Getting a Timneh

[klamb85]

Hello all!
I'm brand new to the Bird Board. And I must say this place is just great! I have had one cockatiel and one parakeet in my life. Sadly both Pete and Sam passed from old age. I've always adored African Greys. And now I can proudly say I'm going to be getting one this coming Spring!

I believe I want to get a Timneh. I've done a lot of research on both the CAG and the TAG. They are both great I'm sure, but I believe a TAG would suit me best. I've read many places that TAG talk just as much as CAG. Although the pet store I'm purchasing from keeps telling me that the TAG will likely not talk. Are they just wanting me to spend more $$ and purchase a CAG or is it true that it is rare for a Timneh to speak? Speach isn't really that important to me, although it would be a plus.

I've also read that Timneh's can be more loving and social then CAG. Is this true?

Just any suggestions about TAG would be great! Even with what foods TAG like the best. Any little hints in games to play?

Thanks!

klamb85

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

I just wanted to say welcome! I've had neither so I couldn't help you much on the subject. I think I read somewhere though that with a TAG you have to give them more attention then you would a CAG, but I could be wrong. Crystal

[Machelle]

Welcome to BB! I have a CAG and he's the sweetest little boy. While there is a reason for the generalities, I personally believe that they are just that, generalities. I think it depends on the individual bird and how it is treated and socialized, just liek with any animal. My CAG I've had from 4 months hold and he is now 9 months old. My parents have a 3 years old TAG who was in a household with alot of children. We dont know how he was treated there but Diego is not as trusting as they would like so its taking some time. He's a great bird, very comical and outgoing, but doesn't really liked to be touched. We dont know if its jsut the way he is or if the way he was treated helped with it. Personally I think it was the way he was treated. The people that he was with before thought they had a CAG, were told they had a CAG and my Dad and I knew right away that he was a TAG. Had they done research they would have figured it out. Because of this, I think they did Diego a great dis service. They say CAGs are more skittish than TAGs but Merlin is not skittish. I'm doing everything I can to make sure he doesn't get that way. There are certain things we can control about their behavior. To me its no different than saying a certain breed of dog is always viscious. The best thing to do is do the research, see if the generalities of the behaviors are somethign that can be controlled or kept to a minimum (like being skittish or nervous, etc.) and if they can be easily done and if you are willing to do it. You are doing great with researching and asking questions. I dont know about the talking ability between the two but I do know that some never talk. Diego, the TAG, makes alot of mimiking noises. Merlin is still trying. He yakes up a storm but doesn't really say anything audible yet. Its very possible that the store is trying to get you to spend more money. Since you are asking the question I would recommend trying to find someone else to get your baby from in the spring. You have plenty of time to do more research and find a reputable place to get your baby. I know I rambled here. Sorry about that. While it doesn't necessarily answer any of your questions definitely, I hope you can take something away from it. Please also keep in mind, that its best of the baby picks you and you have to see the baby's personality. Each bird is different. Even within the same species. Good luck in your research and search! Please keep us posted! We are very happy to have you here. There are so many wonderful and knowledagle people here. Ok. I'll go now.