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Post by Aviv on Mar 10, 2005 2:21:39 GMT -7
Hi all!
It's been many years that I wanted to own a Gray, and there was always something in the way-
we moved a couple of times, we had two babies coming in, and so on.
These days I'm thinking of it again- but still, there are some limiation, and I wanted an advice from the experts.
I live in an apartment with 12 more neighbors in the building. My apartment is on the 3rd floor. We have a balcony and a one free room.
I was thinking to put the Gray in either of the free room or the balcony.
My first question is- would a Gray be able to live in such environment? After all, I won't be able to put the cage in a garden, outside, only in the balcony or the free room.
Second, yet very important issue- will the Gray be screeming and loud to a degree it'll annoy the neighbors? I read the article about Screaming, and I understand that there are ways to encourage the Gray to be less screamy- but, do these methods always work? Since I rent an apartment, I fear that if the Gray will be too loud, I may get into "troubles" for this.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated,
Aviv.
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Post by Jane on Mar 10, 2005 2:56:00 GMT -7
Greys are fine indoors as long as they have a large cage, and plenty of time out of the cage. Some people use full spectrum lighting to overcome any lack of access to natural sunshine.
We have had people on the old Dandy forum who lived in apartments and had complaints from neighbours so I can't definitely say noise won't be an issue but Greys are generally quiet, they don't usually go in for raucous screaming sessions - the ones that do are more the exception than the rule - but they can be loud if they want to, squawking and calling. Sometimes this is for a specific reason but other times it is just natural exuberance. They sometimes like to compete with other noises such as the television. They are all very individual. I have one who has always been quite loud with his whistling and squawking and is worse when the TV is on. He doesn't talk and I think he is making up for it in other ways!
Jane
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Post by madness and stinky on Mar 10, 2005 3:57:07 GMT -7
Each bird can be very diffrent but you may encounter some problems if you put him in your free room he could end up calling for you all the time and making a noise when you are not in that room with him. and would not leave him on a balcony unsupervised as he is at threat from cats and other birds. i would consider putting him in the family room so he is around you most of the time as greys need company and not put in a room were they could be alone more than they are with company. i would also have a word with your closest neibours and see what there views would be, you may be surprised some neibours might welcome a bit birdie whistling . good luck  |
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Preston
Super Talker
NEED HELP? WE WILL ANSWER AS FAST AS WE CAN (Note: Preston passed away in 2012. We hold his memories dearly, he was a great person and super moderator.)
Sisika and Pete
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 5,912
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Post by Preston on Mar 10, 2005 7:27:37 GMT -7
Both great answers,
I'd like to add something that draws all three together. If your bird is screeching, it wants something. If you have it in it's own room; that something will be your company. I vote NO on the balcony except short supervised visits.
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Post by steve on Mar 10, 2005 13:32:23 GMT -7
would it be fair to keep a greyin a one person household during the day i am in and out and he would be on his own for maybe 3 or 4 hours .
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Post by Jane on Mar 11, 2005 1:57:06 GMT -7
African Greys are flock creatures and it is important to try to cater for their needs as intelligent birds. They don't sleep a lot in the day the way a cat or a dog might, although they often have a quieter period in the afternoons, and they need company and stimulation. Obviously when they come into our homes as a pet their life is very different to how it would be in the wild and they can adapt to this to a certain extent as long as they have a good rewarding relationship with their owner and plenty of time out of the cage when you are there.
I think it is NOT fair to leave a single bird on its own all day every day, but if you are only going to be gone for 3 or 4 hours at a time and leave the TV or radio on during this time as well as providing a lot of toys I am sure plenty of people are in this situation and have happy healthy birds. Greys do get used to particular routines.
It may also depend on the individual bird, some will play with toys for a period of time, others don't really play with toys much at all and are more demanding of their owner (I have one of each!)
Jane
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