Picking out a baby bird

[wtbone3]

Hi all,

I am looking to get an African Gray, a baby, and I was wondering if there are any guidelines that you all would recommend following to pick out a healthy baby.

~Walt~

[birdgirl]

OMGosh a baby grey they are soooooo cute you are very lucky.
have you read any books on greys?? look for a lively happy baby with bright eyes that seems to want you.
tell us everything about your baby when you get him/her
and we want to see pics ;)

[Jenny]

So, you've decided to get a parrot! What books have you read on them so far? I've got tons I recommend, so if you're curious I can post the titles of them in another post. Parrots are way different than pigeons, so read alot about them first. As far as guidelines, the very first, hard step is finding a great breeder (or rescue). Since you live in Houston, I'd recommend Old World Aviaries (where courtney is hopefully getting hers!). Check out the website at www.oldworldaviaries.com. They are VERY good breeders from what I've heard, and have been mentioned in BirdTalk quite a bit! Make sure that your baby grey has been given at least a week to learn to fly, and also don't bring him home too soon. Waiting until he's older is much better. Yeah, what Courtney said, make sure the grey feels comfortable around you. You'll know if it wants you! As far as knowing if its' healthy, if it's from a good breeder than they won't sell you one that's not healthy, but either way take him to the vet right after you get him for a check-up. Most good breeders have a health guarantee which is very important to get. One last suggestion (though I'm sure I'll think of more to say later!) is to subscribe to the Grey Play Round Table magazine (it's all about greys and very helpful!) and also BirdTalk or PetBirdReport magazines. Good luck! :)

[wtbone3]

Thanks all for the advice. I own about 8 books on strictly African Grays, and about 17 in parrots in general. I have done my research, and just thought I would get some tips from people who currently own birds. I will make sure to use the advice given to me here, thanks again.

~Walt~

[Redstorm1721]

Oh Walt, that is so wonderful. Greys are the best. They are so beautiful and smart and all that. Have you looked in your area for a breader? I think that would be a great idea. Also you can ask others maybe even your petstores near you where they might get thiers from? You can look on line for your area and see what they might have, and then go explor it. Let us know and good luck finding your new baby!

[Jenny]

Wow- sounds like you've been thinking of getting a grey for a LONG time then! That's great that you've read lots about them so far. Keep us updated on how everything goes!

[JSimko]

You have done your book research, now you need to do your pet store research. The first thing you need to do is find a pet store that raises baby birds right from the start. The pet store that I bought my blue and gold from handled only babies. This is important, because you cannot bring a new bird home until they are at least two months old. And unless you plan on living at the store, you need to have someone to feed it when you can't be there. For that job you do not want someone who has no experience with hand raising. Good luck.

[Redstorm1721]

Thats for sure. My parrot was handfed and they didnot know how too. It was very hard to see, and very sad not to be able to do it myself. I have no expierence in doing that. They fed her only 80degrees That is not hot enough. The girl said she didn't want to burn her crop? Hello? She must of already done that before? I am not too sure? But I heard too many awful stores about that store!

[birdygirl]

I would try to find a reputable breeder instead of supporting a petstore.

[Jenny]

I agree, what birdygirl said.

[birdgirl]

Old world aviaries is really good and they should have some timneh eggs hatching soon. do you want a Congo or a Timneh? I use to want a congo because they were the pretty ones (I was nine) but now that I've read so much about greys I want a Timneh.

[wtbone3]

I think I am going with a Congo because they are just the ones that have appealed to me, and I want to get a bird that I want. But I have thought about the Timneh, and after much deliberation I think the Congo is for me.

~Walter~

[Mrs.Birdy]

Good luck Walter. Congos are wonderful.

:)

[birdgirl]

Congos are great birds. hope you find the bird of your dreams