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THE
BABY
 I acquired my 3 year old Congo
African Grey, Tango, when he was 3 weeks old. He was very adorable but very
needy, having to be fed every 3 to 4 hours and kept warm. It was quite a
challenge to rear a baby bird and not for everyone. I had to go to the bird
store for a week and fed him until I proved I was capable and could take him
home. Of course it helped that I had tube fed many many pups through the years.
 Feeding a baby is done with a
syringe and is a messy job. It is important to cuddle the baby as you feed him
making him feel safe and loved. You must be very gentle so as not to damage the
mouth, throat, or crop with the syringe. You must be very careful the food is
warm but not hot. You can burn the baby with hot food. Also, you must be sure
he gets enough but not too much. Very scary. This is why most people get a bird
that is eating on his own. However, I enjoyed feeding Tango and feel I have a
much sweeter bird because I did. Tango is very loving and sweet.
 To feed a baby, you use a feeding formula
that is the consistancy of cream of wheat. African greys are weaned at about 6
months but it is not something you can force. I switched Tango from the syringe
to a spoon and continued with the weaning formula - but a bit thicker - like
oatmeal. However, I offered him bird pellets, veggies, people oatmeal I have
for breakfast and fruit. He played with the real food for a week or so and then
begin to eat. It took a couple of months before he was eating on his own. Once
he discovered the pellets and veggies, he wasn't so interested in the formula
and slowly switched himself to the pellets. However, he loves people oatmeal to
this day. He loves all fruit and veggies and his pellets.
 I have been told
that it is very important for a baby parrot to fledge. I tried that and he flew
into the windows. My house is mostly windows so I gave up on the flying and had
the vet cut his wings. African greys are heavy birds, so we only cut a few
feathers so he can float to the ground rather than crash and hurt his chest. He
will leap off the highest spot he can reach and often flies downstairs. Tango
can fly down but not up.
 Tango loves toys,
from paper towel rolls to wallpaper to woodwork. All his stands are well away
from the walls and I keep him well stocked with bird toys. Tango is a wonderful
talker and calls me saying "Caaaaroool". I think it is so cute and
always answer. He is continually surprising me with things he says. He picks up
things I say to the dogs and other birds and friends. I caught him coming down
the stairs one day and picked him up and said "what are you doing?"
Tango answered "I'm going doooownstairs". They are so very smart it
is like having another person in the house.
 Tango has perfected
the German Pinscher distress cry, the German Pinscher whine, and is excellent
at the German Pinscher howl. He has also perfected the German Pinscher
reprimand "HAY! It is said that African Greys have the intelligence of a 5
year old child and the emotions of a 2 year old.
African Greys are quiet birds. Tango never screams or makes a lot of noise
and talks very softly unless he is calling me. He is very nice to my friends
and doesn't mind being held by visitors. However, Tango is easily spooked and
not as brave as my Conure. He is playful, loves toys, and is very mischievous.
Tango loves water and will splash happily in his bath if it is a sunny day. He
get bath water by calling "WATER!". If I spray him, he says
"Take a Bath!".
Tango is also very affectionate. He loves to cuddle and be scratched. He
will rub his beak against my cheek and want under my chin. However, he is also
independent and cuddles on his terms.
All parrots are destructive including Tango. I bought new pillows for my
couch and had them all arranged when I found Tango happily de-stuffing one of
the pillows. I rescued the pillow and then discovered my puppy de-stuffing
another pillow. Great minds, etc.
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