Hi all

[paultheparrotlover]

Hi all. I am new here-obviously. I have 2 budgies and have been looking for a larger bird since Feb. My partner and I were at a local shop buying some bird food and my partner began talking to the store's cockatoo and I that was that.
I had thought a conure would be a good bird for us, specifically a blue crown. I wanted a bird that would like both of us, was friendly and fun, had the potential to talk, wasnt overly neurotic, could handle several hrs a day entertaining itself and was not INCREDIBLY loud.
Last weekend we drove to a store many miles away to visit some peach front conures they had. And while there, I held a peach front, not yet weaned so I may be being too hard on these birds but they seemed so...vacuous! Beside the peach frotns were some green cheeks. Also seemed slightly dim. The employee was talking to me about birds and I told her how I was certain I didnt want a grey or a too. There was a grey there- 9 months old, and she commented on how smart they were and took him out, and put him on my arm (evil girl). This bird bit me several times and now I am afraid I am smitten.
The thing is, there was intelligence in his eyes, even if he was a biter, there was consciousness.
Now I am a bit muddled. The reasons I was SURE I didnt want a grey were, my fear I'd damage it psychologically leading to plucking, and their tendency to bond to only one person. I have found 3 local (ish) stores that have or will shortly be getting some timnehs. 2 places are about 100 miles away and have or will have several, and my place of choice is more local but will only be getting one. I've been reading likt mad and found a recent post advising another new member not to pick a breed but pick a bird, what if I didnt like the only 1 available local timneh?

[The Outlaw]

Well, I have both a Timneh and a Congo and I always recommend the Timnehs over the Congos. They are very different creatures, with the Timnehs just being easier to live with. However, the Congos do talk better and are more beautiful.

I do think that having a bird live with you requires a mutual agreement. You cannot make a bird love you. Many have tried and failed. I suggest you meet many, many birds and not let your enthusiasm cloud your judgement. When the right bird appears, you'll know it.

THE OUTLAW

[Crebain]

Originally Posted by paultheparrotlover

...The reasons I was SURE I didnt want a grey were, my fear I'd damage it psychologically leading to plucking...

Why so worried about damaging a grey?

[Lisa B]

Welcome!

i have 3 greys, and I can say, my greys like both my husband and myslef.
Emma Lynn, my youngest, and only, female cag, is in love with her pop pop, and I only really have to watch the warning signals when she is googling her daddy.
Other than that she is a very loving little girl, and her brothers, Sydney and Stirling really dont play favorites.

When you see the right bird, you will know it.
Where in New england are you located?

[paultheparrotlover]

Originally Posted by Crebain

Why so worried about damaging a grey?

From what I have read, even the most well meaning people can cause a grey psychological stress. I would think anyone considering a grey would be concerned about being a good enough parront.

[paultheparrotlover]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

Welcome!

i have 3 greys, and I can say, my greys like both my husband and myslef.
Emma Lynn, my youngest, and only, female cag, is in love with her pop pop, and I only really have to watch the warning signals when she is googling her daddy.
Other than that she is a very loving little girl, and her brothers, Sydney and Stirling really dont play favorites.

When you see the right bird, you will know it.
Where in New england are you located?

Western Mass.

[Crebain]

If you want a good talker, that's inquisitive & intelligent (i.e. not vacuous), I'd get a grey. They're one of the most popular breeds, and for good reason. Unless you're running a daycare center or a roller-rink out of your home, I don't think there's all that much more reason for concern.

/just my .2¢