AmyJ

Well, I kind of gave up my search for an African Grey baby to call my own atm. We've had a lot going on in our home and a little remodeling being done- converting our sunroom to be part of our living room. That's almost not relevant.... almost. The other day I check in with the crew manager and apparently he said one of the men had a parrot land on his head and hop onto his arm. They managed to towel it and place it in a box. I was beside myself because we've had chilly weather (winter in Texas, you know, so it's not cold- it's chilly) and I had no idea if it was actually a parrot or not. I peeked inside the box carefully so as not to upset whatever was inside... and it was a little lovebird! He was exhausted and had his head tucked but appeared to be in really good shape. I asked the crew manager if I could keep him and he, of course, said sure. I knew what the bird was and have had little guys in the past. I got him inside, warmed up, he took food and water from a dish. I ran out and got all the provisions for a little bird and began checking the parrot911 lists, craigslist, contacted local vets and everything else to see if someone had lost a little love bird. (S)He's obviously been someone's pet though he remains hand shy... and, well, shy in general. He/she bit the tar out of me when I moved him from his box to his new cage- he didn't draw blood and took him a bit to ramp up the biting from "I'm annoyed" to "put me down!" I didn't react and calmly got him into his new cage. No doubt, he has been through a lot. This is day three so I will keep you posted as to what happens. I'll keep looking for owners because he has obviously been someone's pet. He's loving the sun, sleeping, being warm and having unlimited food and water. ^____^ So I have a bird anyhow- not as I expected and almost completely unplanned!

Well~ An update. The breeder has ended their breeding season early which means no baby grey for me- at least from them. I was really excited so it was tough to hear but I'm sure if I investigate further I can find another, wonderful aviary. Thank you to everyone who has been leaving kind and supportive comments! It is an exciting time but it's also really kind of tough to find breeders. If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations I'd love to hear them here or in a private pm! Thank you all. <3

Sorry to hear about how terrible the wait and the last tenant behavior. I tried writing a reply before and I was curious why you couldn't find another, different apartment and then I saw it.... NYC. Ahhhhhh. I am so sorry. That totally sucks and I understand how difficult it can be to find a/the right place. I hope this gets resolved soon and they give that apartment a good scrub down before you get there. I am sure the landlord will be much happier to have you there. ^^

@Life is Greyt: It's a daunting process (the research) but I really see this as an exciting time for learning. I can't tell you how valuable the forum has been for all of my research- there are so many good ideas and every time someone has an issues and takes the time and courage to post it, well, it's always something to learn from. Thank you for sharing your experience! We have a lot of similarities, I also have furkids, a normal routine for all of my animals and a pretty normal, solid house life (the last bit auto corrected to "housewife" which is also true). I've always dreamed of having an African Grey and my husband is (surprisingly) the one who has been really charmed by them. At least I know we'll be able to work together in the name of socialization and care taking~ I will continue all of my research and thank you so much for your help! ^^

Thank you so much, Nancy! I will keep that in mind- there are so many cages out there that it's pretty difficult to decide!

Thank you for the welcome and the advice. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to share your story- nothing is more valuable than precious life experience. So much of what you say also rings true for me as well! I am glad you continue to share on forums- flame wars can and do turn people off from ever participating. It's a shame, really, and amazing how the written words can hold so much subtext by the slang and attitude people use when writing. I only hear warmth and a good heart through your story and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. There's more to my story as far as having children is concerned but it's really TMI for this nature of this forum. Sufficed to say I may or may not have children in the future but I didn't want to... compromise one or the other? Well, that and life hadn't slowed down until about 2 years ago after we had been in our home for a year. It's nice to be able to even consider adding a beautiful and intelligent companion like an grey to our family. I'll just life vicariously through everyone on here until it can happen. I am sorry to hear about your budgie but happy you've not given up on your dream- it's one I am more than sure you will realize!

...Maybe not the best thread title but memorable & accurate! I already posted in the main convo forum with my questions and was overwhelmed with the kind responses I have received thus far. To those of you I have met - thank you- and to others I have yet to meet, I look forward to enjoying your company and posts on the forum! I hail from NC but currently live in TX- it's a little warm for my taste but life here is good, the people here are kind and that is more than I could ever hope for. I have been researching the African Grey for about 4 years now (off and on) and have always been intrigued to add one to my family but have always been daunted by the cost, responsibility, etc. (rightly so, yes?) Fair enough, I think my husband and I were not "settled" yet and ready to care for a new baby but, thankfully, over the last 3 years that has all changed. I am still researching and have decided I may move forward with a new baby in the near future. I've added myself to a local-ish breeder's waiting list- there's no commitment until the chicks are born but it's good to move forward. I will continue learning as much as I can from all of you wonderful people and whatever other resources I can muster. Thank you kindly and I hope each and every one of you is having a great evening~

@Dave: Abundance weaning, fledging, and socialization are all characteristics I have been looking for. I've additionally been looking for breeders who either focus or solely breed African Greys and someplace close to home because I would rather drive to pick up the baby, if possible. I do not want to go the pet store route- I know it works for some and that's great but it's just my preference to work with a breeder instead. I'll link you to the aviary I've been looking into. I've just sent my first mail to them and am waiting to get a read- their information and reviews are good so far but if you see any flags, I'd love to know about it. (if you have time and/or are interested) http://www.africangreyparrotbreeders.com Thank you as always! @ Iluvparrots: Thank you for the encouragement! Whenever I think about taking on another life and the responsibility of it, I always get a little wobbly in the knees. I know it will be a lot of work - all animals are - but greys are so beautifully unique and fascinating, I'd love to have one as a family member. By the way, your first question made me smile. Cheers to you for persevering through the initial questions- now I have someone to look up to and ask questions: all because of your courage and quest for knowledge. I look forward to seeing you on the forums. (also I love Lily!)

I really enjoyed the video- thank you for posting it! Your birds are super lucky... ^^

Hi all, I want to adopt and African Grey and am looking into homing options. I've read about stainless steel, finishes, where to buy, etc- it's all fabulous and a little overwhelming. I have also heard of "Cages By Design" but can't find any mention of them here on the forums. I'm new so I may have missed something- please link me if you know something I don't? Can anyone provide feedback or thoughts on them? They tend to be a bit pricier than some but other than that any additional observations would be greatly appreciated. I've never used a cage like this before so I am hoping all of the expert care givers & bird owners on this site would have some input... enough of my blathering: Take a look at the cages/homes: click here Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Thank you for your candor and gracious reply, Dave! (I love your avatar pic) It's just always tough being the new kid and my question touches on a sensitive subject for a lot of folks. I completely agree, you never know unless you participate and ask! Thank you for reminding me. My husband is 100% on board though he is the one who works and I am at home making me the primary caregiver- we both agree he must still be involved and want to be involved. We been looking at aviaries and discussing everything as we move forward so I keep him informed and prepared to be a new parront. We both really excited about the prospect of adoption. I actually felt a lot of clarification to my general, sweeping question after writing the initial post. I know this is something I/we want but it's also a great responsibility so I am trying to be as careful as possible with the aviary selection and throughout the entire process. The research continues! If anyone has additional information or suggestions for breeders, books (I already have For the Love of Greys and The Healthy Bird Cookbook.), etc I would love to know them. I will of course check all the relevant forum threads but if there is anything specific information- I'd love to know. Thanks again~

I really debated about posting this thread but I believe I understand the responsibility and commitment involved with owning an African Grey - and moreover- I wanted to ask the experts on this forum my questions, i.e. all the wonderful owners. So here goes: I have been researching (bought books, reading website, stalking this forum) adding an African Grey to our family for 4 years now. I am in my early 30's, been married very happily for 5 years and settled in our home. I am a housewife and an artist and we already have 2 cats (dsh & manx) and 2 dogs (lab and chihuahua). Everything is currently harmonious and we have a happy, settled home. Although I am not sure I can understand clearly what it is like to specifically own an African grey, I have had parrots in the past (quakers, parakeets) and I know about the noise, mess, training, biting, loving, independence, etc. My husband and I do want to have children in the future, however, that is not going to happen in at least the next year or two. Thankfully I have read many forum threads about couples having birds + babies and making it all work wonderfully as long as the people are committed, caring and understand the needs associated with having an intelligent, wonderful companion bird. I have been browsing aviaries for years and am aware there are people who will not place parrots in home with couple who have not started their family yet. I also clearly understand that many people rehome their greys once they are pregnant and feel they cannot shoulder the burden of new baby and African Grey. I know myself and since I am home already and enjoy all of my animals, I do not believe this would be an issue. I am not looking for black & white answers but really advice and your thoughts on the subject. These birds are so long lived, I would think they would have to be encouraged to adapt to their surroundings and new people. Would it be so wrong to adopt an African Grey before we start our human family? Please let me know what you think and thank you in advance for your constructive thoughts.