Pilchards

Hey thanks I've been having a read on some of the other sub-forums. I picked up on something on one of the threads about parrots having a greeting/contact call. Never thought about it before but my aviary flock always greet me with a whistle that I copy when I go out in the morning to feed them. I'd def be keeping it separate from the others. The budgies rule the aviary and do tend to bully the others - even the rosellas which I'd read about being aggressive. The cockatiels are complete wusses but beak sizes are very different when it comes to mini-squabbles! The kaks would probably try and use it as a climbing frame which also probably wouldn't go down well! I'm thinking of keeping it in my backroom/kitchen. I'm aware of the problems with fumes, but its two large rooms knocked into one and an extension added, so should provide enough ventilation and be a reasonable distance from anything to diffuse. Ideally I'd work on getting it used to being handled by others once its become used to me and its new surroundings although I fear it may pick up on OH's nervousness (he's got loads better with the aviary birds but still worries about things sitting on him, or flying at him, but can't risk him getting bitten and it turning into a vicious circle.) Toys I guess would be trial and error to see what it prefers to play with? Only the kakariki's like toys and the cocktails just like willow stickss they can destroy but the others are not fussed so will be trial and error. Busy few days of reading ahead I think :)

I've kept smaller parakeets for about 15 years now, indoors to begin with, now have a small breeding aviary with cockatiels, kakariki, rosella and budgies. Keep getting offered new stock from those who need rehoming but now have been offered a supposedly tame African Grey. I believe in doing as much research as possible before getting a new pet, so a Google search led me here! Obviously I couldn't keep it in my aviary as not only will it be a LOT bigger than my motley lot, but would destroy my wooden aviary. Would look into getting it some form of outdoor play area for the summer anyway but what are they like to keep? Its supposed to be tame but am prepared for a bit of a settling in period and nipping as it settles. Are they particularly chewy birds? How much attention does it need? I know how intelligent they are supposed to be, so will make sure it is properly stimulated but during the day when everyone is at work, it would need to live in a cage. It comes with a cage although I'm not sure of the size wise, but could someone perhaps link me to a decent brand/make so I can replace it if needed? This also goes with an outdoor area, I've been banned (boo hiss, mean OH) from building a separate aviary for it to play in, but would there be something I could maybe use for temp use outside while the weather is good and to allow him a change of scenery? Although I've read that they can be nervous so may not like going outside? Do they bond strongly with people? My OH is scared of birds and I know of some species that get "jealous" if they see other birds/people spending too much time with "their" humans, so wouldn't be fair on either if it causes friction. Any other info would be great before I say yes or no to it!