What is the best age to get an African Grey Parrot in order for him to bond with all the family?

Question

I have found 2 breeders. One will give me the bird fully weaned at around 12 weeks, and another breeder suggested I get the bird while it is still being spoon-fed (twice daily) in order for the bird to fully bond with me and my family. What is your advice?

Answer 1

Hi buying a baby at 12 weeks + is a good idea but please be aware that quiet, cuddly little ball of feathers will sexually mature & develop his own personality, at this age around 90% of Greys are rehomed. Be aware that teaching your bird how to be a member of your family is essential, wild insincts soon appear in a bird that doesnt get a huge amount of time & attention.you need to socialise your bird or it will bond to one person only. The happiest Greys are tauhght acceptable behaviour within a home. Jungle instincts such as chewing need to be met or you will loose wallpaper e.c.t. Get your baby onto a low fat diet, low in seed, high in vegetables, sprouted seeds, lentils, mash & similar. Allow your baby losts of time out of the cage & respect his intelligence. I run a U.K Rescue Centre & advise on Greys & their care & behaviour. I see so many birds with wildly different personalities, some dont talk, some are not that cuddly, some are just plain crazy. As for the spoon feeding its a great idea but be ready to commit fully to the true weening process.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Buying a young parrot has advantages but you will not lose that much if you buy a grey that is 10, the challenge would be finding one. A bird that is older but has no illnesses, diseases, or bad habits. I don't think it would be a mistake but buying ayounger bird does alllow you to bond with them before they hit sexual maturity. Breeding birds is a challenge, and there is no guarantee that your female and her male will get along either. Even if you have some experience breeding is a whole knew experience. Breeding them means caging them together. This cage or aviary will have to be large enough fo them, and then the nesting box as well. Have either of you hand fed before? If not, if you are seriously considering breeding your Grey's then please go to a breeder of either amazons or a similar sized parrot and let them teach you. Experience is key when it comes ot hand feeding. You will need to set a brooder also. Also who will stay with the chicks when thye have to be fed every 3-4 hours? (Depending how long you let them stay with the parents) These things have to be thought through. Also is there anyone in your area interested in Grey's? If not, what will you do with the 2-4 babies? Will you, can you keep them? Also do you have the time to provide for a grey? 6 hours? Also think of the diet needs of a breeding female as well. If you two are serious you need to decide about where it will take place, the birds will have to stay will one of you all and not be moving around as that can cause stress and that would prevent breeding. You really have to do your research as Breeding and properly socializing a young parrot is key and not easy. Talking to breeders in your area for advice and tips is best, and if you can help them. See how long it takes. Will you be able to quit your job to stay with the birds and feed the babies and check the brooder temeprature and all that? If you buy a hand fed baby then make sure you can and will keep her happy and spend those hours with her otherwise you will end up with a plucking grey, and wether you wnat babies or not you have to be able to provide for your breeding pair. Also you say keep the female for breeding and keep a baby? No, if you buy a hand fed female and then keep a baby you will have 2 greys that need your care adn attention. You cannot just ignore the female once you have a baby. Please do more research on the responsibilities of owning a grey, and then talk to breeders and etc because it is really hard even with only one pair. Not saying it is impossible but it has to be thought out and you have to have it really thought out.

Answer 3

In our case, 5 years was the best age. My 11 y/o daughter adopted a grey from a rescue, and for some reason the bird chose to bond with me. She will still go to my daughter, who has no trouble handling her, but if the bird sees me, she wants ME! So don't be surprised if your bird shows favoritism. It's even possible that it could be less than friendly with those who are not it's "mate."



Like others have said, be prepared for the sexual maturity years. And as always, research! There are so many relinquised birds in rescues that it's sad. Too often people jump into bird ownership without a clue at how complex these creatures are. I always advocate adoption first if that's possible.

Answer 4

I agree, 12 weeks is a good age to bring one home. I purchased mine before it was hatched. From the age of 6 weeks I visited with her daily, bonding with her and teaching her. She was so cute the way she would try to impress us with the new things she would do. She's 4 now and oh so sweet. Talks to us all the time, very smart, can identify colors, use appropriate language and truly believes we are her flock. Teach your bird. Everyday spend some quality time just teaching her. It is amazing how smart they are. Mine loves to watch TV with us at night. After dinner she says "wanna go watch a movie?" That's the only time she asks that and its because she knows that its the right time of day.

Answer 5

hi i have an african grey parrot we got him when he was 12 weeks and he adores us he is well behaved. But when he is very young do not spoil him or he will become selfish and naughty. our parrot is good and loves us



get a parrot at 12 weeks

hope this helpsxx