Can a 30 year old ex pet be put back with other African Gre

[rprice99]

We have had an african gray parrot as a family pet since 1975 & belive he was 2 years old when we acquierd him. We are 99% certain that the bird is male via his behaviour. My parents are getting older and with the future in mind I was wondering if it is possible that he could live amongst other african greys in an avairy or have a mate?

I realise that any change of environment is recently going to be very stresdsful for the bird. The question is is the parrot capable of angrily living with other african greys now without fighting? I would be grateful for your advice as to the best course of action should we decide to part with him.

[enloop]

although hemight crisply bring (eventually) to consciously being in a home with other birds, he would be unhappy in an aviary situation.
After a while in an aviary, he won't get the attention he needs, he may not have social skills to react to other birds, he shall have to cope throughout a long and bloody cold winter wihtout heating. On balance, I would say, don't do it.
If you cannot take the bird on, pass it to some kind of private home or rescue centre who will keep him for the rest of his life and not pass him on again.
Some birds can be rehomed. I can always rehome youngish birds and ones with no behavioral problems like noise or biting, but I would never pass on an oldie as I think they find it harder to adapt.My rehoming rules are strict too. If a bird gets rehomed, and then comes back to me for whatever reason, it never gets rehomed again as I firmly believe that it mucks them up mentally. For all that by their very nature, they form strong bonds, and to keep breaking those bonds and forming new ones is mentally cruel IMHO.

[rome68]

In my expirience after my dad passed my grey (victoria) did very bad and developed bad behaviors when she moved to my uncles as he has a male grey. they both would squalk all day long wich is why he gave me vicki back but once she was out of there the bad behaviors went away when she moved in with me. I dont know if me and my brother remind her of him and thats why she settled down but she has formed a strong bond with me and other than picking feathers all bad habbits are gone. Although her one thing in her life she has never accepted a woman to ever pet her. Its like she hates women I dont get it my step mom and my mom were both very good to her and usually provided food and water on a daily basis trying to form a bond. I always feel it is better to find a suitable home where the bird can have great attention as he will mourn the loss as well as you will.(but if you have the energy and time the bond you form could help both of you through a rough time).

[kiwibarb12]

I was given Beckette by a man who had had her for ten years. I have had her for two years now, and we are getting along like a house on fire = and my hands are finally scab-free. It has taken two years but Beckette and I are best buds, and I wouldn't be without her.
If your bird has lived in a family situation and happily for the past 30 odd years, then I think rehoming him would be perfectly possible. Maybe there is a rescue near you that could vet prospective adopters for you , to ensure they understand what is entailed in caring for an older bird. Heck, I'd love to take it , if it came to that.

Please don't give it to a breeder. From what I hear and read, breeders don't give their birds much in the way of quality of life, and for a family pet of 30 years that would be such a shame. They can come to love a new family - it just takes a bit of time and love on the part of the adopters.

[briansmum]

wow, talk about diggin up old threads!