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Time and cage size pre-parrot check for Amazon/African Grey
I've spent some time looking into this, however before I buy a parrot I want to check that I'm able to give a bird a good quality of life.
Most small to medium-sized parrots seem suitable for me, however I think an Amazon or African Grey is most likely. Partially because they are the most common medium-sized ones needing new homes, and I'd prefer to provide a home to a bird that needs a new one.
My situation:
I'm 30, work from home 1-2 days/week and am away 7am to 6pm 3-4 days/week, my girlfriend works 6.30am to 8pm. The bird will need to be able to enjoy itself with just it's toys/radio for 11 hours/day! IS THIS A PROBLEM?
In the evening, I'll be able to spend a couple of hours actively with the bird. During this time I'll either be playing with them or just playing piano/board games/reading/working and having the bird on my shoulder or wandering around where I am. I'd like a bird that enjoys being with you and watching what you're doing, needy birds need not apply!
We have a small house with no other animals, and space for a cage up to 3' x 3' x any height. PLEASE let me whether you think this is big enough - I want it to be happy and comfortable with plenty of space.
I've looked after lovebirds, budgies and cockatiels when I used to live at my parents (they have a small animal sanctuary), so I have experience of small birds. However I would prefer a single large really engaging bird now. I've been wanting one for about 10 years now and am finally settled enough.
I'd ideally like a bird that is intelligent, playful, cuddly, mechanically minded, happy, sweet, tries hard to please, not too loud, non-aggresive and most importantly, can entertain itself when alone!
I don't need all of the criteria to be fulfilled, but it give you an idea of my ideal pet. I am not too bothered about it talking.
So do you think most Africans or Amazons would be happy in this situation?
Thank you for reading and for your advice.
James
i aimed to go an buy a grey but ended up with 2 amazons, grey's are more cuddley an better at talking but they are really sensitive, things like new toys etc can frighten them, amazons are a little more versatile and better looking!, you need to buy the biggest cage possibe, i bought a huge black 1 and i used to leave the cage open for my first amazon, not always recomended but it suited us, i work 40 hours a week, i make sure they have plenty of toys, the best is a really cheap rubber shape that you cram monkey nuts in an they need to get them out, i also leave on the tv for mine, usually a kids channel or the news. last week my male died, make sure if you re home 1 you know what your getting and i would say visit it a few times before commiting, my female is re homed an she is very stubborn an aggresive, bear in mind that they casn be extremly set in thier ways, it can take months for you to bond with any parrot especially 1 that has been re homed, dont expect to get it home and be able to handle it straight away. also if you find a male you might find he will bond with your girlfriend over you and visa versa. personally after my experience re homing, if its your first bird id buy a new born, and it would be an amazon but then i find amazons naturally more appealing, finally grt it insured, this sounds heartless but when mine died id lost 700 quid and couldnt afford a postmortem to find out why, and if you do bond with them loosing it will crush you!
