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African Grey Parrot

 
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 17865384
United States
06/13/2012 05:57 AM
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African Grey Parrot
I've been researching them and would love to hear about experiences with these birds from anyone who has/had one.

Thanks!


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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11715579
United States
06/13/2012 06:10 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I have a 35 year old grey, red tail. He looks the same as the day I got him. He's as big as a large pigeon.

As far as intelligence goes, they have a keen intellect. My bird knows the individual names of each of my five chihuahuas.
He has a huge vocabulary, and remembers words that were learned years ago.

As far as food goes, he eats what we eat. However, in an emergency situation, I give him seed.

If you wish to have a lifetime pet, get a red tail Congo grey.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 17707716
Japan
06/13/2012 06:11 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
A Friend of me owned a maniac Parrot, horrible.
When he go his Feather Change (Moulting?)
it became intolerable
and she needed to send him away!

You can do many wrong things with Parrots
so i highly recommend to think at least twice
before you catching one.
They get very Old, normally when you not kill them!

Maybe you start with a Budgie hiding
MURK9

User ID: 12517067
American Samoa
06/13/2012 06:18 AM

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Re: African Grey Parrot
Great parrot
Big talker and smart! They make great pets and live a long time with good care.
I knew one that would mimic the phone ring and then carry on a two party conversation with itself, it was so funny. It had a vocabulary larger than most high school graduates heck, it may have beat a college graduate these days.
Only drawback I know of is that many do suffer from feather plucking if they become bored or suffer abuse. Just remember you’re their best buddy and you can’t ignore them. Give them lots of toys and keep them entertained. I have known people to leave their TV on while they were at work so their birds could watch it. LOL they can pick up the strangest words and sentences.
Also, young hand fed babies will form the strongest bond with you. Birds that are older will also bond but not a well. Beware of abused older birds leave them to experienced bird handlers that can help them heal.
Farewell American Samoa, the "last stop of today and just a stones throw from tomorrow"and with that said and done I stood up, standing at the end of the day and walked boldly onward into tomorrow and to the given day of rest.
Anonymous Coward
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United States
06/13/2012 06:26 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Personally, house birds creep me out but...a close friend is part of an exotic bird rescue group and has a house full of them.

They are beautiful, intelligent, friendly and entertaining! But they are also a lot of work. They require specialized vet care. Birds generate a ton of dander dust that many people are allergic to.

Plus they will outlive you...many of them living 60-70 years! So make sure you have someone you can will the silly thing to! LOL!

The rescue will set up a new owner with an African Grey, cage, toys and starter food for about $350.00. Much cheaper than a pet store.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11288337
United States
06/13/2012 09:40 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I have a 35 year old grey, red tail. He looks the same as the day I got him. He's as big as a large pigeon.

As far as intelligence goes, they have a keen intellect. My bird knows the individual names of each of my five chihuahuas.
He has a huge vocabulary, and remembers words that were learned years ago.

As far as food goes, he eats what we eat. However, in an emergency situation, I give him seed.

If you wish to have a lifetime pet, get a red tail Congo grey.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 11715579


Thank you AC.

I read that these guys live for several decades. Out of the two types of African Greys, I read that the Timneh is less prone to nervousness and is better with picking up speach than the Congo is. If I do decide to get one, I'm leaning towards the Timneh because I have a cat and two children around and they sound like they may be better suited to handling any stress that those kind of interactions may cause.

peace


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Debauchery

User ID: 15455863
United States
06/13/2012 09:45 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
We had one for years but he had a bit of an attitude problem.

He was anti-social and mean, I think the previous owners probably hurt him.

He was smart though. He would whistle bridge over the river kwai constantly.

We've had a few others, they make good pets, interesting little creatures.
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 17868317
United States
06/13/2012 09:46 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I've been researching them and would love to hear about experiences with these birds from anyone who has/had one.

Thanks!


------
 Quoting: BOWMAN


Other than cats and dogs, people should not own pets in my opinion.

Those particular birds are way too smart to be owned by humans. They should be free.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11288337
United States
06/13/2012 09:47 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
A Friend of me owned a maniac Parrot, horrible.
When he go his Feather Change (Moulting?)
it became intolerable
and she needed to send him away!

You can do many wrong things with Parrots
so i highly recommend to think at least twice
before you catching one.
They get very Old, normally when you not kill them!

Maybe you start with a Budgie hiding
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 17707716


Yeah, I've read some stories about 'angry birds' and some who don't pick up speech at all. So it's sounds like a bit of a crap shot in as far as what kind of demeanor a given bird will have. If I get one, I think through a breeder with a proven pair would be the way to go, At least I could get genetics on my side?

1dunno1

I had a couple of Budgies when I was a kid and although they were really nice birds they would never talk, and that's what really intrigues me about the African Grey.


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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 15152757
United States
06/13/2012 09:55 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I grew up with parrots, mom used to raise and breed them.

Greys are about the most difficult parrot, but they are also one of the smartest.

They need constant attention and affection otherwise they get neurotic and start feather-plucking.

It's like having an autistic child, sort of.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11288337
United States
06/13/2012 09:56 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Great parrot
Big talker and smart! They make great pets and live a long time with good care.
I knew one that would mimic the phone ring and then carry on a two party conversation with itself, it was so funny. It had a vocabulary larger than most high school graduates heck, it may have beat a college graduate these days.
Only drawback I know of is that many do suffer from feather plucking if they become bored or suffer abuse. Just remember you’re their best buddy and you can’t ignore them. Give them lots of toys and keep them entertained. I have known people to leave their TV on while they were at work so their birds could watch it. LOL they can pick up the strangest words and sentences.
Also, young hand fed babies will form the strongest bond with you. Birds that are older will also bond but not a well. Beware of abused older birds leave them to experienced bird handlers that can help them heal.
 Quoting: MURK9


Thanks for your insight Murk9!

I really like the idea with the TV. I didn't think of that! One of the reasons I may not get one is because sometimes I work long hours and go away for the weekend, so the bird would be somewhat alone for some stretches of time. But the TV idea sounds like a halfway decent solution. I'm in an apartment and from what I've read, African Greys tend to be quieter birds, especially as they mature so most people recommend them for apartment type of environments. So they don't disturb the neighbors so much.


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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 15152757
United States
06/13/2012 10:12 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I forgot to mention how quickly they pick up on random noises, so if you have an off-balance washing machine for example, get it fixed unless you want to hear it for the next 30-50 years.

Our parrots picked up everything from crow and other birdcalls, to farts, sneezes, coughing, meowing cats, barking dogs, car alarms, you name it, they learned it.

Something Greys love is to be outside, but hidden. Ours loved to hang out under the awning in front of our house, they'd watch through the cracks in the awning and wait for people to walk by so they could try out new sounds.

It's interesting to watch a Grey watching people respond to noises that they can't figure out the source of.

They're very intelligent.
<Path>

User ID: 774195
United States
06/13/2012 10:31 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Was installing HVAC in a house once and there was a quaker parrot(?) sitting in a cage at the top of the basement steps on a table in the hallway.

We were making a lot of noise cutting holes and beating on things. Anytime we would walk near the cage, the bird would yell "Don't hurt me!"

Still LOL when I think about it.
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1509660
United States
06/13/2012 10:32 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I have a 35 year old grey, red tail. He looks the same as the day I got him. He's as big as a large pigeon.

As far as intelligence goes, they have a keen intellect. My bird knows the individual names of each of my five chihuahuas.
He has a huge vocabulary, and remembers words that were learned years ago.

As far as food goes, he eats what we eat. However, in an emergency situation, I give him seed.

If you wish to have a lifetime pet, get a red tail Congo grey.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 11715579


Thank you AC.

I read that these guys live for several decades. Out of the two types of African Greys, I read that the Timneh is less prone to nervousness and is better with picking up speach than the Congo is. If I do decide to get one, I'm leaning towards the Timneh because I have a cat and two children around and they sound like they may be better suited to handling any stress that those kind of interactions may cause.

peace


------
 Quoting: BOWMAN


We had a wonderful smart as anything hand fed Timneh. He and the Yellow Nape parrot would laugh and talk to each other all day. One day the dachhound killed him. Be careful if you have other pets even if they seem to get along.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 17865809
United States
06/13/2012 10:37 AM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I've been researching them and would love to hear about experiences with these birds from anyone who has/had one.

Thanks!


------
 Quoting: BOWMAN


Other than cats and dogs, people should not own pets in my opinion.

Those particular birds are way too smart to be owned by humans. They should be free.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 17868317


I agree.
Animals are food, not companions.
If you are lonely adopt a human being.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11306429
United States
06/13/2012 12:12 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Personally, house birds creep me out but...a close friend is part of an exotic bird rescue group and has a house full of them.

They are beautiful, intelligent, friendly and entertaining! But they are also a lot of work. They require specialized vet care. Birds generate a ton of dander dust that many people are allergic to.

Plus they will outlive you...many of them living 60-70 years! So make sure you have someone you can will the silly thing to! LOL!

The rescue will set up a new owner with an African Grey, cage, toys and starter food for about $350.00. Much cheaper than a pet store.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 10039201


Yeah it is!

I wouldn't want to obtain one from a pet store anyways because you don't really get any of the historionics like you would with a breeder plus from what I've read it sounds like many are being illegally smuggled from their native land.

The breeders prices from what I've seen so far are more reasonable than the pet store prices. I'm not sure I would do well with a rescue type of bird but I'm glad there are options like that out there for someone who might have a little more time to invest in helping an animal in that kind of situation.

peace


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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1509660
United States
06/13/2012 12:16 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
African grey parrots are way to smart to leave alone all day, IMO. If you work at home and can take the bird with you when you travel - that's another story.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11306451
United States
06/13/2012 12:22 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
We had one for years but he had a bit of an attitude problem.

He was anti-social and mean, I think the previous owners probably hurt him.

He was smart though. He would whistle bridge over the river kwai constantly.

We've had a few others, they make good pets, interesting little creatures.
 Quoting: Debauchery


Hey DB!

I think it would help if I started off with a young one as far as establishing a good attitude. Plus although the kitten I have is a bit on the feisty side he is only playful and very curious at this point. I've read that cats can get along with birds if they sorta bond when they are younger.


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walt

User ID: 17870723
South Africa
06/13/2012 12:24 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
It's a very common pet in our country and the in-thing is to hand-rear them. My dad had one, my dad passed away in 1997 and it was very creepy when the bird spoke in my dad's voice after that.
curlytail2000

User ID: 1217128
United States
06/13/2012 12:24 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Regardless of the type of bird you get, it is always easiest on the owner to buy a hand fed baby. ALL of our hand-fed baby parakeets have talked.
Free speech is never free.

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Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1509660
United States
06/13/2012 12:25 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
We had one for years but he had a bit of an attitude problem.

He was anti-social and mean, I think the previous owners probably hurt him.

He was smart though. He would whistle bridge over the river kwai constantly.

We've had a few others, they make good pets, interesting little creatures.
 Quoting: Debauchery


Hey DB!

I think it would help if I started off with a young one as far as establishing a good attitude. Plus although the kitten I have is a bit on the feisty side he is only playful and very curious at this point. I've read that cats can get along with birds if they sorta bond when they are younger.


------
 Quoting: BOWMAN


Sometimes they bond and sometimes they don't. Sometimes they change their minds...
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11306451
United States
06/13/2012 12:25 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I've been researching them and would love to hear about experiences with these birds from anyone who has/had one.

Thanks!


------
 Quoting: BOWMAN


Other than cats and dogs, people should not own pets in my opinion.

Those particular birds are way too smart to be owned by humans. They should be free.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 17868317


I can appreciate the spirit of what you're saying here. But there are some incredibly smart dogs out there too. My sister had a Rat Terrier and my father, Dr. Doolittle I calls him, actually was able to teach it a few words.


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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1509660
United States
06/13/2012 12:27 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Regardless of the type of bird you get, it is always easiest on the owner to buy a hand fed baby. ALL of our hand-fed baby parakeets have talked.
 Quoting: curlytail2000


Same here. The parakeet said everything, and made all the noises, that the parrots did only ten times as fast! Hand fed parakeets are amazing!
Anonymous Coward
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United States
06/13/2012 12:34 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I forgot to mention how quickly they pick up on random noises, so if you have an off-balance washing machine for example, get it fixed unless you want to hear it for the next 30-50 years.

Our parrots picked up everything from crow and other birdcalls, to farts, sneezes, coughing, meowing cats, barking dogs, car alarms, you name it, they learned it.

Something Greys love is to be outside, but hidden. Ours loved to hang out under the awning in front of our house, they'd watch through the cracks in the awning and wait for people to walk by so they could try out new sounds.

It's interesting to watch a Grey watching people respond to noises that they can't figure out the source of.

They're very intelligent.
 Quoting: !saac


Thanks for the feedback !saac.

I do have a little terrace that's outside and it would be perfect for that. It's on a side that never gets direct sunlight. There's usually people walking by at times so it would be real entertaining to see that kind of interaction. : )


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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11306451
United States
06/13/2012 12:47 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Was installing HVAC in a house once and there was a quaker parrot(?) sitting in a cage at the top of the basement steps on a table in the hallway.

We were making a lot of noise cutting holes and beating on things. Anytime we would walk near the cage, the bird would yell "Don't hurt me!"

Still LOL when I think about it.
 Quoting: <Path>


That's too funny Path because I know how noisy we can be, lol.

I remember when I was like 4 my parents and I were looking to get a puppy at some pet shop and while I was saying hello to them this bird starts talking back in kind. I remember being so amazed by it because up until then I had no ideas that there were taking animals among us, lol.


------
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11306451
United States
06/13/2012 12:52 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I have a 35 year old grey, red tail. He looks the same as the day I got him. He's as big as a large pigeon.

As far as intelligence goes, they have a keen intellect. My bird knows the individual names of each of my five chihuahuas.
He has a huge vocabulary, and remembers words that were learned years ago.

As far as food goes, he eats what we eat. However, in an emergency situation, I give him seed.

If you wish to have a lifetime pet, get a red tail Congo grey.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 11715579


Thank you AC.

I read that these guys live for several decades. Out of the two types of African Greys, I read that the Timneh is less prone to nervousness and is better with picking up speach than the Congo is. If I do decide to get one, I'm leaning towards the Timneh because I have a cat and two children around and they sound like they may be better suited to handling any stress that those kind of interactions may cause.

peace


------
 Quoting: BOWMAN


We had a wonderful smart as anything hand fed Timneh. He and the Yellow Nape parrot would laugh and talk to each other all day. One day the dachhound killed him. Be careful if you have other pets even if they seem to get along.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1509660


Was reading last night that feline saliva is highly toxic to AGP's.
Also you need to be careful as to what kind of houseplants you keep.


------
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 11306451
United States
06/13/2012 12:54 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I've been researching them and would love to hear about experiences with these birds from anyone who has/had one.

Thanks!


------
 Quoting: BOWMAN


Other than cats and dogs, people should not own pets in my opinion.

Those particular birds are way too smart to be owned by humans. They should be free.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 17868317


I agree.
Animals are food, not companions.
If you are lonely adopt a human being.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 17865809


lmao

Yeah, I tried that avenue.

It didn't end well. damned


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<FOCUS>
User ID: 660580
United States
06/13/2012 01:17 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I want to add to your title -Bit a hole in my ex-wife's nose.

True story. He got pissed because she wouldn't let him step up on her so he flew over and chomp. bet it hurt too.
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06/13/2012 01:25 PM

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Re: African Grey Parrot
They make a mess like you would not believe...all birds do really...whoever came up with that phrase "eats like a bird" never had one, cause they eat and shit all day long!...lol...

Good pets, but they are a lot of work to clean up after.
Greys are smart, they can talk a lot when they feel like it and they mostly never feel like it when people come over to visit so if you want a "show off" bird, they ain't it.

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Anonymous Coward
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United States
06/13/2012 01:27 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
I have a cockatiel and I didn't realize how devoted and strong bonded they are. Once you become their chosen human, you have an obligation to devote yourself to them too.

Are you willing to spend your life with one? Take them on vacations with you? If not, do you have back-up to take care of them (family)? Can you give them the amount of quality time daily they need?

If I leave mine alone all day, which is rare, I leave the radio on softly playing classical music. They hate silence. Silence for them means danger (think of the jungle).
Anonymous Coward
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06/13/2012 01:33 PM
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Re: African Grey Parrot
Nice thread OP!

Aw I've always wanted an African Grey. It's such a commitment. I've had a few parakeets come and go since high school but having this kind of bird is no joke...judging by the responses here too!

I hope you find the right bird and friend for life hf!





GLP