Raising 4 week old African Grey

Question
Hello,

 My nephew (he's 26) and his girlfriend just brought home their new buddy Smuckers, a female African Grey.  She's so sweet!  She can hold her head up for short periods of time, & cannot stand yet, which I know is normal. Just surprised at how tiny she is; never saw one before!

 Anyway, they got him from a reputable dealer in town, who gave them tons of instruction which my nephew videotaped.  They don't feel they need to check online for advice, and I just wanted to check on a few things for Smucker's sake.  

First, my husband & I think it's really weird that they are supposed to keep Smuckers in their dark closet in a paper bag with just a towel at the bottom.  Maybe this is exactly right, but I just want to make sure for Smucker's sake. Wouldn't their real mom be sitting with her to keep her warm?  

 Second, we went up yesterday to watch them feed her, as I heard it was quite a show, & it was!  What concerned me was she seemed to shiver the whole time.  Before feeding, I got to hold her in my hands for a while because I felt like my warm hands would help.  She must be cold with no feathers.  Is she actually cold?  Should they be doing something else when they have her out of the bag other than just sitting her on a towel?  I'm sure they want to bond with her.  

 Thanks for any advice you can offer. I'm excited to watch Smucker's grow up.

Thanks so much, Nancy

P.S. Do you know of any good websites?


Answer
Hi Nancy,

they have their hands full.
I have never heard of anyone raising letting a baby grey going home at that age to people that don't know anything about birds.  most babys go home after they are weaned.
and at the age they should have a heatlamp on them for warmth.or a heating pad set on low under the towel . and I have never heard of putting in a paper bag.
what we do is place them in a small cage with towels on the bottom and keep at a good temp for them and cover the cage. and then let light in by folding back the cover . they need to get some books on baby birds. they really should never let a 4 week bird go home with anyone that does not know anything about birds.
they need to be keep him warm yes.
they need learn what they are doing.
it is like raiseing a child would you do that to ababy of yours.
tell them to read read read get more informations please.

take care
Barbara