Qweevox

Hi, this is a tough question. I think noise is relative. African Greys, at least CAG’s are not noisy birds for their size, well…not as noisy as certain Amazons anyway, and certainly not as noisy as a Conure. With that said, some Greys can become enamored with the most bizarre sounds. My CAG picked up a certain annoying alarm clock I had in college…ten years later, long after the alarm clock bit-the-dust, my Grey would still remind me of that clock…loudly. It also depends on the individual personality of the bird. I had a friend who had a CAG that was as quit as a mouse…only clicked every now and again and never talked. Do they make noise? Sure, but unless your apartment walls are very thin I don’t think a Grey is going to be a problem. Good Luck! I just thought about something you could try...if you have good computer speakers. Play a few of these videos loud and see if it bothers your neighbors... funny videos This one is really funny edited by: Qweevox, at: 2007/03/14 07:59

shanlung wrote: That is not correct. The development of the bird neurons and later temperament appeared to be connected with flight. More and more, good breeders are allowing the chicks to fledge and fly for a few weeks prior to clipping, if ever done. Perhaps you did not read http://www.indonesian-parrot-project.org/Library/pam2.html Frankly, I am shocked that that 'avian vet' recommended only one wing to be clipped. So shocked that I have nothing to say, unless that 'avian vet' is prepared to come public to this or any parrot forum to defend that bizarre practise. Shanlung I haven't heard the practice of clipping one wing for quite some time. Years ago, I think more people did it for appearance reasons...I didn’t know it is still recommended. I also have read that young birds should be allowed to learn to fly, or at least use their wings. Again, I think “wing clipping” is somewhat controversial. There are people with strong feelings on both side of the debate. Personally, I am leaning towards flight; however, it is a personal choice.<br><br>Post edited by: Qweevox, at: 2007/03/14 07:25

Of course, it’s all personal choice. Two Greys are going to be twice the one-on-one time, twice the cage cleaning time, twice the vet bills, twice the food…you get the picture. You didn’t indicate your experience with parrots. If you’ve never owned a parrot before you might want to start with one…just my two cents. The weaned vs. handfed debate is a hot topic. It really depends on your experience and knowledge level. Taking on a handfed bird is a lot more complicated then just using a syringe. You can kill a bird by feeding it incorrectly. Then there is the “time” consideration. A bird that is not mature enough to eat on its own requires more time and care…so again it’s really a personal choice. Most people would recommend that you not take on a handfed bird, and many breeders won’t even allow their birds to leave without being weaned first. Good Luck!

Hey DweamGoil, and welcome! I am about convinced that it is important for parrots (and all birds) to fly. There are a loads of internet sites on the subject even some that advocate free flight for parrots outside…yeah I know it is a scary proposition, but with the right training who knows. In any case, most of “pro-flight” sites seem to point out that the parrot will be healthier both mentally and physically. In fact I read that biting may be a result of a bird “knowing” that flight is not possible. Many of the advocates of flight maintain that if a bird is threatened in the wild they fly away, parrots with clipped wings can’t so they deal with perceived threats with all they have left…their strong beaks. It is a bit of a controversial subject with some folks having very strong opinions on both side of the flight issue. You might try searching around the web on the subject here is one site that deals with the subject: http://theparrotuniversity.com/articles/flightedparrots.html Good Luck and welcome! <br><br>Post edited by: Qweevox, at: 2007/02/27 07:25

African Greys are conservative by nature. While there are some variations in personality by and large Greys hate change. They also have the memory of an elephant. This can work for and against you. With all that said FairY is right 3 weeks is not a lot of time. You might want to slow down on the affection part just yet. Work on getting him to step up consistently before you try to get him to like head scratches. Take it slow…patients is more then a virtue it’s a necessity. Hang in there and Good Luck!

This is great! Good luck! I hope it all works out!

FairY is right, it shouldn't be a problem.

Dustyb, let us know what the vet says. Good Luck!

Dustyb, let us know what the vet says. Good Luck! Hicup:laugh: I have no idea why this post repeated several times....<br><br>Post edited by: Qweevox, at: 2007/02/18 04:22

<br><br>Post edited by: Qweevox, at: 2007/02/18 04:20

Hi, welcome. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes when it comes to biting but the good news is the behavior is correctable. Here are some sites that might help. http://www.parrotparrot.com/articles/aa051999.htm http://www.parrotparrot.com/articles/aa072000a.htm http://www3.upatsix.com/liz/articles/biting2.html http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art40939.asp http://www.qeok.com/birds/662-1-birds.html http://www.citynoise.org/article/2170 Good luck!

Conventional wisdom is that a flying parrot can get into to much trouble. The bird might fly onto a hot cook top, into an open toilet, into a window, or escape and starve to death. However, another school of thought believes that parrots where made to fly. They believe it is cruel to clip a parrot’s wings and equate the practice to cutting a dog’s legs off to keep him from running. Check these sites out. http://theparrotuniversity.com/articles/flightedparrots.html http://www.holisticbirds.com/hbn04/spring04/fitnessflight.htm http://www.theotiseffect.com/ http://www.shynefoundation.org/ http://www.freeflight-usa.com/ http://www.shadeseclectus.com/video_page.htm http://www.wendysparrots.com/html/o_t_i_s_b.htm http://www.fosterparrots.com/parrot.html I believe it would be ideal to allow parrots to fly.

It is stress. However, stress can lead to illness. If he is just quiet give him time. If you see signs of illness take him to the vet, otherwise I would just give it a little time.

It would be fine. You just have to make sure you spend time every day. Greys are intelligent creatures of routine and will be fine by themselves if they have enough stimulation to keep them from getting bored...toys, TV, or radio. Be careful though they pick up sounds so choose your TV and radio wisely there is nothing like hearing your Grey repeatedly mimicking your least favorite jiggle...over...and over...and over...again. Also, ask yourself if you are going to have the energy or desire to spend time each day with your Grey. Like a gym membership your commitment level might wane. One skipped day turns into two…three…then before you know it the only contact you have had with your friend is making sure he has food and water. Then the biting gets worse, and you have less and less to do with him until one day you decide to give him away, or worse he dies early of boredom. Greys have the intelligence of a five year old child…they need interaction, and stimulation. If you even doubt your commitment a little…don’t do it.