Anyone have an African Grey Timneh?

[ChrisUlrich]

I keep reading that a Timneh and Congo are damn near identical with intelligence and personality except for one thing. The timneh is much family friendly. It's more likely to accept a familys love vs the Congo which is more of a 1 person bird.

Any real life experiences with these birds?

[kali]

Probably a better idea to ask this in the african grey section, you'd get much quicker replies!

Sorry, i can't help. They are too expensive for the average person in my country!

[Jag]

I have a Congo. She's had a VERY rough life so far (before I got her). The ONLY person she took any time to warm up to is my wife...and that's because my wife was very hesitant of her. She interacts with everyone. Sure, I may be the only one she makes cow eyes at and blushes at and regurges at.. but she isn't what I'd call a one person bird. All parrots pick their 'people'... that has nothing to do much with genus. It also has to do on how they're raised... and the breeder and how good they are. The only difference that I've read is size and beak/tail color. Size can even vary from one Congo to the next, so I'm sure it's the same with Timneh's.

[xafsmom]

I raise both Tims and Congos. More Congos than Timnehs though...

There is no personality difference between Timnehs and Congos. It all amounts to how the individual bird was raised from the get go. I've known more anti-social, anti-change, spooky Timnehs than I can count. I've also known Congos that are the center of the family universe and get along fine.

If you like the way a Timneh looks over a Congo - get a Timneh. If you are more attracted to a Congo but are afraid of the FALSE stereotypes - get a Congo. But, either or, choose a very, very good breeder and stay involved in the raising process, even if it's long-distance. Ask for weekly updates, for videos and pictures. Know what your baby eats, demand it be fully-fledged and abundance weaned.

[JGMAP]

I have 3 congos. 1 is a one person birds.1 goes to me or my husband. the other was raised very social and goes to everyone. I think it has to do with how they are brought up. Nothing else

[Renae]

I can say yes... when I have $5,500.

[xafsmom]

Crazy Aussie prices! LOL

[angelicarboreals]

I have had the privilege of owning both a congo and a timneh. My congo was not socialized properly in his former home (where he was for six years prior to me getting him) and from the moment I got him he was not happy in my home. At the time I only had three birds, but I always had family and friends coming and going and he was very stressed, as evident by him starting to pluck as well as fear biting and refusing to leave his cage. I kept him for a year before deciding to rehome him (he was one of only two birds that I have ever rehomed.)

My timneh will be three in December, and I am his second home as well, but the difference is that he was socialized and grew up in a home where he was used to alot of commotion. Because of that simple fact, he is a more well rounded bird and such a cutie.Not everyone can hold him, but he is pretty accepting of new people if he chooses to be, and would much rather be out with me than in his cage (which is where he differs from the congo I had who was not introduced to new people and situations while younger).

I personally think that Timneh have a softer look to them, and prefer them over the congos, but I know that is just my personal experience.

[Lindsey]

I have an absolutely wonderful Timneh. The most friendly and accepting bird in my flock :) He's cuddley, amusing and all around what I consider "the perfect bird". I've been around a lot of Congos, and love them as well, however only have experience living with the Timneh.
He has been socialized with people and other birds since a very young age, which probably helps his adaptability.

[dazdncnfusd]

We have a Timneh. He's good with my wife especially, and with women in general. Not so much with me, or men that I've seen. Like some of the others, ours had a fairly rough go of it before coming here, so I'm being patient seeing as I should have about 40 years to get to know him. lol. Good luck!