Can I own a Grey???

[Fon]

We want to get a Grey but im concerned over how much attention it will require as a baby.

 

At present we both work, so the bird will be woken up at 630 am, and then on its own until about 7pm (for three to four days a week).

 

During these days we will interact with the bird from 7pm until its sleep time ( 9 - 10pm ish??)

 

The other 3-4 days during the week will be spent with the bird during the day, as one of us will be at home

 

Will this result in our bird not getting enough attention?

 

If so, I wouldn't want to buy one and not treat it as it requires,

 

Thanks for reading,

 

Fon

[judygram]

Fon, it is not just the time and attention it will require as a baby but for the rest of his/her life. A grey is a lifetime committment, what kind of time you spend with it as a baby will have to be continued throughout it's lifetime.

 

With the schedule you describe, that would be adequate enough for a grey as most of us do work outside the home and our greys are in their cage for that duration. I am gone from 7:30 am until around 5 pm and Josey is out usually as soon as I get home and remains out until she goes to bed around 9:30 or so.

 

You don't have to spend the whole evening interacting with your grey but they do require some personal time with you. Most of the out of cage time is spent on a playstand or similar arrangement just being in the same area with you as they are flock animals and want to be with their family.

 

Of course Josey gets more attention on the weekends when I am home all day but that just mostly means that she is out of the cage more, I still spend about as much time actually interacting with her as I do any other day.

 

In other words don't spend more time with them as babies than you will have to spend with them for the rest of their lives as that is how some owners get themselves in trouble when they don't keep up that level of involvement.

 

I would suggest you do a lot of researching and reading whatever you can get your hands on for lots of information to help you in your decision but if you really want a grey and are willing to make the lifetime committment then you won't be disappointed, they are awesome creatures and we all of us here love ours unconditionally.

 

Why don't you introduce yourself in the welcome room.

[lovemyGreys]

Judy has given you great advice, please have a read through these two threads...

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/african-grey/78377-you-want-a-parrot-grey-macaw-etc.html#78424

 

http://www.greyforums.net/understanding-your-grey/a-parrots-bill-of-rights..html