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Question

My husband and I have a 20 year old Congo Grey who shared our home with a cockatiel and parakeet who both recently died (about 6 months apart) . The last one (parakeet) died the end of May. We have a pet sitter come in twice a day when we go away for a few days and a neighbor who visits midday to give him a treat and spend a little time to alleviate boredom. We have spectrum lighting on timers and television on for him. his diet is good with dried fruit and vegetables and fresh cooked rice and bird seed mix.

Submitted: 96 days and 19 hours ago.
Category: Pet
Value: $21
Status: CLOSED
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Pet's Age: >12

Already Tried:
My congo grey (I believe male and 20 years old) has started staying on the bottom of his cage and constantly gnawing on the grate. I was afraid his feet would hurt so we put a wooden dowel down and he's chewed it into bits. We always put small plastic empty water bottles on the bottom of his cage which he normally throws around and plays with...now he carefully puts them around him. He still talks, eats well and comes out to play but in the 2 years of owning him we never have experienced this. He is now the only bird we have and we don't know if we should get him a friend. He got along well with the cockatiel and parakeet we had (in separate cages) until they passed away.     My other concern is we're going away for four days next month and the pet sitter we have had for years can no longer help us so I have to introduce a new caregiver for am and pm   At least our neighbor will come over in the afternoon to give snacks so that will not be a change for him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by Dr. Hinson 96 days and 19 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi XXXXXXXXX,

It sounds like your Grey has a pretty good life! What exactly is your question?

Dr. Hinson

96 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

My congo grey (I believe male and 20 years old) has started staying on the bottom of his cage and constantly gnawing on the grate. I was afraid his feet would hurt so we put a wooden dowel down and he's chewed it into bits. We always put small plastic empty water bottles on the bottom of his cage which he normally throws around and plays with...now he carefully puts them around him. He still talks, eats well and comes out to play but in the 20 years of owning him we never have experienced this. He is now the only bird we have and we don't know if we should get him a friend. He got along well with the cockatiel and parakeet we had (in separate cages) until they passed away. My other concern is we're going away for four days next month and the pet sitter we have had for years can no longer help us so I have to introduce a new caregiver for am and pm At least our neighbor will come over in the afternoon to give snacks so that will not be a change for him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Accepted Answer

<p>My advice to you would be to have whomever is going to come over and take of him while you are gone come over a few times while you are still home. This way he can get used to the person without it being a shock. Birds as you know are very sensitive.</p><p> </p><p>I do think they get lonely if they are used to having other birds around. I would recommend getting another bird but I would not do so until you come back from your vacation. I am afraid if you did it now your bird would have that change plus a new person all at once which could be very detrimental. You need to do any changes in steps.</p><p> </p><p>I think the signs he is showing may be some boredom and some depression.</p><p> </p><p>I hope this answers your questions. If you need anything else please let me know.</p><p> </p><p>Dr. Hinson</p><p> </p><p> </p>

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Expert: Dr. Hinson
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 8/18/2009

Veterinarian

11 years working in the veterinary field. I have experience with small, large and exotic species.

96 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

Do you think hormones have anything to do with him (or her) staying on the bottom of his cage with those water bottles?

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