September 28, 2026 · Guides

Bringing Your African Grey Home: The First 30 Days

The first month sets the tone for the relationship you’ll have with your grey for the next several decades. Here’s a realistic outline of what that month looks like.

Week 1: Let the bird settle

Keep the environment calm and predictable. A newly-homed grey, especially one recently weaned, is adjusting to a new cage, new smells, new voices, and no longer being near its clutch mates or breeder. Some quietness, reduced appetite, or wariness is normal; sit near the cage talking softly rather than immediately handling the bird.

Weeks 2–3: Build routine and trust

Consistent feeding times, consistent sleep schedule (greys need roughly 10–12 hours of dark, quiet sleep), and short, low-pressure interactions help the bird learn what to expect from you. Let the bird choose to approach rather than forcing contact.

Week 4 and beyond: Expand the world gradually

Once the bird is eating well and approaching you voluntarily, start introducing more variety: different rooms, new toys, other family members handling it under supervision. Avoid overwhelming changes all at once.

What to watch for

Loss of appetite lasting more than a day or two, fluffed feathers combined with lethargy, or any respiratory sound warrants a same-day call to an avian vet — young birds can decline quickly, and “wait and see” is the wrong instinct with a new sign of illness.

Read our FAQ on the reservation and handover process, or browse birds ready to go home.