Should I buy TWO African Grey PARROTS??
As only ONE person has mentioned (which just demonstates the huge number of people who offer advice without actually knowing what they're talking about) - two african greys would not bond with each other. Congo's and Timnehs are slightly different species, and if you were to get Male/Female pairs of either, or, they would *potentially* bond in terms of a sexual relationship, and where would that leave you? Nowhere - except with a pair of extremely aggressive bonded birds. Bonded pairs have absolutely no desire to interact with humans and can be downright nasty. On the other hand - male/male or female/female pairs will be aggressive towards one another (congo or timneh, doesn't matter). Greys, outside of pair bonding for mating, are not social birds outside of their owners - and even then, they bond to a single person. This is what makes them a good "solo person" pet, but not so much a "family" parrot (for that, if you wanted a medium-large parrot, you'd need to look towards caiques, conures, senegals, or the largest - umbrellas). Also, as I've stated before in other threads... They can be compared (in both intelligence and behavior) to a 2-4 year old toddler. They can and will throw massive temper tantrums when they don't get what they want (attention, food, etc.) and are notorious for taking their frustrations out by biting... really hard. I seriously doubt you're *actually* going to go out and buy two african greys.. but something tells me if you do, they'll both end up in foster programs in 5 years or less.
How much time do I have to spend with an AFRICAN GREY PARROT?
Having the bird be left alone isn't the big deal, mine is alone from 8-5 every day. I'm worried about it not being interacted with until that late of day. Most birds will instinctively have a sleep time once it gets dark out. Pay attention next time you're outside at sunset...you'll slowly hear the birds quiet down for the day. If you don't start playing with your bird or let it out until 7-7:30 you're not letting it have a lot of quality "awake" time. You'll find that your bird starts to get cranky and snippy around 8:30-9pm when it naturally wants to go to bed for the night.
Can I leave an African grey parrot alone at home for 4-6 hours?
I have. Not by choice but when you work…However, there are some things you can to do to ensure they have a quality life:Give your grey undivided attention at least twice a day if not more. Before going to work, I would take her out and place on another stand near the kitchen while I cleaned her cage, changed her food and got ready for work. I would feed her and give her cuddles. When I got home, no matter how late, I would take her out and spend time with her. Even if it was past her bedtime, she would hear me come in the house and no matter how quiet I was, she would call to me.Change her toys frequently. It’s like an only child in that you have to provide a stimulating environment if you want them to thrive and they are alone. And please provide some toys that she has to “work at” to keep her busy.My grey has the best view in the house! She can see other birds/critters outside and see people walking by. No worries, the window is three floors above street level.Music and/or TV on while you’re away helps too.Other family pets can also provide social interaction too.Good luck!
My girlfriend wants an African Grey Parrot. Would it be a good birthday gift for her?
Offering to get her one (a homemade "gift certificate" in her birthday card) would be the better way of going about it. Also buy her some books on African Grey rearing. Check out this "recommended reading list" for ideas: http://www.anafricangrey.ca/2011/05/14/a... Signing her up on one or several African Grey forums (they are free to join) will also give both of you some valuable information resources. Not only will you learn what is needed, but also the costs in general and the time demands an African Grey entails. Do the research BEFORE buying the animal (a good idea, no matter what "pet" you are considering.) African Greys are one of the most time-consuming and demanding creatures you can get for a companion. So it's best to know what you are getting into before you get past the "point of no return." Best of luck!