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From: seth@cbnewsh.ATT.COM (peter.r.clark..jr)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: INDOOR: Still thinking about buying a bird
Keywords: More help requested...
Message-ID: <8395@cbnewsh.ATT.COM>
Date: 21 Feb 90 21:15:50 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 54


A few weeks ago I posted a request in rec.pets for some basic info
about buying, and caring for, an African Grey. Well, I only got
two responses, but they were very informative and only reinforced
my desire to purchase one. But now I have some more questions that
may affect my final descision, so I'd appreciate any further
assistance...

Ok, here goes:

First, my situation. My wife and I currently have two small dogs and
two cats.  I expect the cat population to grow by one or two, but not
the dog.  If memory serves me, one person said that the bird would be
fine with the dogs, but didn't know about the cats, and the other said
that the bird would get along fine with the cats but wasn't sure
about the dogs. I guess I think I'm going to be OK on that front.

As for space, I'm going to be moving into a 4 BR house with a large
open living room. I therefore also don't think I'm going to have
any crowding problems (we're all currently living in a 2 BR apt and
everybody gets along fine...).

I've decided to buy from a breeder rather than a pet shop, but
haven't found one yet. I haven't exactly been looking real hard yet
either (if you know anybody in the NJ/Eastern Pa. area...).

Ok, finally the questions:

Any comments on anything I've said so far?

(Ignorance time) What *exactly* does it mean when a birds wings are
clipped? The best response I could get from a local pet store was
"They do that so the bird can't fly". What a genius. I could've
figured that out. Anyway, is it permanent? Desirable? If not
permanent, should I do it at regular intervals? (Please, no flames
if you feel there's something inhumane about this. I'm just asking
for info.  That doesn't mean I've made any descisions)

Can these birds be trained to be taken outside without flying away?
Is it difficult? (I'm assuming that it is)

I was planning on getting a large cage with a perch on top, and
probably putting a perch or two on the first floor of the house.
I've also thought about hanging a perch from the ceiling. Any
comments on this?

Finally, are there any particularly good books I should pick up
in my travels?

Again, thanks in advance for any help you can give me...

Pete Clark Jr.
att!hos1cad!seth
att!cbnewsh!seth