Hello everyone, it's a pleasure to be here. I was very happy to find this forum, and was lurking for awhile reading all the posts until my sweet Timneh came home yesterday. I really have to brag a bit about him....African Greys are truly remarkable birds.
Well, after what I read on the breed, that they may be a bit shy for the first few days, I don't think he knew how he was supposed to behave. As soon as we got home I put him on his new playstand (while I thought I would just place the food and water in his cage) and he started munching away on his food and drinking from the treat cups. He was happily chatting back and forth with me and my hubby, and after filling up on a bit of food, banana and apple he insisted on stepping up on my hubby or me...whoever was closest at the time. He seemed to act like he was right at home! Not skittish at all, VERY affectionate with both of us, just a real baby! He did decide however that my nails were fair game as he nibbled on them carefully every now and then. We are soooo in love with him, he's a blessing....and I really think he likes us too! I spent well over 300$ on toys and food, but thought I would introduce him slowly to the toys...after all they are supposed to be a bit shy to new things (HA!). As soon as I picked up the first one he became all excited bobbing up and down on his play stand, and almost attempting to fly toward me and the toy. I brought it to him so he could investigate it, and right away he grabbed it and started chewing on it. No fear, no shyness, just obvious excitement. It was so fun to watch him. Since he approved that one, I went to get the next, and he had the same reactions to all of them...no fear, just wanting to have fun! So, all ending up in his cage. After some time snuggling with us (he was so confident he even was preening his feathers as he lay on my chest!), I thought he'd need a nap so placed him in the cage. Nope, he wanted to taste all his new toys, food, explore...he's really outgoing, not a shy bone in his body. After awhile he wanted back out with us...he made himself quite clear as he crawled to the top of the cage and would stare at us chattering. I don't need to say step up (I still do) as he starts before I can even finish saying it.
I am extremely fortunate to have found a wonderful breeder. Really, I can't say enough about her and her birds. My Chico is 4 months old, and it's clear he was lovingly hand raised. Today after his breakfast, he spent his nap laying on my chest under a warm blanket...almost making purring sounds! If anyone in Ontario, Canada is looking for an ethical breeder let me know and I can pass along her info.
Thanks for reading my long winded introduction :silly:
Xandra
Xandra welcome here
and congrats on your Chico ! You sure seem to have gotten a precious gift with him acting like this and none of the bonding stuff having to go through {Feel-good-000200BB}
Are all the birds this breeder breeds like this or were you 'just' lucky?
Thank you for the warm welcome FairY
When I arrived at her home I was asked to wash my hands with disinfecting soap, before I handled the birds (great idea!). She introduced me to several adults by placing them on me...all friendly, not skittish nor biters. Even a stunning Umbrella Cockatoo that I would have taken in a heartbeat!
Then I got to meet all the babies...what a treat!!! She handles all the babies, and they are all brought into the kitchen for their breakfasts...the younger ones of course the glop, the elder ones all get scrambled eggs. After breakfast the older babies are placed on playstands to spend the day with her/themselves playing and socializing. She has Conures and Senegals as well, and the babies were all more than happy to step up, and let me pet them anywhere and hold them close to me....I was really impressed. It does seem all her birds are taught at early ages to be social, to step up, and not to bite. She raises her birds full-time, she has for over 20 years. Her home was very clean, cages clean, birds in great feather...could see no pluckers anywhere. She offered me complete aftercare in case I needed anything at anytime. Super lady, amazing birds. Before any get wing clips, she allows them many flights. She says this is to let them know they can fly, gives confidence, and if they fall they know how to glide. She will not allow any bird to leave un-weaned, so often they are over 4 months...which to some may seem old, but honestly they really are still such babies and all are happy to bond with anyone who will let them snuggle. Chico (my hubby picked the name :S) was placed on her kitchen table and waddled right up to me, I put my hand down and he stepped right up to investigate me. He picked me, before any of the others had a chance.
My boy was waiting for me this morning, so happy to step up on me out of the cage. He wasn't so eager to step up on the playstand while I made his breakfast...lol! He wanted to stay with me holding him
Xandra
I am a new member as well. We are just beginning to learn about African Greys and are really excited to add one to our home. We are thinking about a Timneh. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Carissa
Where in Ont. did you get Chico? Also, do you know what kind of conures she had? Sound like you got a wonderful baby!
Hi there, if you find the right breeder they are an amazing bird and depending on your lifestyle could be a nice fit. Very sweet and smart birds. Take your tame checking out aviary websites on the internet that are fairly close to you (so you could visit) and ask the breeders a lot of questions. Find one you feel comfortable with, who will offer support and guidance after you buy the bird as well. A good breeder will probably ask you more questions than you ask them, as they want their babies to be the right fit for you and your family. They care where the birds end up, rather than getting the money in their pocket.
Good luck!
Xandra
Hi Birdgranna, I sent you a private message with her link - I wasn't sure if posting them was allowed :blush:
She's north of London, Ontario in Exeter. The one Nanday that was old enough to play with was SOOOO sweet, she didn't want to let go snuggling on my chest!
Xandra
:woohoo: :woohoo: {Feel-good-000200A2}
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