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Post by smartafricangrey on Mar 11, 2021 10:09:09 GMT -7
I'm looking to become an African grey owner, I'd like to know more about how to be a good mum and know more about the reality of the role. Let's all share our favourite parts about having an African grey
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Post by Jane on Mar 12, 2021 2:06:26 GMT -7
Hello and welcome to the forum.
They are amazing companions and very intelligent but they are also quite complex to look after.
Greys are notoriously highly strung and nervous of new things. Anything new can make them nervous such as new toys and perches but anything new in the house can spook them, even something you might have in your hand.
They have a natural tendency to have a different relationship with each family member and might also choose a favourite person, which isn't necessarily the person who spends the most time with them. They can also prefer one gender over the other. They don't like to be on their own, they want to be where they will be involved in the household and what is going on but they do also need a good undisturbed sleep at night.
They are also usually fussy about their food but it is important they have a proper diet and not just the "parrot mixes" that general pet shops tend to sell. These are often no more than sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Jane
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Post by chris on Mar 12, 2021 6:16:28 GMT -7
Starting with the negatives, Grey's bite hard. You really need to become an expert body language reader (which you will!) and also I don't allow shoulder-sitting. Sometimes they bite when they are just feeling unbalanced. The second is, Grey's can feather pluck and my bird does have bouts with this. It's not too bad and she gets back to normal fairly quickly but others may not be so lucky. It's really inexplicable why she does this and, as her guardians, it makes us feel bad that maybe we're doing something wrong, etc.
The positives are really too numerous to name. They are smart. They are inquisitive. Anything going on they will be watching and interested. They imitate everything. They usually (but not always) will talk. They can be cuddly and lovable but on their terms and their time.
Only other thing to remember is they can live a LONG time. Depending on your age this can be something to consider.
Chris
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Post by Thomas on Mar 14, 2021 19:41:04 GMT -7
They've pretty much covered everything. Just remember that each grey has a distinct personality, my grey, Sheeba, only likes men and I am the only one who is brave enough to handle her. They do bite hard, she draws blood easily. But she is so affectionate, as affectionate as any bird I have owned. I never understood what bonding meant until I adopted Sheeba. I fear for her life if I should die, simply because she is so strong willed.
Thomas
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