introducing african greys

Question
I have had my African grey for 27 years, she is somewhat hand tame but not totally. We recently learned she has cancer and not sure how long she has left. Our neighbor who has a 12 year old male has to get ride of their African Grey. I have no plans of housing the birds together but will have them in the same room. The older one will be in a bigger higher up cage and I have read to acknowledge the older bird first - any other advice?

Answer
--These are exceptionally intelligent birds.  TALK to them.  Don't underestimate the power of explanation.  Imagine that you have a 5 year old child.  Even though they might not have the language skills that you do, they can still understand your tone and implications.  

Another pretty good example is how a lot of people can speak a foreign language, but it takes a little longer and a bit more effort to understand it.  Or vice versa.  

Your birds (the older one and the new one coming) will appreciate knowing what's going on.  Talk to them

--- And I wouldn't give anyone a bigger, higher up cage.  That could brew hostility.  You really would do better to have them feel equal, but yes, engage the older one first.

 See ours  http://www.4animalcare.org/birds