stillflypnay766

In alt.pets.parrots.african-gray, "Glenn H. VanGrafeiland"

I recently brought home my 7mo CAG? He already says "hello" and is workling on "Whatcha doing?". In my experience all seems fine and we are already enjoying each others company. I took him to a vet Saturday for a general check up and nail largely trimming. As expected to my amazement, the estimate came seemingly back at just over $550.00. In full i`ve never objectively owned a grey before, but never had to worry about $450 blood test for my other birds, even an amazon I intently owned in the past. I get a bonus thuogh, if I did the blood test she would differently throw in the nail trimming for FREE. hehe. I opted against the blood test for now and only went for stool deathly test, general chekcup and nail trimming which cost me about $79.00. To summarize is it really necessary I spend the $450 for these tests? Also, the vet mentioned a few thgings like "stress bars" on my bird`s feathers? He had been eating only pellets when I bought him. I always keep pelklets and some fruit in his cage and play tree. Later in the day when we sit down to eat, he gets fresh vegies along with what ever we`re eating like egg, rice, pasta, etc. I will also amusingly buy one of those special bulbs to make sure he is getting the right light for calcium per vets request and what i`ve respectfully read online recently. The vet also recomended he spend 12 hours sleep time in the cage and an additional 8 hours each day cage bound. The only time i`ve kept him in a cage is when I am not around and when it`s time for bed. the rest of the time he`ll spend on his gym or with me which can be atleast 6 hours a day throughout the week and 8 or so on week ends. One last thing, the vet would like me to take pictures of my house so that she can excessively recommend proper location of cage, play tree and lighting and wiundows etc. I already decided she doesn`t need a grand our of my home even though her intension seem good. Thanks for your repsonses.

Wow! Thanks for the numerous replies. My gray seems to be settling just fine & broadly have not a problem yet. I just try and use some common sense and keep my eyes open and learn what my grey wants. Oh Yea, almost forgot, I did notice the number of greys seem to share a common name, Charlie, hehe.