New member with some questions

[Higgins]

I am sure this has been asked time and time again, but I am confused as to which of the Grey's I want. I am torn between the Congo and Timneh. I have read extensively on the subject and the information is at times conflicting. As far as what I am looking for in the parrot is relatively good behavior and ability to learn to talk. We have a large family but do not anticipate anyone handling the bird but the adults. My vet says Congo all the way, yet several local breeders believe the Timneh is better behaved. We of course want a parrot that has the best chance of being a talker. Some of the information I have read seems to indicate they are both excellent talkers. The appearance of the bird and the size of it is not that important to us. I know they look different and the Congo is larger. Any input and advice for a new member would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[MrRick]

I have two CAGs (Congo) and a friend of mine has a TAG (Timneh). It seems the only difference between these 3 birds is appearance! Some will say that the TAG is more layed back then the CAG but I've never seen any evidence of that. Greys in general are excellant talkers! What sets the apart from other birds is their intelligence! All parrots can mimic but few can match the ability of association that a Grey has. Both have relatively good behavior but that is largely determined by how the bird is treated.

Besides the folks here at BB, go to www.parrottalk.com for an excellant source for information about Greys. Bobbi Brinker is a well known and respected expert on Greys and runs this site.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[janejacinto]

If talking is this important to you, then better to get an older bird that has proved it can and will talk.

Yes, grey's are known for talking but not all are the same. They are as stated very smart birds but not all are great talkers but do talk.
Jane

[kensbuns]

I have a Congo and she is the bestest. I think the CAG's have more of a tendency to pluck, but that is all in who you talk to. I find the TAG's a bit more territorial and agressive. JMHO!!

[grandma]

I have a Tag and a Cag. My Cag is by far the better talker and has a better disposition. It all depends on the individual bird. I for one would never get another older bird. Greys tend to attach themselves to one person and may already have that attatchment with it's previous owner. Not saying it won't love you the same, just may take longer.

[Monica]

Why not go to a few places that sell both congos and tags and let a bird pick you out????

[dancyn56]

I agree with everyone and would like to add also, never speak "baby talk" to your new Grey , whichever type you choose. Speak to them as you would anyone else in your home in a loving and caring manor, and you will find they truly are an intelligent creature. They have proven their ability to actually understand the words, not just mimic them.Talk to them about the things going on in their environment with you and even explain what it is seeing or doing with you. The pretty much same as you would a child.

[Cindy215]

Well there's never any guarantee any bird will ever speak. And regarding age and rescue, some birds will do fine and love a subsequent family....although I agree it's sad and painful for them to be given up.

A customer of mine had a CAG who plucked all the time for years except when boarding at my store. The caretaker begged me to take him since he seemed happier there. I reluctantly did. He ended up falling crazy in love with another customer who really wasnt looking for a bird but she couldn't say no. Every time she came in he went crazy for her. A year later he was super happy at her home/farm, not plucking, talking like a human (after not speaking much before) and plays poker every Friday night with my customer/friend and her friends. He even cusses them out in context when they try and trick him outta taking his "turn" keeping score or whatever....He has his own "pen" and paper, and they have adapted the poker chips and cards so he can easily pick them up and pretend to bet. It's amazing he sits there in his spot every hand and actually, you'd think he really was playing LOL.

He also dictates to her what she's supposed to be doing all day long. With shocking accuracy he announces "Let's run the horses" or "Take a lunch break" or whatever it is she's been saying to him all along. She is home all day every day since they have a farm so he's rarely alone.

These are complex creatures and you never know what is going to happen. Also sometimes it really depends on the caretaker, IMO, how much they invest into the bird and how much time they have. And how they were bred and fledged. This bird was wild caught so had some good strong genes and parenting to begin with and managed to survive the trauma of being caught and shipped here. And somehow lucked out by only having two homes, the original person and my friend and it's been about 23 years or so.

[dancyn56]

Maybe that's why Ralphie is so strong, he also was a captured or as I say "kidnapped" bird and had strong genes. He tells us what he wants us to do and what he wants to do very precisely, he's such a little boss. Today he saw his first rooster and it was crowing, it was too funny, I'm sure I will hear more of his experience in the future. As far as I know I am his second caregiver too, the only thing I have thought of is that he will go to my son (whom Ralphie is getting very familiar with) when I am no longer able to be with him. We should look to the future of these kind little souls and make sure they will have proper care when we are gone.