Question on Greys

[danforth3]

Hi! I am thinking about adding an African Grey to my family (consists of 1 husband, 1 son, 2 parakeets, 2 cockatiels and 1 caique).

We love the Greys and are debating between Congos and Timnehs. Right now, based upon what I have researched, I believe that a Timneh may be better suited for our type of household.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the differences between the two birds and why these chose either a Congo or Timneh as a pet?

Any imput would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[mandee44_99]

I believe what you put into your bird is what you will get out of it. I am an owner of a Timneh and he is wonderful!! My mother owns a Congo and also is as equally wonderful. The bottom line is it is up to you and your family. Either is a wonderful choice and with time, love and attention will be a enjoyable pet. I guess I am saying you take the good with the bad. I do believe people under rate Timneh's because of more owning Congo's. In some ways we train them and they train us. No two Grey's are alike. They all have there little ways about them that make them special. Well which ever you decide I wish you good luck!! Please keep us informed.

Amanda

[jen&friends]

-hi- I have a Congo and a Timneh! I love them both - (as I'm sure you will love which ever you choose.) My Congo is 5 - I've had him since he was teeny, tiny. :icon_smil My Timneh is the newest member of the family - I fell in love with him immediately. They have their differences, but greys have that certain something that I'm just crazy about. My congo has gotten calmer as he's gotten older, my timneh seems to be a little easier going... he's still a baby. Some say that timnehs ARE calmer - that they're not as good at talking, etc., but it really depends on the bird. I know congos that don't say a word - and I once knew a timneh that was a nervous wreck.
Just make sure, whatever you decide, that it comes from a good breeder so you'll know you have a happy healthy baby!
p.s. - I LOVE caiques - their neat little birds - I bet he rules the roost!

[danforth3]

Originally Posted by jen&friends

-hi- I have a Congo and a Timneh! I love them both - (as I'm sure you will love which ever you choose.) My Congo is 5 - I've had him since he was teeny, tiny. :icon_smil My Timneh is the newest member of the family - I fell in love with him immediately. They have their differences, but greys have that certain something that I'm just crazy about. My congo has gotten calmer as he's gotten older, my timneh seems to be a little easier going... he's still a baby. Some say that timnehs ARE calmer - that they're not as good at talking, etc., but it really depends on the bird. I know congos that don't say a word - and I once knew a timneh that was a nervous wreck.
Just make sure, whatever you decide, that it comes from a good breeder so you'll know you have a happy healthy baby!
p.s. - I LOVE caiques - their neat little birds - I bet he rules the roost!

Thanks for the info.

She tries, but the roost is equally ruled by Scooter (the caique) and Merry and Peanut (the two cockatiels) and the two parakeets (Beauty and Yellowjacket). We love them all and they love us. The parakeets adore my son, who spends hours with them while doing his homework, playing with his trucks and gameboys and gamecube.

Cathy

[Franciscus]

Jen had some really good points. I would suggest you meet a lot of different greys, the one meant for you will be evident. Upon chosing the bird you should visit with it a few times a week before bringing it home if that's possible. That way the bird can become acquainted with you and it'd be less stressfull for him/her.

I have made some suggestions in two posts in the thread entitled "Tag" perhaps you would like to read those as well.

Frank

[tattdpixie]

I actually went to the petstore because I heard the owner had baby TAGs. I had researched both types and decided that a TAG would be better for me. Little did I know that she also had baby CAGs there too and I fell in love. I ended up with the CAG. I can't answer which is "better" I think that you'll be happy with whatever you chose.

[The Outlaw]

I have one of each and I prefer the TAG, overall. They are both wonderful, but my TAG is more laid back and is universally accepted by all of the other birds, including my BGs. However, hands down, the CAGs are better and clearer talkers. They can duplicate EXACTLY the sounds of human voices. My TAG says the words, but they always sound like a parrot.

THE OUTLAW

[Angio333]

Why did I go with a Timneh?

I did a great deal of research before I decided to get a African grey. I also did research on the different types of greys. I decided on a Timneh for the following reasons (Based on what I read):

1) They are less prone to plucking than Congos.
2) Have a tendacy to be more friendly with strangers and to talk in front of them.
3) African Greys have a tendacy to change who they are bonded to after the the first few years. A majority of Timnehs don't (from what I read)
4)They are not as common. I always saw Congos at stores...never a Timneh.

For those of you who don't know the difference between Congos and Timnehs is basically (I may have left something out)

1) Timnehs are 3/4 the size of Congos
2) Their top beak is beige/horn colored instead of all black
3) They are darkwer in color-BOsco's back/wings are almost black, with his
belly being a slightly darker grey
4) Tail feathers are maroon instead of red.

- C