A new tag...

[Blc414]

Hello, so glad I found this board as I will have many questions I'm sure! Anyways, I have always been interested in greys...I have always wanted one, and I've read several books and have been researching them for years. I decided a few years ago, to add a bird to our family. I wasn't sure if I was experienced enough for a grey, so I thought it'd be best to begin with a cockatiel. Our little male tiel has been so much fun, just a total joy to be with, he is so smart, talks, and whistles many tunes as they do...I then went looking for a grey, couldn't find one that seemed to pick me out of the 2 I found, but I fell in love with this little caique who seemed head over heels for me as he wouldn't leave me alone. It was another perfect match for our family. Now? I have finally found my little tag...I am so excited but nervous about adding a 3rd, but i thoroughly enjoy taking care of the two birds I have, cleaning up after them and spending time with them, I think I am ready for my 3rd (and last.) My question is, is there any disadvantages to getting a little tag that was the only egg of two eggs that hatched? Does it matter that he was the only one and is that OK? Sounds silly but I wasn't sure... Not sure if he's male or female, DNA not back yet...any difference in personality between the two? I will be bringing the little bird home towards the end of Feb. He or she will be about 4 months then. Is there anything anyone would or wouldn't do again if they had a new grey? I hear some stay stick to a good schedule, then others say mix it up a bit to get the birds used to change....Any advice would be appreciated, as well as advice on socializing....I want to give this little bird the best start I can, as well as a forever and ever home! Thank you for reading my post...

[Chief's Mom]

Welcome to BB! I don't have much AG advice for you, but it seems like you've done your research to ensure that this bird is right for you. That's the best first step you can make!!

[Parrotpeople]

Congratulations & I'd say a terrific choice ... A timneh! Imo, the tags are more laid back and easy going.

If you can handle the handfull of a caique I'd also say you're ready for the tag. I wouldn't worry about him/her being the only one to hatch, at least I hadn't heard of anything to cause concern. There were only two eggs in Poppy's clutch and he was taken from NC to VA within weeks of hatching and was weaned here by our local bird guy. I would say make sure he/she is fully weaned, Poppy didn't come home until just over five months. We did visit him daily, so his first day home was problem free.

One bit of advice; don't let them clip the wings too early, I feel Poppy's were cut too soon and he's very clumsy still and yet Ziggy zips around without a care and her wings were clipped too, but I think Poppy needed more practice.

We basically stick to a schedule, but not too rigid, they get up at pretty much the same time daily and go to bed the same. You'll figure him out ... for instance Poppy jumps right on a new toy, Ziggy, our Green Cheek Conure, we have to hang it outside of her cage for at least a week, then she still may not go near it.

Good luck and post pictures soon.

[Lisa B]

ahhhhhhhhhh congrats! ya cant go wrong with a grey!
(Tiels are the perfect bird, and the caique steals the show at my house!)
I had so much fun with greys, i couldnt and didnt stop at one

Angie had some wonderful advice. (thank you!)


we are here to answer any questions we can, and are excited to watch your baby grow within your family! welcome to the world of greys!