! Second: All of my close friends have left for college or have actually left the country for various reasons. I have not, nor ever plan on, going to parties and drinking and socializing in that manner as the stereotypical college guy is thought of. I really want a Grey for a friend to be around all the time, like my dad has with his yellow lab. I do realize I have to face facts, which is why I haven't gotten one quite yet and have been seeking advice from people with more knowledge and experience such as yourselves. Thanks for all the replies everyone! Not sure if what I have just explained has changed any variables or not with me getting one but any other replies would be greatly appreciated! Kyle

Thanks for the replies! I've also read that CAG's are not AS needy as some birds such as a cockatoo. I know cockatoo's need quite a bit of attention or they will get depressed or even sick. I would completely spoil an African grey with treats, toys, and of course as much love as I could possibly give it! every time I imagine having a grey as my friend for the rest of my life I get really excited for a minute thinking it's possible to have one NOW, but then the excitement becomes replaced with some doubt and fear that I might not have enough attention for it. I would be able to give the CAG a good solid 20 hours a week at the least. Honestly, I am not sure if that is enough time. What does everyone else think? Thanks again! Kyle

Hello Eveyone! As you can probably already see I am a newbie to this forum. I am not, however, a newbie to CAG's in the sense that I have longed for one since I was about 12 yeas of age and have researched diets, cages, toys, care, training, and even diseases for CAG's. I am now 18 almost 19 and have not lost the desire to own one. I lead a relatively busy life, I work 4 days a week from 9AM to 6 or 7PM. 2 days of the week are for school, During which time I am gone from 8AM to 4PM and I have one full day off to myself. My question is: With this schedule would it be a good idea/possible for me to get a CAG? WOuld this be enough "at home" time to own a CAG? I do not want to buy one and then find out 3 or 4 months later that I cannot handle it. I would be DEVASTATED if I had to give up to poor animal. Anyways, If anyone has any advice or guidance on this matter please give me the straight honest answer on if I should get one or not! Thanks in advance to everyone that replies! - Kyle