Yet somehow, people still underestimate just how much work goes into keeping these little creatures happy.

And when the bird inevitably bonded with someone who did provide those things, the drama took flight.

Now, anyone who knows anything about African Greys knows theyre basically tiny feathery geniuses with attitude.

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Well, thats better than some folks I know.

These birdies require constantmental stimulation, like puzzle toys, foraging games, and plenty of human interaction.

Treat them well, and they might just love you back… or at least tolerate you.

Parrot perched indoors, illustrating pet parent dynamics.

And wouldnt you know it?

The parrot started warming up to the OP, even allowing some rare cuddles.

When the brother returned home, he was expecting his parrot to greet him like a long-lost love.

Text conversation about a parrot preferring one sibling over the other, highlighting pet parenting issues.

But instead, the bird decided that the OP was the superior human.

Image credits:tetyanaafshar / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Brother dearest was not pleased.

In fact, he was downright salty, accusing the OP of bribing the parrot with toys.

Text about a man not buying toys for his parrot, considering it a waste of money, highlighting being a bad pet parent.

And just like that, the OP went from temporary bird-sitter to full-time parrot parent.

At least they did their research and knew what pet ownership meant.

Pets arent decorative throw pillows; theyre living, breathing creatures that need proper care.

A playful parrot interacts with rings, showcasing its preference in this pet parent scenario.

Theprossuggest researching the species youre interested in.

But never assume a pet will fit your lifestyle just because its small.

Check out the results:

Text about a person’s efforts to improve bond with a parrot using toys from a pet shop.

Text detailing a man upset about his parrot preferring his sibling due to toys and affection strategies.

Text reads someone’s realization of being mean to a sibling over a parrot preference.

Man smiling with a parrot on his shoulder, indoor lighting, addressing pet parenting.

Text discussing African Greys needing stimulation to avoid boredom and depression, surprising a pet owner.

Text expressing feelings about becoming a parrot owner after sibling drama.

Man at a bar looking frustrated while talking to another, upset about being a bad pet parent.

Comment criticizing pet parent for not enriching parrot’s environment.

Comment discussing parrot preferring sibling over owner due to attention and care.

Reddit comment discussing pet parent being unkind to a parrot preferring a sibling, mentioning bribery with toys and being nice.

Comment discussing that parrots prefer attentive pet parents, mentioning African grey parrots' need for stimulation.

Reddit comment discussing responsible pet parenting regarding parrot care and stimulation.

Reddit comment discussing parrot affection and questioning pet care.

Text from a forum discussing a man’s issues as a bad pet parent.

User comment discussing neglectful parrot pet parent and advice on bird care.

Reddit comment about parrot care and pet parenting advice.

Reddit comment about African grey parrots, mentioning their intelligence and criticizing poor pet care.

Reddit comment discussing keeping a parrot and criticizing a pet parent’s attitude towards toys.

Comment questioning the care and interaction of a pet bird by a sibling, implying they are a bad pet parent.

Text discusses African Greys choosing favorite humans, causing frustration for a pet owner.

Comment discussing parrots as intelligent pets with mention of toys and financial responsibility.

Comment about a pet parrot emphasizing it’s a living creature, not a decoration.