Hi Maggie,
I have wanted an African Grey for a long time but not sure if I am the right human for one. I have a 4-year old siamese cat named Mushu and he is my angel and buddy. He is very affectionate and very chatty. He has been fixed and de-clawed and does not go outside. He has met a few hamsters and guinea pigs and is very interested but scared of them. He is good with other cats. He has never seen a bird since he is an indoor cat. I am not sure how he would react to a bird or how a Grey would like him. I have had birds and cats in the past and they got along fine.
I went to a website: www.mytoos.com and realized that a Cockatoo is not for me because they require a lot of time/attention and I live alone and work at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week (like most people I know). That website has scared me out of getting a bird.
I am wondering if a Grey is the right bird for me? Or am I being ignorant and selfish for wanting one of these wonderful, amazing companion? How much time do they require that you spend with them everyday? I will not be home for approximately 9 hours during the day, is this too much time away? Please be honest. I don't want to be one of those people who gets a bird and then realizes that they do not have enough time to spend with them.
Thank you for your great website.
Kris