Picking up the baby soon!

[Artoo]

Well, the breeder informed me a few days ago that my baby Grey is fully weaned and ready to come home! I'm extremely excited, but also nervous. I've read some books about African Greys and have also found information online (especially here on this wonderful forum), but still am a bit anxious about the whole thing. I'm sort of confused about a couple of things, so I wanted to voice my concerns and see if you could give me advice. I'm sure some of you are tired of hearing these things (I apologize!) but I think it would set my mind at ease and make me more confident for when my baby comes home.

 

- The Teflon thing: I am freaking out about Teflon! I know that cookware is a huge no-no (I've already gotten rid of my pots and pans), but what about things like coffee makers, hair dryers, and teapots (do those even have Teflon?)? I've read in some places that I should ditch them and find ones without PTFE, and other sources have told me that I really shouldn't be concerned about coffee makers and the like. Any opinions from you guys on this?

 

- Food: One source told me that I should feed my baby Grey pureed foods a few times a week. Another source said a pellet diet is okay, and yet another source told me I should mix up a concoction of soaked beans, grains, and fruits & veggies. I'm very confused as to what kind of food I should give the baby when it comes home with me. What did you feed your babies when they first came to your home?

 

Thanks, I sure do appreciate it!

[Life is Greyt]

Congrats on bringing baby home soon!! It is a big day so all the questions you need to. I would suggest feeding your baby whatever your breeder weaned him onto. My Chickie was weaned onto pellets, Roudybush, so that's what she's eaten since the day she came home. I think it's best to vary your grey's diet but you don't have to worry about being regimented about it. Chickie may go a week where she only gets her pellets and then I'll make her something special. I read somewhere that pellets should be 80% of their diet, so don't stress about that part too much. As far as Teflon goes, I think it's only a concern if it's overheated. It's good that you got rid of your pots/pans, but I think coffeemakers, etc. are ok. As long as you never use the hairdryer on your grey it should be fine too. You'll have to let us know how the big day goes. I thought I might burst waiting to bring my Chickie home. It's such an exciting day!!

[Luvparrots]

First it is best not to cook with your grey in the kitchen. Never clean your oven with your greys around. I only clean my ovens in the spring/summer when my parrots can go outside. Get yourself some Orgreenic skillets and that should take care of any skillet teflon problems. As for coffeemakers and the like, make sure they are all in good working order, never leave unattended cooking and turn on your stove and oven exhaust fans. Frankly, any burning of cooking food, scented candles, oils etc. is hazardous to your birds. They have very sensitive lungs and air sacs and such, so any strong odors and smells can be offensive and harmful. Perfumes can be a problem, if you can smell it your bird smells it much, much more. Keep a well vented home for your parrot's good health. As for young greys, my greys' breeders were always available to me for questions and advice. In fact, they sent my home with oodles of foods and brochures and such to ensure that their babies where going to informed homes. In fact, they called me the first day or so. Oatmeal is good for our greys so if your young grey seems to need a little formula, try a little oatmeal on a spoon. I always keep pellets in my parrots' cages, whether they eat them or not, they need never be hungry. Your breeder should have lots of information for you about your new baby, so ask. Our Nursery Room moderator is a very knowledge guy about baby greys so PM him or just post your inquiries, Dave007 is the man.

[Artoo]

Thanks for the advice. Nerves aside, I am absolutely thrilled to pick up my baby. I'm getting him/her on March 10th and am counting down the days!

[Luvparrots]

How exciting, can't wait to hear how the homecoming goes. Lots of pictures please!!!

[judygram]

Congrats on your baby being weaned and ready to come to his new home but just relax and take it easy for you don't want to be a bundle of nerves when it happens.

Don't fret too much about the teflon thing, keep your bird out of the kitchen especially when you use any nonstick cookware but if you are careful with it and not overheat it when using it then it should be fine. I occasionally use a nonstick pan for eggs, you just can't do eggs in anything other than nonstick, but my fids are not in the kitchen and I am careful not to heat the pan too high. Teflon is present in some appliances but most are things we only use for minutes a day and keeping the fids out of that room when using them is safe enough.

They should get a balanced diet, my vet recommends about 75% of their diet be pellets but most won't eat that much a day but be sure to browse thru the bird food room and the nursery room for ideas of what to offer.

[Artoo]

Thank you, judygram. Is there any particular brand of pellets that you would suggest? Oh, and luvparrots: I will try and post many pictures!