I have been on a waiting list for a baby Quaker and out of the blue today someone offered to give me their African Grey - it was their daughters bird and she died in a car accident a month ago and the bird is too much for the parents to see and hear daily with the bird saying their daughters phrases, as you can imagine it's very painful to grieving parents. So... I'm in a weird predicament because I do have a entire area set up for a bird new cage new everything the works the whole area is good to go. They asked me to come out and meet their bird to see how we interact with one another and I know they really want me to take her. It's just now a matter of me deciding if I want to get a Grey over a Quaker. Like I said this came up outta the clear blue and it is a huge opportunity because she is free if I want her and it's a honor to even be asked really. I'm really torn and at the same time I feel so bad for the Grey because she too is mourning the loss of her owner. Advice?

Well, maybe you should get both. The only thing is, an African Grey is a WHOLE other kind of bird from a Quaker. They can get depressed if they feel you're not spending time with them, and they have large beaks that destroy things like furniture really quickly. Of course, those are things a good bird owner can prevent, and I always thought I wanted a Grey until I found out about Quakers. I went with the Quaker because they love to spend time with you, but are also relatively happy to entertain themselves with their toys if you have to work late sometimes, etc. I know there are people here who have Greys so they are really better suited to answer, but based on the research I was doing before I got my bird, I liked the way the Quaker would fit into our family. That is not to say that the Grey won't, just for me I thought a QP was better. But at this stage, having had a bird awhile, I would take the Grey too!! 2 birds is fun!

I suggest you do some research into African Greys before agreeing to take the bird. They are fantastic birds, but they aren't for every one. So if an African Grey isn't a bird that you've ever considered, it's time to do some deep heart searching and consider if this is the best choice for you.

we have both species, and started with the quaker first because we didn't think a grey's personality and reputation would work with our schedules. both of them are staring at me as i type lol. anyway, our grey was brought up in a very similar environment to ours, so he is well adjusted to the work hours issue.

i agree with carrie-anne tho, research this. the temptation of a free bird can be strong, but if it's not the right time or bird for you, it would be completely unfair to the bird, especially given the tragic turn of events recently.

kris

Do research, meet the bird, and give yourself options.

For example, if you really think you may be a good choice for the bird but are nervous, agree to take it on the condition that if it doesn't work both you and previous owners will work together to find the perfect home. Being an intermediate home for a bird that is looking for it's forever is a really special role to play, as long as you remember that the bird's wellbeing comes first. So have a backup plan if things somehow don't work out, and one that works for the bird.

That said, in my experience, having a backup plan guaratees that I won't need it Here's hoping that whatever you decide, it's the perfect fit!

Hihi,

A Grey? Well, IMHO, Greys are THE most wonderful of all parrots, but as has already been pointed out, Greys and QPs are very different. QPs are long-tailed South Americans and great fliers - Greys are short-tailed Africans and climb more than they fly. QPs are noisy, cheeky, extroverted birds - Greys are quieter and far more reserved. In my experience, Greys are far more demanding that QPs too. But one thing for sure, I would rather be bitten by a Grey than a QP!

If you haven't already done so, why not come over to AnAfricanGrey, where you will find Dee 'n' me and several other familiar faces from here at QP.com, and do some research into life with a Grey. This article may be the best place to start.

I agree with everything that CQ has said in his comparison between a quaker and a grey .. except for the biting. I much prefer to be bitten by my quaker then my grey. That big beak can do some real damage ...

I would guess that because you are on a waiting list for a quaker you have already done your homework as it relates to quakers. I think your best approach at this point is to research greys to see how a grey would fit into your life. This way you can decide for yourself what would be best for you and the bird that you choose.

I have both a quaker and a grey and I can tell you that I don't have a preference. I love them both because they are so different. I will say that my quaker is by far more independent and less needy then my grey ... But my grey isn't as boisterous as my quaker ..

I think because they are such different birds you will need to decide which would fit into your lifestyle better ... having one of each works too!

Best of Luck ...

so what happened?
did you end up getting the grey?
it must suck for the parents to see the bird everyday and think of the horrible thing that happened to there daughter.
it also must suck for the bird for its owner to never come home and never understanding what happened and maybe thinking its been abandoned.