African Grey Parrots

Lesson 4: The Fun Begins!

Relax and Enjoy!

So there you have it. A few kernels of knowledge on a very large subject. I have only touched on the responsibility, the commitment and the genuine fun of being best friends with a parrot. I hope I have not discouraged you or, on the opposing hand, encouraged you toward impulse buying.

If you haven’t already done so, please invest in some of the required reading so you will be more completely informed. Check out the articles presented on the web sites. Obviously you are an inquisitive reader since you chose to take this course. That tells me you just might be the right person to own an African Grey. Matching your intelligence with theirs is a very satisfactory stimulus.

In the way of wrap up I don’t believe I mentioned bathing in the lessons. Your Grey will want to bathe at least twice a week. I let mine tell me when he wants to bathe rather than making it mandatory. When he is ready for a bath he will begin slapping the water out of the water bowl. He prefers the spray bath from a bottle to the shower. Then he likes to wash his face and beak in the water dish. You will want your bird to have clipped wings. I suggest you go to a good avian veterinarian and get instruction in this matter.

Actually I let my Grey make a lot of his own decisions. If I am going for a car ride and think he might like to go along I tell him what I’m doing and offer him entrance into his travel cage. Sometimes he refuses and if the trip is not necessary I take him at his word. He likes to come to the office with me most days. (That’s a short trip on foot). Again I tell him where I’m heading and ask if he would like to go along. He will voluntarily get into his small cage if he wants to go. Occasionally he’ll opt to stay in his daytime cage. I never let my grey outside without the protection of a cage. Even a slight wind, and in spite of having clipped wings, they can become airborne and not sit down until they are some distance away.

When he is out on the T stands I make sure his cage is close enough that he can climb back when he’s tired or feels threatened. Sometimes he prefers to stay on top of the cage where he has a play top. That’s fine with me too. When he’s tired or wants something to drink or eat, he goes back. If I need him to go back before he’s ready I just tell him to go ‘down’ and he knows what I mean. He rarely gives me any trouble about re-entering his cage.

Another thing I might not have mentioned is discipline. Never, and I mean never, strike your bird. You are asking for big trouble. They don’t take personal assault lightly and will attack you full force. Don’t use rolled up newspaper to strike the bird or the cage. It’s extremely frightening for the parrot and can cause behavior problems. If you do this and decide you want the bird to come to you; beware. He may retaliate by giving you a good bite on the hand or arm. The best way to let a grey parrot know you’re displeased is to tell them in a tone of voice that can associate with displeasure. If that doesn’t work the old ‘evil’ eye is a good ploy although I have my grey reverse that game. Sometimes he even stares me down and we call it checkmate. Usually I end up laughing at him, or myself, and he mimics me and all is forgiven.

Is the African Grey parrot the pet for you? If you like challenge, are good at games using strategy, and willing to put up with a few problems along the way then I say you’re ready to relax and enjoy your new found friendship.

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