We were supposed to be at a family party at my uncle’s house not too far away yesterday. A lot of the family was driving a couple of hours to be here. I even made the deviled eggs that I was asked to bring. The place that I was planning to get my grey from had hours that I would only be able to make in time on Saturdays. My husband, Dave, told me that he probably wouldn’t be able to go with me next Saturday, which means I’d have to wait even longer to view the greys and select mine. I decided I was going to put me first this time and miss the party. I’m sorry if I disappointed other people, but I’ve been wanting this parrot for a long time and this was finally my chance.
I had been researching for a while and looking into where I could get a grey. I was a bit reluctant to buy a baby and have it flown to me because I’d be buying a bird that could have any disposition. I really want one that will be a part of the family and let us all interact with it.
I had emailed back and forth with a “pet store” in Rensselear. The owner Teena was wonderful–answered all my questions and then some. She had 3 Congos and 3 Timgos, which are a cross between the Congos and Timnehs. She said the Timgos usually don’t bond so tight to one person and it makes them more of a family bird (which is more the trait of the Timnehs). She also said that we could come in and handle them and see who was a good match for us. That was exactly what I was looking for!
I tried researching about Timgos. I only found a couple posts online. It seems that whenever anyone mentioned them, they got blasted. I kind of set my mind that I would lean towards a Congo, but whoever seemed the friendliest to use would come home with us.
So, yesterday we skipped the party and headed to Rensselaer Bird Center. I have to say that I’ve never been to a place quite like that. I’ve always loved birds, but when you go to the typical pet store, the birds are shut away. I understand that it’s necessary for some of the communicable diseases. Here, there were birds out on cages–a grey (who looked a littly ornery) and a beautiful macaw. Then, there were was a big avary. Oh, to look into that was a bird lover’s dream. There were all kinds of parrots in there living together. There were the 6 greys, macaws, a cockatoo and so many other birds. Even small birds mixed in. I would have liked to take them all! Then, there was another room that you could peek into with smaller birds in cages. I had to stay focused, I came for one grey.
Teena brought all the African Greys out to us, one or two at a time. The one that was the most friendly was a Timgo. I think that we would have done fine with any of them, but I let go of my worry over those silly posts on the Internet, and chose the one that fit us best. Teena said that he was her favorite and she was happy to see him go to a good home. Dave assured her he would have a good home. It was nice when she replied that she already knew that, she could tell.
Then, we carried him around as we chose a cage. There were lots to chose from. I wanted to get him a big one since he will be in it while we’re at work. There was a big double cage that had a removable divider in the middle that we chose. It also has a playtop and lots of openings, including an opening top.
All the while, Teena was giving us hints and tips on caring for him. I asked about toys. She said to let him chose. So we held toys up in front of the bird and let him pick the toys. Teena even gave us some food and some extra perches and toys.
We filled out the paperwork, paid for our bird, the cage and goodies, packed up and headed out. Teena kissed him goodbye before she boxed him. How hard it must be to let the birds go to new homes. Like any breeder of any pet, they must get attached to them. I was happy to see that she had been such a loving caregiver. You want a bird that had a good start.
When we got home at 3, I had to run Michael to a party next door. While I did that, Dave had his friend come over and get the cage ino the house. When I got back, I opened the box and let the bird peek out. I wasn’t going to force him out–I wanted him to be able to look around and get comfortable first. He was so cute when I opened the box. He was leaning over and didn’t dare look up. Finally he straightened out. Then, he’d peek a little over the top and then duck back. He was shy about his new home. I talked to him the whole time. I wheeled his cage into the room it will be in. It’s the family room that adjoins the living room. There are big french doors separating the two, but we never have them closed. I spoke to him as I installed the perches, washed the bowls, put in seed and water. I sat on the couch next to him (still in the box) and tried to coax him out by playing with one of the balls. It didn’t work, but he probably thinks that I’m a bird brain now. I put the toys on his cage and finally made him come out of the box.
I walked around a little bit with him. Then, I let him on his cage. He looked up and there was a deer head on the wall. I reassured him but he kind of froze looking at it. Finally, he decided it wasn’t a threat and was paying more attention to me. It was interesting to see him examine everything. He really looked at everything around him to make sure it was alright. (By the way, I told Dave and he removed the deer head from that room so the bird would be more comfortable.)
When he seemed comfortable with his room and cage, I took him into the living room to hang out with me. He liked sitting on the top of the couch, so I laid a towel down for him and let him stay here. We watched TV and I talked to him. I laughed and told him that Michael was slow to speak and now I can’t get a word in edgewise. I wondered if it would be the same way with him in a few months.
Around 6 I had to leave to pick up Michael. I put the bird in it’s cage and told him I’d be back soon. Dave had gone on an errand and was back about then. I have to say that Dave has been pretty good about this parrot stuff. He really didn’t want me to get any more pets. He was happy when I gave my lovebirds to my brother last summer. I did it because one was picking his feathers and I thought it would be a good change for them. My brother has a barn with large cages for pheasants and other birds. They got a really large pen to share with some quail. It did help and was in their best interest. So, here I was wanting a “messy bird” again. Believe me, we had a few words about it, but in the end he became either supportive or resigned to the fact that I was going to get a grey.
Anyway, when I got home, Dave had the bird out of the cage and hanging out with him! I almost think that Dave is the grey’s favored person too. I know it’s too soon to really know, but we were eating and I tried to include the bird by giving him a little bit. He wouldn’t take it from me. After Dave finished, he offered that same piece of food to the grey and he took it! It really doesn’t matter if he likes Dave best. As long as we all pay attention to him and treat him well, he should be fine to us all. Oh well, I know I’m the cat’s favored person and I may have to live with that condolence.
Michael holding our African Grey Parrot