Hello all :)

[k9nurse]

Hi everyone,

 

My name is Amanda and I live in Michigan. I am owned by a 7 year old CAG male named Cosmo, a 9 year old male Greenwing Macaw named Paco, and 3 weiner dogs, Pudge, Katie, and Havoc. To be fair, the two birds belong to my boyfriend, Jeff, but since we live together, I claim them too.

 

I have been a licensed vet tech for almost 14 years. Most of my experience has dealt with dogs, cats, horses, and goats. I am fairly new to the avian world. Before I met Jeff and his wonderful parrots, I had had a budgie as a child and a cockatiel several years back. What I have learned through his birds is that I am completely smitten. They are the most loving, if not challenging, animals I have ever come across.

 

We had an older Military Macaw named Burt who recently had a stroke and passed away. Maybe I'll be more apt to talk about that in the future, but it's been too recent for today's post. Needless to say, Burt began my love of parrots. He was all attitude, and when we first met, I'll admit I was quite afraid of that large beak of his. However, with Jeff's guidance, and Burt's patience, I learned to be confident when handling him. He was one of a kind. He quickly became "my" bird as it was apparent he had made a choice. He was always in my lap or on my arm and if I didn't pick him up right away, he would say "Whatever" and proceed to climb up my leg until I reached down for him. I sure miss him, hence the reason I am here now.

 

I decided that I would like to have my own bird. We certainly have room in the house and Jeff is completely supportive. I have been reading up on African Greys for several months. I just put a deposit on a 6 week old baby and this weekend I am going to purchase the cage, toys, playstand, ect for him. I feel confident with what I have read that I am ready to do this. I have been training dogs for over 10 years for dog shows, agility, and obedience. Although I know there are a bazillion differences between the species, the foundation for building trust and training are the same. Patience and positive reinforcement. I've clicker trained my dogs, but I'm not sold on it for the bird just yet. Still researching.

 

Anywho, I am so glad to have found this forum. I am looking forward to "meeting" you all and learning from the vast collective knowledge of the members here.

 

Thanks so much for having me!

 

~Amanda, Michigan

[Barbara2]

It's great to have you here Amanda! (Wonderful introduction!)

[Luvparrots]

Hi Amanda, I am looking forward to hearing more about your little birdie family and your new grey addition! Welcome to the Grey family!

[Ray P]

Welcome to the forum and we hope we get a good look at your flock because we love pictures.

[judygram]

Hello Amanda and welcome to our family, so glad to hear you want to enrich your life with an african grey, what a journey you are about to begin.

I am so glad you did the research to find out if a grey was a good fit for you, it would surprise you how many buy one on a whim with no idea of what they are getting into and then the bird winds up in a rehome or rescue situation, I commend you for doing your homework.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Burt and maybe some day you can share more about him and your special relationship, we have a Pet Memorial room where you can put a tribute to his memory if you like.