Parrots, good company?

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My wife works every day, sometimes a 14-hour shift. I hate going outside, but I don't like being alone all day, either. I've been thinking about getting an African Grey parrot; after having done a lot of research, I've found that they are considered one of the most intelligent birds, with the cognitive abilities of a five-year-old human being. They require a lot of time and attention, and who better to give that than someone who spends all of his time at home? I could keep it company, and it could do the same in return for me. Because I don't speak much (I've taken to passing myself off as mute to people I don't know, so that they won't try to talk to me, and as I said, my wife is gone all day), I tend to forget a lot of words. Typing and writing isn't a problem, but the words I see on paper or on a computer screen are little more than symbols; it's becoming difficult to remember the sounds that go with them. So, because of that, I think having a parrot would be good practice for me; engaging in conversation and such. They're very startlingly intelligent birds, some with a vocabulary of over 900 words, and I don't think I'd have to worry about social cues like facial expression with a bird. Their body language is very easy to read, at least for me, so I think it would be a good idea. I don't mind cleaning up after animals, as I already have several, but none of them are the sort of animals that socialise.

Does anyone else on the spectrum have a parrot, and if so, how is that working out? My wife think it's a fantastic idea, because I'd be able to devote my time and attention to the bird as I spend all of my time at home anyway. It would give me something to do, and someone/-thing to talk to, which is good, because I'll be less lonely and neurotic, and less likely to be cranky and irritable, which has been a problem for us lately.

Do you have sensory issues such as getting annoyed by certain sounds? I know that I couldn't handle having a bird because of that. But if you don't have that problem, it sounds like this could be a good idea for you.

And I just have to add that your avatar cracks me up.

Parrots are cool and all, but they're way too loud! I don't even have sensory problems and they bother me! How about getting a nice quiet pet, like a fish?

why not get a dog?

if you've got lots of time to devote to a pet, whippets can suck up all your time and affection. they need to be walked every day, so it'll get u out of the house. they are indoor dogs though, and sleep in your bed, so maybe not for everyone.

I haven't had a parrot (only parakeets), but they seem cool

Although birds can be good pets, I would prefer an iguana, a snake or other reptile.

Birds can be wonderful to have, as long as you don't mind the noises they might make ( deafening at dusk and dawn sometimes) or the occasional poopie on your shirt.
They are very social creatures, but they won't mind you if you're awkward or different--- your bird will come to know you and your mannerisms and see that as normal humanisms. Parrots can learn speech, as well as sounds. They can be taught tricks sometimes by verbal commands or visual ones. They won't mind if you're not very verbal--- they can read visual cues as well.
Parrots are very intelligent. Be prepared to be fooled by these thinking creatures--- my mom had to install padlocks on her macaw's cage because the bird learned how to open the latch. They also have senses of humor, too--- my mom's african greys and amazon parrot would imitate the telephone and my mom would pick up the phone and then the birds would laugh at her!
Hand-fed young birds will make the best pet for you, since an older pre-owned bird may come with pre-existing issues ( abuse, neglect, or simply missing its previous owner) that are best dealt with by experienced bird keepers.
Also be aware that birds do go through an adolescent phase where they may get nippy and sassy and, like a human adolescent, try to assert their independence. This may mean some bandaged fingers for you--- always keep your dominance, this phase eventually dies out and some birds don't even get sassy at all. Remember, the larger the bird, the larger the bite. Some birds get a bit sassy during the mating season, too, but others just get more "amorous".
If your bird ever regurgitates on you, congratulations. This is a sign of love ( though not the only one). Parrots will often regurgitate food to their mates.
Some birds will bond stronlgly to one person only and others will allow the whole family to handle them. I own 2 parrots. One of them will only allow me to hold/cuddle her, but she will attack anyone else that goes near her ( including the cats!). My other parrot is easygoing and enjoys being held by anyone that walks by.
Parrots need good diets--- fruits, veges, nuts and seeds--- and occasional table food. My birds love lasagna!
Parrots can vary in price, too. African greys can go anywhere from $500-1000, depending on where you get it. Pet shops will run higher than bird breeders. Look at the place before you buy your bird--- is the place clean? Are the birds healthy looking and well fed? Do the birds interact and play or do they sit hunched in the corner or on the cage floor? Be careful--- some people sell birds only for profit, not caring for the birds properly while in their care. Buy your birds from healthy-looking places. If the place looks REALLY bad or if the birds seem abused or neglected, then it might be best to report it to authorities so the birds can get proper care.
Parrots can live a long time--- African greys can live 60+ years. So getting a parrot is not a decision to be made hastily. Depending on how old YOU are, you might need to make arrangements for your bird for after you die.
Birds are also sensitive to certain things--- Teflon ( non-stick ) cookware can kill a bird if the surface gets too hot. Chocolate can kill a bird, too. Some houseplants are also deadly for birds to ingest--- be aware of dangers in the home, same as you would for a child or any pet.
I enjoy my parrots--- they are good friends, true and trusting.
If you think a parrot is for you, check out some books about them or some parrot sites online. A good magazine to get is Birdtalk ( monthly magazine). Good luck on your bird quest.

When I was a kid we had parakeets for a short time, the noise was unbearable. Once it got to the point where my parents decided to keep the blanket draped over the cage 24 hours a day they knew it was time to give them to someone else I guess.

I hear that not all greys learn to speak either. keep that in mind.

One thing to definitly keep in mind, is that most parrots get quite old, much older than their keepers a lot of times.

A lot of older parrots are quite a bit insane, since they lost their friend and caregiver.
I think getting a young parrot is a bit cruel, try looking for an older one to adopt.
Though prepare for some eccentric and bizare behaviour

Heh, i have grown up with an African Grey Parrot since I was 11. I must say I dont own it, but even tho I dont live their anymore (its my parents bird) it still sees me plenty and is pretty attatched to me. My mom wakes up early everyday to clean the cages (they have 2 cocateels that are old as hell as well and do the feeding and all that. Ive never done it myself, but must say it looks like a chore, and having to do it daily, and make arranagments should you be outa town.

My african grey is pretty smart. Mine also imitates the phone, and is pretty loud often. I understand its body language, and its sounds. My bird does not talk much, tho it does have a small vocabulary, all stuff he has heard us say over the years, and just mimicks it. He knows 1 of the cockateels name, and will say the other birds name sometimes when I uncover them.

The african grey is very attatched to me, and trusts me, and wont trust anyone except my mom as well. Even figured out how to remove a bell from a top, take out the pengulum, turn it up side down and I kid ya not, fill it with food so he can take it, like a bowl, and eat on the other side of the cage. If we had more time we coulda trained him to do tricks and speak more, but nobody ever did.

Heh, sorry if some of the above sounds jumbled, I am very tired, no sleep, heh.

let us know what u decide.

No,if hypersensitive to sound,it would depend on the persons' level of aspergers.
but if no problems with sound,and also have a lot of space for the bird to be in then yes,birds were not made to be kept in cages so it is better to keep it as natural as possible for them.

i like tucan sam. parrots are way to loud for my ears though

African Greys are awesome - but you might find a cockatiel a good starter pet. They're a little less loud, and while they don't always learn to talk, they're very affectionate and responsive.

Someone recommended a Dog - be careful. If you're home all day with it, chances are it will bark a lot at things like the mailman. Some of the dogs barks and whines can be far worse than a parrot's raucous call.

We had an African Grey in our family for 14years. She now lives in a grey parrot sanctuary were she is able to be with other parrots.

African Greys will out live you, don't ever forget that. There are very vulnerable before the ages of 4-5 but if they are kept well they can live 60-70 years.

I would not say they are a good starter pet for an aspie. They need a lot of dedication and are very social animals and need constant attention. Bare in mind because they are intelligent beings they have different personalities. Some are more quiet, but don’t count on it.

My dad was the handler but he is getting on and was unable to give her as much dedication anymore. She was making a lot of very loud noises because she was bored that was causing me sensory problems. So it was for the best that she went to this sanctuary. She has settled in well and has a main friend/mate.

There are so many factors involved with African Grey's I wouldn't even know how to start. They are not a good first pet full stop. People know very little about where they come from. My dad got this parrot because he lived in Angola. Birds should not be taken from the wild they are endangered. You need to verify it is a bred bird. Also many bird that are illegally imported can never be tamed or handled they are 100% wild. This is because you can only tame very young birds. People buy them thinking they will make a good pet and they have to get rid of them, because they can't be handled at all. The sanctuary where our old parrot is at has a section for wild African Greys, they are not directly handled very much but are looked after. The other problem is young imported bird have a very low chance of surviving any journey. They are very vulnerable anyway at that age.

Wow, thanks for all the great info! As I said, I've done extensive research already, and no, I'm not bothered by sound, unlike most on the spectrum. I'm not interested in getting a dog; I couldn't stomach the idea of going outside to walk it and having other dog owners talk to me.

Skahthic, thanks for the good advice. As for the nipping, I've already got two bearded dragons, and been bitten many times. They can bite pretty hard! I have looked at many, many sites, and talked to other bird owners not on the spectrum, and it really sounds like a good idea.

After owning many other animals, including a cat, I've determined that I'm responsible enough for a parrot. Money isn't an issue; I don't think one can really put a price on a companion--potentially a lifetime companion, as they live from 60 to 65 years, some longer.

Also, I live about a 20 minute drive away from a specialty vet who works specifically with exotics, i.e. birds and reptiles; I've been taking my dragons to him since I got them, and he's very good. Expensive, but good.

I'm going to shop around a bit, but after all of my research, and all of the great advice and tips I've gotten just on WrongPlanet, I think an African Grey is definitely a good idea.

Thanks again, everyone!

I forgot to mention a couple of things.

My wife and I live in an apartment, and we're currently looking at another one closer to where she works, which is another reason for not getting a dog; most places won't take dogs, and I wouldn't want to keep one cooped up in an apartment anyway.

I wouldn't keep the bird in a cage; I'd have a cage for it to sleep in, but a few stands around the house for it to be on during the day. I can't stand the idea of keeping a bird that big and intelligent in a cage all day.

As for the fish... well, I have to wonder if you actually read my post.

So once again, thank you all so much. I'll be shopping around to see what places seem trustworthy, and I'll let you guys know how it goes! Might be a couple of months before we've saved enough, but I'm willing to wait.