A Bird of the Air: Cosmo the Wild-Caught Timneh African Grey Parrot

My name is Cosmo. I am a Timneh African Grey parrot. I was wild caught, just a chick, and transported, stuffed in a box, half way around the world. I survived that ordeal. My current owners think I am about 30 years of age. My original owners had me for at least 10 years, perhaps 15. After they died their children thought I was a wonderful pet and opted to keep me. Unfortunately, they knew nothing about parrots or parrot care. I was shuffled from one family member to another. Eventually I ended up with my current owners.

For reasons I can’t explain I hate males. No doubt it was a male that tore me out of my nest. But I love females and will behave for them. When I jumped on my current owner's husband’s foot and started to bite his toes, my owner said “Cosmo that is not nice” so I got off, hung my head and walked back to my cage. They remained committed to their resolve to keep me as long as the wife was the one to hold and love me, feed me and clean my cage. I was happy and so were they. I fell in love with their daughter and her two daughters. They asked if they could have me, and I was happy with them for several years. About two years ago, my owner’s husband became disabled, and it is a serious disability, so while my owner was at work he could no longer care for me during the day. I am now mad at my owner because she must care for her husband, two daughters and of course me. Sadly, I am the last on the list. My owner asked if she would try to find me a new home. This is the last thing any of them want to do. However, they all feel I deserve a home where I can get the love and attention they feel I deserve.

I need to be in a male free home, with someone who will have the time to let me adjust to the new home and give me lots of love and attention. I like to get out and roam around, which this family has allowed, even when I misbehaved. My current owners said that they want to be sure that I go to the kind of home where I will get the patience, love and attention I deserve. If you think you are the one who can give me what I need please contact Northwest Parrots Fund. I talk a lot and can be quite loud. But I do not swear or curse, which is one of the rules my current owners insist be in place at my new home.

Postscript: We are pleased to report that Cosmo has found a new home with a lovely lady who lives with a flock of parrots, including a Congo African grey. Cosmo couldn't be happier!