Thinking of a second grey..

[shellbeme]

Ok guys, I need advice. I have a 13 year old Congo that I have had since he was 5 months old. He is my baby-as you can all relate. I love greys, I love their intelligence, I love their personalities, I love everything about them. I have tossed around the idea of getting a second one in the past, but never really commited to the idea.

Chico seems very interested, when we watch youtube videos of other african greys, or he hears others via some form of video or on the tv. He stops, calls to them, or just stares at the screen. I wonder, how he would react if we got another.

Me, I would like another because I love them, my favorite animals. We are prepared to handle it-financially. If I do this it won't be until next year sometime. I am just not sure, how do you think it would effect him? I kinda think it would be good, he'd have someone he could relate to (in another cage) while we are at work, but then I wonder... jealousy.... even though he seems so interested by the birds on the screen, maybe it won't be the same when they are getting mom's attention too..

I wonder if there would come a point where they would play together and it would actually enrich his life a little more-then again maybe they'd dispise eachother and fight if they got close enough.

I need advice from those of you with multiple greys. I am thinking of getting a timneh, do you think it would make a difference if it was a congo or a timneh? I am excited about the idea but I don't want to add unecissary stress in the household.

[LovelySydney]

I do not have multiple greys in fact I don't have one single grey. However, I do have two birds that I love dearly - so I know what that feeling of wanting another bird is like!! Two is my limit though, its enough work to keep me very busy!!


That being said, getting another grey is a big commitment but I know you know that. Since you have had Chico for 13 years now I can assume he is pretty bonded to you? The only thing I would worry about would be the jealousy issue. If a new bird comes in he could see it as competition for your attention and any hopes of them being friends could backfire. However, it is entirely possible that they would become wonderful friends and form an awesome bond. These things are so hard to tell without having the birds side by side. Its a gamble either way, as far as them getting along.


I wish you the best of luck with your decision. I have two and although I feel like they are going to hate each other at first (parrotlet and painted conure) but I have hopes they will at least eat side by side one day. Keep us posted!!!

[Astrid660]

I have two greys, but they were together when I adopted them. Having two is different than one - there is twice the poop, twice the mess in general, twice the trouble making potential But other than that, I think two can be way more comical at times, because they talk to each other or make whistles at the same time. Also, because my greys are only somewhat tame (the male never wants human contact and the female usually only likes head scritches) they entertain each other, which is good for me because I don't feel like they need as much individual attention as say, my Cockatoo does since she is alone and there are no other Toos for her to play with.
Good luck with your decision. I love Greys too, they are my favourite species.

[ThreeX]

Originally Posted by shellbeme

I need advice from those of you with multiple greys. I am thinking of getting a timneh, do you think it would make a difference if it was a congo or a timneh? I am excited about the idea but I don't want to add unecissary stress in the household.

Am i the only one on this board to automatically think "get another one of the same (sub)species"? I am not being funny or sarcastic, but to me it's the logic step.
I think i'd try a rehome CAG and make sure to put in writing that if they don't get along, the deal's off. I don't have first hand experience of adding a baby to an adult grey, it might work too and if you're lucky your old bird will "adopt" the new kid. In any case i'd get a bird of the same species as the one i already have.
Best of luck!

[beasbirds]

I have 3 greys and absolutely love the species! Yes, they each are loving and comical in their own way, and yes, my 3 my 3 do want their one on one time with me but that
being said, none of the 3 get along as far as being on the same playstand, cage, etc. They do however, seem to interact and enjoy each other from a distance. As long you know that they may not get along, if you would enjoy another - go for it!

[pippy]

I would (actually I DID! Henry!) try and find an adult Grey, CAG, in need of a new home.

If you aren't keen on rehoming an older bird I'd still definitely make it a CAG rather than a TAG.

[mommaof3]

My husband and I were just talking about this over his lunch break (It's still at least 2 years away but it's all we talk about), we originally wanted to get one but the more we learn about these birds the more we would like to get two. We are doing our research so this wouldn't be a rushed decision just something to ponder on. We were thinking definately getting males but possibly from the same breeder at the same time. Do people normally do this? That way they have been together right from the beginning and we wouldnt really have to worry about introducing them to one another. I mean that is the logical thought process behind it. Especially since we already know we definately want two. Or are we just being crazy? We know the responsibility that we would be undertaking and are prepared for it. Anyone have any thoughts?

[ThreeX]

I got my male in -06 and the female -07 almost a year later. I didn't have any problems but on the other hand, don't take my experience as the gospel :)
(I got my Sennies almost a year apart as well but the male is definetly older than the female, he came without papers and a unregistered band but you can tell from the colour of his eyes.

[pippy]

My two young CAGs, Mojo and Shinda, are from the same clutch. I was originally only going to have one but my conscience very quickly put a stop to that!

I couldn't bear the thought of them being lone birds not really knowing they WERE birds! To see two Greys preening each other is something very special and something we as humans can never do for them. it bonds them as well as relieves them of irritating pin feathers!

If ever anyone asks 'one or two?' I will always say 'two', for the sake of the birds and the humans! They are able to keep each other company, to keep each other entertained without being so dependant on us yet they retain their affection for us too! Perfect scenario!

And yes, they DO still talk if there are more than one

[pippy]

Watch these video clips of Mojo and Shinda

VIDEO CLIP. PREENING on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

VIDEO CLIP. PREENING on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

VIDEO CLIP. PREENING on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Just so lovely to see!