Getting a new CAG and looking for some advice.

[Sunndar]

Hey its been a while since i posted last so heres a quick update. We are proud owners of our first fid, Morgan (see pics below) he is almost a big beautiful 3 years old and is one of the most wonderful, funniest bugger i have ever had the pleasure of being with.

My wife has gotten the itch to add a bird to our little zoo and has been watching our local breeder/bird shop where we got Morgan to see when they would have some new babies. Sure enough a few of decided to lay a few eggs about a month ago (apparently on a off cycle for these birds). We have gone and checked out the new babies and settled on the one she liked the most and are awaiting the time when we can take him/her home.

What should we do to prepare for our new addition. Cage is a DUH and we are already in the works to get it set up and all. What do we need to know as far as bring the new fid home. I have heard the words quarantine and several other ideas from other post.

Any help would be appreciated. I promise to have pictures asap.

[drheather]

You're already well versed in the joys of owning a parrot and I'm sure she'll fit in nicely with your fam. Greys are a little different because they need grey specific food. I give mine pretty bird pellets/nuggets for african greys. They do make a natural one but she likes the fruit flavored one. Ummm...I'm thinking here. Well IDK what else to say I'm sure people will fill you in further but I want to add three things that my Gonzo would be lost without:

1. Her kabob. She shreds through one about every two weeks. likes the original and hangs upside down to it and talks to it while attacking it simultaneously. Bird Toys: Bird Kabob all natural yucca bird toys at Drs. Foster and Smith

2. FORAGING TOYS!!! She loves this one: Can O' Nuts and Treasure Chest Bulletproof Treat Toys

3. Foot toys. Get a variety and the cheaper the better. I get dozens of chinese finger traps, soft plastic kids toys (i.e. little rubber duckies, little koosh looking things), q-tips tied together with twine, whiffle balls stuffed with shredded paper. All these things will help build foot-eye coordination and keep your girl from being bored.

In my opinion the worst thing for a grey is BOREDOM. Whether you choose to let her be your bonded shoulder bird or you want her to play on her own just try to keep it fresh and new. One last tip- we rotate her toys every week and change around her cage setup too as far as the shape of her boing and the placement of her perches. I may be fooling myself with this but I think it has helped my grey be open to new things and not be so afraid of change or new toys like some greys can be.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll get lots of other good advice!

[NaniOokami]

I've never heard of giving Grays a gray-specific diet. Some will need added calcium, but that should be determined by your vet. Give a good pellet (I use Zupreem) and fruits/veggies/sprouts/etc

The biggest difference between Greys and other birds is their greater need for stimulation. Boredom and loneliness are both big problems with the Greys, just as well as the 'toos. Have something for your bird to do always, and you should be good. :) A properly raised grey should not be phobic. Make sure you expose them to a LOT during their babyhood, so that they don't become phobic in later years.

Oh, and around a Macaw, there should definitely be an air filter. Grey dust can be harmful to macaw lungs.