melba36

The first week has gone well, I think. Claire is timid and easily scares. She will talk when there is a lot of noise in room, like doing dishes, etc. She mimics the previous owners husbands voice, especially when he would answer the telephone. It's a very deep male voice, which is funny. Lots of pretty whistles and calls (what I would call "jungle calls") She shows some preference towards me as opposed to my three teens and husband. She will let me pet her head and she will "beak" my finger. She hisses and growls at my husband, though. Especially when we are both around. I've let her out twice. Only twice because it's difficult to get her back in cage. Today though, she did get on my hand, then walked to shoulder where she hung out for a while. We'll keep working at it. She seems to be eating well and enjoys fruits and vegetables. thanks again, any other advice is much appreciated!

I have just "inherited" an African Grey. A co worker passed away last week and no one in the family could commit to caring for the Grey. So my family and I did. We have a noisy, obnoxious but lovable sun conure and three small dogs. My friend had a dog kennel with multiple small dogs of her own inside their house, as well as 5 other birds (quaker, cockatiel, turtle doves). So I know it's used to noise and commotion. I don't know much history regarding the Grey, except that my friend raised her from a chick. Not sure how old the bird is. Others have said that Claire wasn't handled that much and would definitely bite. My friends husband would handle her with a glove on. My first question is concerning the transition to our household. Should we keep her in the main living area where we have the noisy conure and barking dogs? Or should we put her in a quieter area of the house? We would love to be able to handle her in time. Any advice regarding that would be appreciated. I also worry about any "depression" that she might experience. I'm sure she'd been with my friend for at least a decade.