I had a cockatiel form the...

Question
I had a cockatiel form the age of 8-20, he died in a house fire. i have wanted a bird for a while but, my wife had never had a pet before and is afaid of most all animals. talked her looking at cockatiels and she just fell in love with a baby tiel at the pet store.  we've had him for about 8 months now and has been a outstanding pet. says 3 words and whistles  and is loving to the whole familiy. i think he really gets too much attention sometimes. i try to limit it sometimes becuase i think he needs a little time to rest.

first is this a good idea? i find he gets a little demanding if he's out too long.

what is too long for a tiel.

also i have always wanted a African Grey. i would probably keed them in seperat cages next to each other. do you think they would have any problems with each other if i were to get the gray young?  

and most importantly how much time would a gray require? i would probably be the main handler he him/her. there is almost always someone in the house. but, acual time out of the cage would be about 3-4 hours after i get off work? would he/she be ok. for 5-6 hours a day with no one but the tiel as company?

sorry for being long wind'ed
Glenn


Answer
Hi Glenn

I think birds never get a enought attention.
We both work and our birds are in their cages until we get home and then they are out about 4 hours at night and then on the weekend they are out most of the day.
we have a mixture of birds and they are all in the same room but have their own cages. I do believe they keep each other company when we are gone. one big happy family.

I see know probleming in what you want to do ,just remember greys live to be 50 75 years you are taking on alot.

Happy new year Barbara