african grey timneh

[lynnreed]

Hi
I am new here to birdboard, and I am looking for some direction.
I currrently own two cockateils and I am very eager to own an African Grey Timneh. I am trying to prepare for one in the best way that I can. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me? I am really becomming more and more fascinated with birds.

[The Outlaw]

I am a HUGE fan of the Timneh African Grey. They are darling little creatures with a large vocabulary (as a rule) and sweet dispositions. They tend to pluck less than their flashier cousins, the CAGS, and seem more self confident. Mine is devoted, sweet, comical and well-behaved. What more could you possibly want in a companion.

THE OUTLAW

[lynnreed]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

I am a HUGE fan of the Timneh African Grey. They are darling little creatures with a large vocabulary (as a rule) and sweet dispositions. They tend to pluck less than their flashier cousins, the CAGS, and seem more self confident. Mine is devoted, sweet, comical and well-behaved. What more could you possibly want in a companion.

THE OUTLAW

The Timneh that I am going to be putting a deposit on is currently around 3 weeks old. I am buying him from a reputable bird person. She has already told me that I will have to visit him at least once a week until he is ready to leave with me in late fall. How does that sound? What size cage do you own for your Timneh? Do you have a seperate sleep cage as well?

[The Outlaw]

My TAG, Radar, is in a cage that is 36" wide, by 48" high by 24" deep.These are inside dimensions. Its an imported cage, so the dimensions may seem strange. However, since they aren't very large birds and have short tails, they don't require huge housing.I think your breeder is wonderful to include you so early in the birds socialization. Perhaps he/she will be good enough to teach you how to hand feed. Greys can be a bit difficult to wean. Some wean very quickly but others can stretch that out for up to 9 months. I know of baby birds that are still on two handfeedings a day that are talking up a storm. I just love these guys.

May I suggest a toy? They absolutely love pipe bells. I have never met a grey that didn't jump on and swing their bell every day. Buy a good one and you'll be very glad you did. Can't wait to here more about your baby. You have made a very, very good choice.

THE OUTLAW

[lynnreed]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

My TAG, Radar, is in a cage that is 36" wide, by 48" high by 24" deep.These are inside dimensions. Its an imported cage, so the dimensions may seem strange. However, since they aren't very large birds and have short tails, they don't require huge housing.I think your breeder is wonderful to include you so early in the birds socialization. Perhaps he/she will be good enough to teach you how to hand feed. Greys can be a bit difficult to wean. Some wean very quickly but others can stretch that out for up to 9 months. I know of baby birds that are still on two handfeedings a day that are talking up a storm. I just love these guys.

May I suggest a toy? They absolutely love pipe bells. I have never met a grey that didn't jump on and swing their bell every day. Buy a good one and you'll be very glad you did. Can't wait to here more about your baby. You have made a very, very good choice.
I am sooooo excited about my Timneh too! I have already read four books and will definetly buy a pipe bell? I will also let him stay with the lady that I am buying him from until she says he is truly ready to come home with me be it 5 months or 9 months. I am going to try and visit as much as I can as well.
THE OUTLAW

[MiniMacMum]

I agree with getting a pipe bell. I got one for my CAG & he loves it. He holds it in his foot & talks to it. He hangs from it. Before I uncover him in the morning, I awake to the "Ding Ding Ding" of the bell. Best thing I ever bought him. My Macaws even like the pipe bells.

[Joel]

Hello lynnreed.........IMO, Timnehs are cool 8) just as Congos are & I love them both. I haven't noticed any differences between my Congos and my Timnehs except their looks. I have had other Timnehs before and even other Congos over the years and feel that the way a Timneh behaves or mis-behaves etc. is largely due to its up-bringing, current home and owner and stress factors in its life. I still prefer a Congo by far to look at with the beautiful contrasts in its coloring but that is just me. Timnehs are of course usually cheaper by about $150 because they are not as attractive to most people around my neck of the woods.

I don't feel you need to wait any where near that long for your bird to come home. I think you should take it home when it is down to 2 feedings a day or sooner if you can handle it. I sell them for $375 to qualified handfeeders when they just start to "pin" to give ya an idea on price......

Make sure that any bells you use don't have clappers that can possibly be worked lose as your bird could swallow same & then you both are in BIG TROUBLE.

[MiniMacMum]

The clappers in the pipe bells I have are out of reach of my parrots beaks. They are up inside the tube shaped bell where they can't get to them. They are supposed to be bird proof. I bought mine at a bird fair. But really "My birds love them" Especially my CAG. Good luck to you when you bring your grey home!!!

[lynnreed]

Originally Posted by pandrbirds1

I agree with getting a pipe bell. I got one for my CAG & he loves it. He holds it in his foot & talks to it. He hangs from it. Before I uncover him in the morning, I awake to the "Ding Ding Ding" of the bell. Best thing I ever bought him. My Macaws even like the pipe bells.

Where did you get the pipe bell? Online or at a shop?

[lynnreed]

Thanks for your advice Joel. This TAG will be my first. I have had cocketiels and parrakeets in the past but never a bird like the TAG. I do currently own two cocketiels as well. I have read three books so far regarding the TAG. Any information you can share with me would be greatly appreciated!