I really want to own an African gray parrot and have been really interested in wanting a bird lately, but I'm a bit afraid of birds. My parents had a bird when I was growing up that kept trying to bite me. We have a a blue front amazon or whatever at work and I'm at the top of his hit list and he chased me out of a room the other day. So... Ya I'm a little afraid of getting bit by a bird. But yet I still want a gray.
How do I get past my fear?
Ugh. Real world problems.
The only way to get passed it is to hang out with some birds really. I mean your fear isn't unwarranted, they are like toddlers with beaks that can take a finger but like dogs, birds that like someone won't use their mouths to harm.
I won't go into it but just.. large birds are enormous time and money (expensive bird, expensive cage, expensive food, expensive vet bills) and life commitment. They are so much more than pets.. it's really like having a child. A child with EXTENSIVE dietary, socialization and interaction needs. And a child that can scream loud enough to be heard a mile away.. usually at the crack of dawn. Grey's that don't get enough time out, enough stimulation, enough attention..will scream and will self mutilate and lash out.
Our cockatoo can TELL when people are hesitant/scared of him. and he makes judgements and just straight up doesn't like certain people and tests his boundaries.. like a toddler. Even with us. He throws tantrums and it's important to be 100% confident with him or else he will continue to use his beak to get what he wants.
Like dogs, just remember.. they CAN but they usually won't use their mouths to harm.
Don't watch them eat carrots.
Oh and it's african grey*
They can make amazing companions
I would start with bird rescues, zoo, pet stores, youtube videos.. check out some birds that are good with people, and get an idea of what they are like