Hello :)

[Rainfire]

Hey everyone! Im new to this site, and was hoping to get some information and tips on African Greys before I get one. I have never owned a large breed of bird, but the more I read on Greys, the more I would love to have one join my family. I have 4 children ages 10-17 and we already have dogs, cats and rats that all get along fantastically. I have been reading for some time on African Greys but still have so many questions. :unsure: My two biggest questions right now are, for our first ever Grey, is it better to get a recently weaned one, or and older one? And, Is it better to get just one or would they prefer a companion of their own species?

Thanks

[judygram]

Hello Rainfire and welcome to our family, we are so glad you could join us and we look forward to hearing more about you and your quest for a grey.

 

We have many members who have cats, dogs and other pets in the house along with a grey or other birds and they can learn to co exist, they may not necessarily get along with one another but its manageable.

 

Greys are flock animals but they don't need another grey or other bird to be happy, they are more than happy to be a part of your family and you and your family will be its flock.

 

You would probably be better off with a recently weaned baby unless you have some experience dealing with older birds. Rehomed or rescued greys tend to have some baggage that some people cannot handle but maybe after you get more information you will be able to know whether you want to go that route.

 

Please read thru the many threads for lots of useful information and do ask questions you may have and we will help you in any way we can.

[Eckobird]

Hi Rainfire, welcome to the forum! Thats great you are doing your research before rushing into getting a grey. I agree with Judy, I think getting a baby grey would be the best idea if its your first big bird because rescue greys can be very challenging but also very rewarding. You have to be committed to a baby for it's whole 50+ year lifespan though so make sure you know what your getting yourself into. I wish you the best in deciding and finding your perfect companion. I hope to hear more from you.

[Luvparrots]

Hi Rainfire, my first parrot was my weaned baby and it has been delightful. I have learned so much from my sweet little Timneh, Ana Grey. We learned together and we are totally bonded. She gave me the confidence to re-home an older Eclectus (10+ years), which is a totally different experience. As a novice bird owner, I would say it would be best to start with a weaned baby and if your interest is peaked by the love of a wonderful grey than your second parrot could be an older one. Your experience with a baby grey will be a benefit to both of you. Welcome to the Grey family.<br><br>Post edited by: luvparrots, at: 2009/08/16 06:12

[Rainfire]

Thank you very much for the comments and advice. I think I agree on getting a young one, so we can grow together and adapt to each others lifestyles. I have read some horror stories about rescue birds that have come to their new home just to pluck out all their feathers or knaw on their own legs.

I am enjoying reading through the many stories, and experiences posted from members. I look forward to reading more and welcome any advice before making this big step.