Where should I get my first grey from?

[birdiebird]

I am looking into getting my first grey and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on where i should gey one from. I was looking at getting one from bird farm( www.birdfarm.com ) in ohio but if you guys have any other place that either ships or is around the new york area please let me know! thank you:woohoo:

[chapala]

The breeder is extremely important, so spend your time getting information before just buying a baby from anyone who happens to be convenient. At the least, please make sure your breeder "abundantly weans" the babies, no weaning at a certain age ready or not, and that the babies are socialized. Socializing involves more than just syringing food down their throats. The good breeders have happy, healthy babies who have an excellent start at becoming wonderful, well-adjusted pets. I know nothing about the breeder you mentioned, and I don't even live in the U.S., so sorry can't help too much. You might try e-mailing Jean Pattison (the African Queen) in Florida and see if she has any recommendations for breeders in your area. She has an excellent reputation. There are many good breeders, but some really awful ones as well. Good luck finding a wonderful baby Grey bird!

Reta

Oops! forgot the link:

http://www.afqueen.com/<br><br>Post edited by: chapala, at: 2008/01/07 20:25

[Kibibi]

Look up some local bird clubs and ask them. I know there are some good bird clubs in NY and I'm sure they'll have some good recommendations for you. Here are a couple starting points.

http://www.manhattanbirdclub.com/

http://www.cnycbc.org/

http://www.windycityparrot.com/page/windycityparrot/clubs

[NerfGunWarHero]

it took my literally months to find a breeder that was informed, wasn't rude to me, and had references that I thought were good enough.

[NerfGunWarHero]

I just read that link, and I personally wouldn't buy a bird from them, they seem to be making very large generalizations. And some of the info doesn't seem correct even.

 

A few examples, they mention which birds have better talking ability then others, they do not mention not all birds, no matter what kind, will not talk at all.

 

Also they mention that cockatoos are "Velcro birds" This can be correct, but they also go onto say that African greys don't usually care about out of cage time, which horrified me.

 

I feel like these people DO care, do not get me wrong, there is some good advice, but I think that they may not be as experienced with all kind of birds. I hope no one is offended.

 

Rachel.

[birdiebird]

thanks for all of the answers everyone. I am still trying to locate a good breeder. It seems like everywhere i call people are just trying to force a bird on me and are not wanting to answer questions about the way they wean their birds(how much time is spent with them, do they give them time to fly,references0. Do not get me wrong this was not everyplace i called, but atleast half of them.

[coachdes]

Hi, I am new to the forum and am looking for this advice myself. I am thinking about getting a second Grey and was looking into some of the rescue organizations. It seems to me like it might be the responsible thing to do. I've been told it might be a good idea to my baby a "nanny bird" to help her socialize. It looks like my sunroom is turning into my grey room; any suggestions?

[judygram]

That is an excellent idea, Coachdes, there are always plenty of birds needing a new home, a little more work is involved in getting them to adjust to being in a new place but certainly is rewarding for you.

 

I don't believe you or Birdiebird have introduced yourselves in the welcome room yet, why don't you do that and tell us a little about yourself so we can get to know you a little better.

[Nychsa]

Hi,

 

As others have mentioned, getting the right breeder is extremely important. I consider myself very lucky to have gotten my Bella from www.kandkparrots.com. The two ladies who run this aviary are nurses and avid parrot lovers. This is in my mind a winning combination. They don't just hand feed the babies and send them off, they socialize them, snuggle with them, teach them "step up" and "no bite" etc.. My grey is very secure in who she is, well balanced, and adapted very quickly to my environment - to include my conure Jiggy and two greyhounds. Bella is awesome and I believe her good start in life made things a lot easier for me - and as a new parrot "mom" that is very important!!

 

regards

Terri

[chapala]

"Hi, I am new to the forum and am looking for this advice myself. I am thinking about getting a second Grey and was looking into some of the rescue organizations. It seems to me like it might be the responsible thing to do. I've been told it might be a good idea to my baby a "nanny bird" to help her socialize."

 

It's wonderful to be able to give a home to an older bird that needs one - we have two re-homes. Do be prepared though that many second-hand birds come with behavior problems of one kind or another. That doesn't mean they cannot become good pets - they may take more work to gain their trust and overcome issues. And, they may not become the kind of pet you hope for.

 

Also, when getting a second bird as a companion to the first, keep in mind that the two birds may never get along. They do enjoy having another bird to watch and listen to, even if they cannot be close together without fighting, but they might not end up friends.

Reta