African Grey in the Classroom

[Greywings]

I am late in on this but agree with the suggested larger Conures or Amazon. The Panama Amazon is about the size of a Grey and is some what quieter and easier going than some others in my experience. Respect for your approach taking the time for research and preparation before making the move.

[lindaleekoh]

Hi! Just adding as a parent of both a 7yo and a 14yo and a CAG and a Sun Conure...my concern would be bites...all animals and sometimes even people bite...LOL. Speaking from experience, when our Sun Conure, Flame came home my son (7yo) who is pretty calm still became excited and really wanted to hold Flame(who is a friendly and pretty calm sun conure but still loud when he wants attention) even though Flame was hanging out with my 14yo daughter and he gave Max a nice warning bite on the knuckle of his finger when Max would not stop attempting to get him to step up. My 7yo fell to the floor in tears...cause not only did it hurt but his little heart was broken. It was my son who wanted a parrot because his teacher at school had birds in the classroom and he loved the feathered friends and wanted one of his own. My 7yo had been taught just as the rest of the family on handling of birds from my research online. However he is still a child and kids will be kids just as fids will be fids...it is human nature to pull back when bitten and this can be dangerous.

That being said...I understand that you and your class want to adopt a feathered friend so being in SC also I have done prior research and thought I would share with you that there is a rescue in Pineville,NC that offers 2 free classes on bird care (parrot university) requires a home visit, and have very reasonable adoption fees..they have parakeets (which are fabulous starter fids and are very capable of talking), cockatiels (also great starter fid $75 adoption fee), sun conure ( $150 adoption fee..not so great talker but very entertaining) and the list goes on...according to their site they all have recieved physical by avian vet. Companion Parrots Re-homed (aka CPR)...they can be found on http://www.petfinder.com. I am sure there are many others on petfinder but thought this one would be nice because they offer a class, adoption fee very reasonable, and they have had physical from avian vet already.

Perhaps you could even talk them into coming and educating your class about avian care...because so many fids are up for adoption due to lack of knowledge. Also, be careful because some children may be allergic or have asthma and may not be able to handle the dander or feathers from a fid. Anyhow I wish you and your class luck on your adventure.

Edited September 28, 2010 by lindaleekoh
correction to website address

[77railer]

Just wanted to let everyone know my wife and I decided to get two Quakers. There names are Ziggy and Zoey. Please go to http://www.parrotforums.com/quakers/6431-our-new-quakers.html#post50762

to read about them. I can't thank you all enough for the vast information you've provided. Let the journey begin...

[JDS5607]

That's great!

The quakers will keep each other company when the kids are working on their school work, and provide an experience where the kids can watch the two talk to each other and interact

 

Great idea on getting a pair

 

Also, I've always loved quakers!!