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Anonymous
I'm considering purchasing an African Grey Parrot for a pet.

Anyone on /an/ willing to share their experience with these?
>> Anonymous
ive never had one, but all i know is that its a damn smart bird
>> Anonymous
Get a female.
Though it can be difficult to tell when they're young, males have a flatter head than females. To tell for sure you have to get them DNA tested, though. But females are much less aggressive than males, and African Greys are already about the most aggressive parrot species to have for a pet.

They talk REALLY well, the best of any parrot, but they're also not the least bit cuddly and bite a lot. Also, they're generally shy birds (I know mine is especially) so if you want to show off it's talking ability to your friends and stuff... doesn't usually work very well. We've gotten some videos of him, though.

Also, they need A LOT of attention. They're one of the smartest species in the world, so naturally they can get really depressed if they're cooped up all the time.
>> Anonymous
They can live for 75 years and can require as much care as a child. For that entire time.

Parrots are not an "easy" pet by any means. I really wouldn't recommend it.
>> Anonymous
>>267726
Smart motherfuckers they are.
>> Anonymous
I really really suggest that you read many books, sites, interview many grey owners and such. You can never know enough! Also it would be quite educating to go and meet few greys in person, if it's possible. I did this all and still when my timneh grey arrived I was really suprised by how totally completely challenging pet this is. Really, it's hard to realize the fact that this pet will bound you to your home, demand your attention most of time and suffer if you are not capable of offering the time, stimulation and proper food and time to fly around. Big, expencise cage isn't bad thing either! Do your homework, start here :
http://www.itsagreysworld.com/home.html
>> Anonymous
>>267736
here.
I just remembered something.
If you do decide to buy one, get one from a breeder, not a pet store. Not only is it usually cheaper, it's a better 'product' so the speak. I don't mean that the greys at the store are inferior critters, but most pet stores keep their birds in an open top cage where people like to go and try to handle them all the time. While the Cockatoos and Amazons always seem to love the attention, Greys are, as I said, a shyer species and the ones at the pet store become especially nervous and aggressive having to fend off bratty children and all the dumbasses trying to hold them. Plus, most pet stores will sell the bird to anyone. When we picked our bird out from the breeder she was practically interviewing us to make sure we were prepared and was able to give us some great advice.

>>267743
Is totally right. They're like perpetual toddlers. They get into everything, throw things when they're angry and even fling food.
>> Anonymous
have a baby instead.
They're just as messy, just as noisy and just as annoying and needy. At least you can put a diaper on a baby so it won't shit all over everything or chew on everything and ruin everything you fucking own. Plus baby can't bite the shit out of you when you try to pick it up either.
The only upside to having a parrot is you'll have an easier time getting rid of a stupid bird once you get sick of it.
>> Anonymous
Mine was weird. I had her from the time she was 4 months old until she was about 2, but I never felt like she was very attached to me. She bit everyone except me, but would snap at me if I tried to make her do anything she didn't feel like doing, like come out of her cage... or pretty much anything, ever. She was very crabby. She could say a few words, but she mostly just mimicked sounds, like the cat purring or the phone ringing (which is annoying, btw).
For complicated reasons, I had to give her to a friend of the family because I couldn't keep her. They bonded instantly and the bird is insanely in love with her, so I guess she just didn't like me. I was nice to her, dammit.
>> Anonymous
>>268518
You're evil and birds know that.
>> Anonymous
Grays are extremely intellegent parrots that require lots of attention. When properly reared and cared for they make excellent pets.
>> Anonymous
>>268531
Birds are evil, so they know evil.
>> Anonymous
the biggest problems that people face when owning parrots, is the amount of attention they need. they are certainly social birds, so will not do well in an environment where they spend most of the day locked up, or ignored.

though as long as you are sure you can give it the attention and be patient with the mess it creates, parrots can be very rewarding, high spirited and friendly animals.
>> menchi !IgWlr3a0sk
had a congo african grey.
most awesome pet ever, if you take the time to nurture and raise them properly.
they require a lot of attention.
>> Anonymous
Large parrots are less like pets and more like mentally handicapped dependants. If the thought of having to care for a small, feathered, moody and attention-seeking 4 year-old child for the rest of your entire fucking life appeals to you, go for it.
>> Anonymous
I just happened to pay attention to the fact that most people hede used to have parrot... not anymore. Eventually it's few who really have what it takes and is is very sad for the parrot to change home because someone didn't really realize the responsibility they're taking.
>> Anonymous
i work at a bird (pet) shop... for a first time bird owner, get a (sun) conure, they're easier to handle. at the most positive,>>267766is correct. at the most negative,>>268499is also correct. in particular, greys are very one-person birds and you have to be like a grey to get along with a grey. never forget that birds are like children.. so don't ruin a birds life if you're not going to be into them completely.