Pet African Grey Review

Having a medium to large parrot is like having a small child--they are considerably intelligent and social, they're feisty and noisy and get into trouble, they require a lot of attention--they genuinely NEED it for their well-being. They can also be very rewarding and delightful, for the right person who is able to meet their needs and deal with the quirks and difficulties of living with a wild animal. My Timneh African Grey Parrot, my companion of the past 18 years, is extremely dear to me. When people meet him they are often fascinated and intrigued about what it would be like to have a pet parrot. I encourage people that it is necessary to really EDUCATE THEMSELVES before even considering getting a bird, and consider seriously whether they AND THEIR FAMILY will be able to deal with the behavioral issues of a parrot, whether they are able to provide adequately for the socialization, dietary, health, and other needs of a parrot, and whether they're going to be able to provide a stable home over the bird's lifetime. These birds are LONG-LIVED, NOT ALWAYS EASY TO CARE FOR, and it is very hard on them to get passed around from one owner to another, as (sadly) so often happens. Might you have a hard time finding an apartment that accepts pets? Do you travel a lot? Might you be having a baby? Are you a smoker?? Might your new job mean you no longer have much time for the bird? etc. If your life is not stable, you most likely should not get a bird. If you do choose to, your first option should be to adopt a bird from a humane society or bird rescue, and a good bird rescue group will be extremely helpful in helping you to evaluate what kind of bird might fit into your life, and educating you on what you should know.

Grey parrots are wonderful creatures, they can truly be a friend and can be very charming and entertaining. They most definitely have a mind and personality of their own. Greys are among the most appealing pets among medium and large parrots. But their very intelligence and complexity also means they can suffer considerably much and be considerably problematic, without the right home situation and right care. For this reason I have given a one-star rating, because I wouldn't "recommend" to anyone that they get a parrot. It's a decision to make very carefully.