Timneh or Congo?

[reggieroo]

Hi guys,

I've been looking to get a grey now for some time & am doing as much research as possible to make the right decision which species to get.

A little about me would be helpful in gaining the right advise.

I'm going to be stay at home Dad soon as I have a baby girl of 14 weeks. My Fiancee will be going back to work in May after being off on maternity leave & I do have 10 years of experience of owning a parrot.

The new baby grey will mostly be my responsibility, I will cage clean, feed & socialise the bird mostly on my own, with Weekends being the only time my Fiancee will get involved properly due to the fact that she works long hours.

I have read about the difference in personalities between the Tag & Cag but would like some feedback from actual owners of both to hep me make a decision.

If it was down to looks alone I would pick the Congo as I prefer the colour & larger size but it can't just be about looks, if there is a real personality difference I need to take it into consideration.
I've read about Tags being calmer, less phobic with no single bonding problems etc.

Some real advise from real owners please as I have read so much but need some info from people who have lived with both Tag or Cag.

Post edited by: reggieroo, at: 2010/02/04 22:12

Post edited by: reggieroo, at: 2010/02/04 22:12<br><br>Post edited by: reggieroo, at: 2010/02/04 22:13

[luvparrots]

Hi reggieroo, karma to you for researching about greys before becoming a grey parront. I can't help with the distinctions between CAGs and TAGs as I only have my sweet Tag Ana Grey. I will say that she is fearless and loves new things. Hopefully some of our other members can answer your questions. Welcome to the Grey Forum!

[Elvenking]

My Congo is the sweetest most gentle bird I have ever known. I have had him since he was 9 weeks and he is a little over 11 weeks now...and he has just taken to me like I am his daddy. He behaves just like a little kid. I picked Congo because of the size factor and beauty. But as you know the Timneh's are quite similar in the beauty area. I love my big boy though, he is amazing and majestic.

Disposition wise, I have heard of no differences between the species. I think as far as personality goes...you;d be hard pressed to recognize a signifiacant difference.

[Dave007]

Well, if you've never had a grey before you need to understand that there's many more unknowns when getting a congo as opposed to a timneh. That has to do with personality, attention, bonding, nervousness, being leery of many things and the requirements of having one.
A TAG is more likely to take to more than one person in a family. Congos do the same thing but more work has to go into that with a congo.
Both can be very loving and both can be stubborn. A TAG takes to new things faster than a CAG. A TAG is more outgoing than a CAG but both can be outgoing but like I just said, it takes a longer time with a CAG. In general, TAGs are calmer than CAGs.

Even though there's loads of other things that can be said here, I'll give you my opinion which I find is most important--
You have a new baby in the house which needs a lot of attention.
You would be happier with a bird that will take to your wife much better since she's not there alot.
Both types of greys aren't fond of children but a TAG puts up with a lot more.

So, in your situation I would say Timneh. Talking isn't important. Color isn't important. Many people who have TAGs will tell you that a TAG is a very beautifully colored bird. I totally agree. Others will say that a CAG is a very beautifully colored bird.. I totally agree. Each has their own unique beauty and individuality. Beautiful color is in the eyes of the beholder. Size is minor. Most important--they can both love their owners.

Yes, I own both and have for years.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2010/02/05 00:50

[luvparrots]

Thank you Dave, I knew you would be able to put this in the right prospective. :kiss:

[reggieroo]

I've been speaking to a breeder who breeds both & she has said that its down to how you socialise them, that's the most important factor which I was thinking anyway.

I have also read so many different things on my journey of research it's making my head spin. People have told me that have had or do have both & the Cag for instance is less phobic than the Tag, just depends on the individual. like us they are all different & unique.

The breeder gave me something to think about, she said "follow your heart" & for some reason I always seem to be drawn to the Congo but then try to find a reason to get a Timneh. So it seems my head is saying Timneh & my heart is saying Congo.

[danmcq]

My advice - Let the Grey "Pick" you in your visits. Then the decision is left to which ever TAG or CAG selects you. :-)

I guarantee you, if you do this, the relationship with it is one that you may never build with one you just choose yourself.

[reggieroo]

Well I followed my heart & went for a Congo, should be getting him end of March

[judygram]

Congrats Reggieroo on making the decision to go with a Congo, you do have to follow your heart and I can't wait to hear more about you and your new grey.

[reggieroo]

I can't wait to get him, really excited. I've wanted a Grey for around 10 years now.

I'll be sure to post any adventures he has.