Wanting to Buy One

[Peebs720]

Me and my family are in search of another bird. We already own a Hahns Macaw that is awesome. We are looking anywhere from parrotlets to greys. Are greys a good family pet. Are the dusty birds like cockatoos are. Are they nippy birds. Thankyou for your help.

[dodgewoman]

Well, you really have to do research for yourself. Take everything with a grain of salt. Many will say that greys are one person birds, and hate change. Not always true, esp. if you know these tendencies and work with them. I make sure Roscoe gets handled by everyone frequently and that I change things up so he won't get shocked when something changes.

I would say they have a bit of dust but I own a cockatiel so my view is a bit skewed They need to be bathed often and that would keep down any dust.

Roscoe is very beaky but I think it's just him, he likes to test us.

[SDavid]

Hi. I'll start by saying that it's hard to give specific/exact answers to such general questions about greys. Especially when all birds (not just greys) have their own personalities. For instance, whether a bird is nippy or not is entirely dependant on the birds own unique personality. Generally, they are less dusty than cockatoos.

It's really difficult to say whether or not they make good family pets.....what's your definition of "family pet"? I mean, what qualities are you looking for? I'm tempted to say that they (in general) are not "family" pets based on what people commonly look for (cuddly and gentle interaction with everyone). Greys are very likely to pick a favorite person in the household. And, I don't know if I'd trust any parrot alone with children. Parrots explore the world with their beaks, even if it's not a bite, it could hurt and badly scare a child. Not to mention children don't always have a calm enough demeanor to handle or understand an animal as complex as a parrot. There are exceptions but, when it comes to a birds personality, it's always a gamble. To be honest, I don't think I'd consider parrots in general as "family pets."

I'll give you this advice though: Read as much as you can about different species. Go to local pet stores and try to interact with an "adult" representative of whichever species youre interested in. Remember that pet store owners or employees will downplay any negatives about birds they are selling-they want to make money. So be carefull.

I have a Timneh Grey. They are supposed to be more family oriented than Congos but I'm not sure that I've seen that to be true. Mine prefers me to my wife. When I'm around she just wants to come to me and be with me.