scottygrey

I lost my 21-year-old African Grey back in December. She was a severe feather picker and died of infection. Anyhow, I want another bird. I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, am in a wheelchair and I use a ventilator to breathe (feather dust is no problem as my air is filtered). I need a bird that will go to both me and my mother for the most part. I would also like the bird to be trained to step up on a perch (or hand) so that my nurses can transfer the bird to my lap, shoulder or play gym, or to pick it up from the floor if need be. Of course, this is just in case my mom isn't available. The only times I would ever be away from the bird for a long period is maybe once a week for the day (9am-8pm or so), or if I go to a ball game in Tampa, or twice a year if I go on a cruise for a week or at the most for 2 weeks if I take a trip which is rare. Or if I am ever hospitalized, again very rare. If I am not around, though, my mom is usually here. I plan to keep the bird out of the cage for the most part, on me or with my mom, on my bed, or on a table top perch or gym, etc. But the bird will need some time alone in it's cage too of course, or if no one is home. My mother will be the primary caregiver. I like to pet, cuddle and teach a few words and phrases. I do not wish to establish a tight routine so that the bird gets used to some change. I plan to introduce the bird to ONE new toy or sound or location or situation or van ride every day. I really hesitant to go down the Grey route again because of all the problems I had. I want a more sociable parrot. My Grey was actually a two-person parrot, but I don't know if I will be that lucky again. I could not handle a macaw, but I want a good sized bird. I need advice - Grey or Eclectus, what should I get based on my situation? Thanks, Scott

I will be getting a baby Congo soon and probably a brand new large cage. I still have an cage that my previous Grey (passed away) that is 24W x 20D x 27H.Could this be used as a sleep cage for the new Grey? And could I paint the old cage in spots? Thanks, Scott

Has anyone here ever purchased a baby Grey from breeder/expert Jean Pattison, a.k.a. the "African Queen"? I am considering buying a Grey from her and was wondering if any of you have done business with her or even know of her. Thanks, Scott

Well, a few weeks ago I had to put my 21-year-old Congo to sleep. She had been sickly for a few years and stayed on her cage all the time, but she used to go to both my mother AND me and let us pet her etc. I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I use a ventilator to breathe and I can only move my fingers, so my mother took care of Perry. I don't know whether or not Perry sensed my physical limitations, but she was a two-person Grey. Now I am looking to get another parrot, preferably another Grey. But I need a bird that my mother and I can both handle, and I want the bird to be very sociable,since I have nurses with me 24/7. My Grey was also a nervous, flighty bird that was afraid of many things, and was a picker. So I don't know if I should get another Grey, or try a Macaw or Eclectus. Now with all this said, which is the better parrot for me? Any advice would be appreciated. I absolutely adore Greys and I am leaning that way, but will I regret it later?

Can a Congo Grey be trained to be a 2-person parrot?