African Grey Parrot Question

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M|L

M|L

the asian
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Mar 29, 2005
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I know that they're very prone to boredom due to their high level of intelligence.

I was wondering, would this problem subside if I purchase two birds? That way they are able to keep each other company when I'm not around?

Or, what if I buy a bird of a different species (in a separate cage obviously), will that work in the same effect?
 
Ive heard that early on its best to keep one of its species around so that it bounds with you instead of the other bird.

But its been awhile since I had a bird, others can chime in....
 
One of my friends has had her African Gray for 7 years and she always keeps the bird cage near the TV so when she leaves for work she puts on cartoons,etc for him to watch. She tried to introduce him to a female but he would try to attack it, we bought him to multiply bird stores looking to possibly find a companion but every time it was the same. I'm not a bird person but you should stick to same species



Bryan
 
BSMM;2983026; said:
One of my friends has had her African Gray for 7 years and she always keeps the bird cage near the TV so when she leaves for work she puts on cartoons,etc for him to watch. She tried to introduce him to a female but he would try to attack it, we bought him to multiply bird stores looking to possibly find a companion but every time it was the same. I'm not a bird person but you should stick to same species



Bryan
Click to expand...

In your case, the bird attached to the owner...

so.. in MIL case, if two birds in the same species (grey parrot) were bond together... (keep each other company and out of bordem)

AND

wouldn't that be a problem, if the two birds turn against MIL, since they are bond to each other ????
 
Greys are a big responsibility. My best friend has one and my old roomate had one. I also took care of a few for work. They tend to bond to one person. You get another bird, and it will bond to that bird. Wich means it will be mean as s%$# to every human that comes near it. If you dont think you can put aside at least 1 hour of time to the bird every day for the next 40 years, dont get the bird..
 
I am not sure if you have any bird experience so I am just going to act as if you have had none.
Greys do have one of the highest intelects for birds but with this it also allows them to understand things more readily then other species like the tv and radio. Cartoons are by far one of the best things that I have ever found for my macaw she could sit there all day just watching them. But they do need other ways to entertain themselves. You need to have several enrichment things for them. This can range from foraging, preening, or noise making toys. Even with this they still need alot of attention outside of the cage and I would personally recommend no less then 3 hours a day outside of the cage and this is from my experience with my macaw not a grey so it may be slightly different. If they do not get the correct amount of enrichment it can turn to bad behaviors such as screaming, over preening, plucking and self mutilation. I just saw a really bad case of this and it is truly disheartening. So make sure you are ready to give up alot of your time for this animal they need far more attention then any other animal I can think of.
As for keeping different species it is just no. And for keeping them with another grey yes it is possible not the most recommended for a first time bird owner if you are one. They will bond more to each other then to you but you will still be part of the flock. Look at it this way the 2 greys are a couple while you are just a brother or sister still family but you wont be quite as close as those 2 are. Also with 2 birds it does mean twice as much work and twice as much expense and with birds this can add up very fast. I spend around 40-75 dollars a week just on various things from the birds from fresh food to new toys. Just be prepared to give alot of your time and changing your living habits due to them. I am sure Liz will chime in sometime soon and she will be able to give you more speies specific info.
With saying this if you have the time and finaces for a bird I truly believe they are the most rewarding pet you can ever have being able to truly understand you and love back. IMO they are worth evey change and penny necessary.
 
Hi,I had the same problem with my female cockatiel,when I purchased a male to keep her company it created a new problem,they showed aggressiveness towards one another.Hopefully I might resolve the problem this year with my attempt in breeding.
 
M|L;2985252; said:
I think I'll go for other solutions to keeping a parrot entertained while alone.

I'm very aware of all the demanding care and attention these guys need.
Click to expand...

Ok I was just making sure since some people have no idea what they are getting into that is why there are so many birds out there needing a home. If possible I would get a bird through a rescue if you feel comfortable in that so you can give them a permanent home. And there is a huge market of new toys constantly coming out so you should be able to find some that will keep it entertained. Also check out theperch.net there are alot of really great ideas on there for different forms of enrichment. Good luck with this and if you decide to get one make sure you :Dpost lots of pics.
 
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