Can I Bring an African Grey Into Our Home With Our 5yo Amazon?
African grey parrot and Blue-fronted amazon perched on a branch

Can I Bring an African Grey Into Our Home With Our 5yo Amazon?

Last Updated on by Mitch Rezman

Rebecca A. relates,

We are the (at least) fifth home for an older yellow-nape amazon.

The only information I have from the couple that took him in before us is the previous owner died of old age, he doesn’t like outdoors, and his name is “Brindle”, and he bites… a lot. That was 4 years ago.

 

He is now a healthy 743 grams (appropriate for his larger than usual size frame, according to his avian certified doctor) DNA-sexed male, microchipped, well socialized, loves classical music and opera, has arthritis in his shoulders and jaw, “walking bird” who trills and plays with family and dogs.

(He raised a standard poodle and preens her ears while snuggling with her.)

But I still don’t know where he’s from or how old he is.

This brings me to my question.

My only clue is a worn closed aluminum band on his left wrist that is marked “CEC 4”

My research dead-ended with an archived 1980s blog post about a yellow-nape breeder in Toronto Canada whose company was CEC. His name may be “Brindel” who was a composer who toured Canada in the early 1970s.

Have you heard of CEC? I’m trying to figure out how old he is (born in 1970? 2002? 1990?)

What’s the Story with Bird Leg Bands?

Kori The Thrifted Artist continued,

Hi. Sorry if there was any confusion.

We are a family wanting to add a bird to our family.

I personally would like an African Grey Parrot as I read they were one of the smartest animals.

My dilemma is we live in a super rural area in northeastern Indiana and trying to find a place that sells them is difficult.

I have seen where you can have them shipped to you but I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea.

A part of me feels like that would be terrifying for the animal. 

If you could maybe give me insight on where would be a reliable place to purchase that would be great.

Thank you for your time.

Catherine Tobsing replied

Dear Kori

Okay, more information was helpful. African Greys (Congo and Timnahs) are very nice birds but unless you are able to spend several hours a day with the bird and plan to take it with you when you travel it may not go as well as you hope for.

It would be like adopting a small child with similar emotions. For best results, the whole family must be involved as it is a 30-50 year investment.

Reach out to local bird clubs, attend bird fairs, go visit bird rescues. Not only will you find your bird closer to home but you will learn more and have support and resources.

Kori The Thrifted Artist went on to say,

Thank you so much for the information, your time, and your help.

I am definitely a homebody.

I have been through several very traumatic incidents so I don’t go out much.

It is why I love my home companions. 

Thank you again.

Kori

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