New member(s)

[Mathews]

Hi. My name is Jeff. My wife, Jennifer, and I had been considering the idea of bringing a parrot companion into our home for a while. After studying several species, we concluded that the grey was the one for us. So, the search was on.

 

We looked at different pet shops local to us, searched breeders online and kept our eyes peeled on Craigslist. We finally discovered Maggie. She belonged to lady who owned Maggie as well as a macaw. The two birds didn't get along. So, she needed to find Maggie a new home. Instead of asking us to come and meet Maggie at her home, she asked if she could come to our home to see if she would approve of us to be the ones who she would trust as Maggies forever home. She said she had already turned down near 40 people because she didn't feel like Maggie would be loved or taken care of properly. Well, she did approve of us as Maggies new forever family. And we are ecstatic about it!

 

The lady told us that she acquired Maggie from a feed store which sometimes has parrots for sale. I know this particular store and know they do carry birds, because it's the same feed store that I always used to buy hay, horse grain and some tack from for my horses. I never saw anything like a grey there though. They usually had parakeets, cockatiels and an occasional Amazon or conure. She said Maggie was hatched April 23rd of 2015. And that she got her from there in October.

 

The second day we had Maggie I noticed that she didn't have a ring on her leg. I contacted the lady and asked if she knew why. She said the feed store didn't do it and that she herself never worried about losing her, so she didn't either.

 

Maggie is supposed to be a timneh. And at first I didn't question it, but now I'm starting to wonder if she is or is not a timneh. I'll let you all help decide the question, if pictures of her would help. Her tail feathers are darker than congos that I've seen, but they aren't much darker. And her beak is definitely darker than the timnehs I've seen, however there is one spot on it which is lighter than the rest of it. I'm "fairly" certain she's a timneh, but would feel better about that after hearing from you experts.

 

We look forward to spending time on here, learning and reading. Thank you.

[SRSeedBurners]

That first pic, she has the look of a Timneh. What is her weight?

 

I see you're in Ft. Worth. I'm just north of Dallas and Murfchck here is from North Richland Hills. Wonder if that feed store is the same one Murfchck uses? Glad Maggie's previous owner was so diligent about finding a good home.

[Mathews]

Thanks, SterlingSL. I'm not sure what she weighs. We haven't taken her to the vet yet. That should happen this week, after we locate a good avian vet. I really think she is indeed a timneh, but with a darker beak than others. And possibly brighter tail feathers than most.

[Luvparrots]

Hi Jeff, welcome to you and Jennifer. Your grey looks like a sweetie. Looking forward to learning more.

[SRSeedBurners]

If you're looking for an avian vet: Dr. Osofsky is IMO the best in the area. We fought a battle with PDD and ended up consulting with the research center at A&M using a vet that consulted directly under Osofsky. Our vet was located two miles from our house which is why we didn't use Osofsky directly.

 

 

Carrolton West Pet Hospital

 

 

Would definitely love to hear more about you and your birdy. Kind of exciting to see someone so close sign up on the board!

[Mathews]

luvparrots, thank you. She IS a sweetie. SterlingSl, thank you for the avian vet input! We needed that. We will call them this week and set an appointment.

[katana600]

Hi to Jeff, Jennifer and Maggie. Welcome to the forum and thank you for joining us. I can see why you are asking about Timneh vs Congo. Before I opened the thumbnails, I saw the first one and thought, yep, she is a Timneh. Then I saw how bright those tail feathers look and looked at the larger photos. Since our Timneh came to us later in adulthood, I have no way of knowing if her coloring is unusual or if it is because she is young. I can say, I am not expert enough to weigh in because her beak says Timneh and her bootie says Congo. Hahahaha. How's that for being sure of anything? Regardless, it looks like she has chosen a great place to live and its good she gave her blessing to come into your lives. It is going to be an amazing time for you as you get to know her.

[BaileysPapa]

My vote is that she's Congo. A beautiful Congo. 8)

[Mathews]

Thanks, katana600! Whichever she is, we already love her! She is so sweet and loving. Thanks you for the welcome

 

Hi to Jeff, Jennifer and Maggie. Welcome to the forum and thank you for joining us. I can see why you are asking about Timneh vs Congo. Before I opened the thumbnails, I saw the first one and thought, yep, she is a Timneh. Then I saw how bright those tail feathers look and looked at the larger photos. Since our Timneh came to us later in adulthood, I have no way of knowing if her coloring is unusual or if it is because she is young. I can say, I am not expert enough to weigh in because her beak says Timneh and her bootie says Congo. Hahahaha. How's that for being sure of anything? Regardless, it looks like she has chosen a great place to live and its good she gave her blessing to come into your lives. It is going to be an amazing time for you as you get to know her.

[Mathews]

Thank you, BaileysPapa!. She certainly makes it hard to believe without a doubt that she's a timneh.

 

My vote is that she's Congo. A beautiful Congo. 8)

[Giannine]

Welcome! At first before opening the pics, I thought, "This will be easy" but then after seeing them, that thought went away quickly:p Tough call...she does have the lighter coloring on her upper beak but it's not blaringly obvious. Her tail feathers are definitely brighter than the Timneh's...this article tells the difference between the coloring of abdomen feathers. The Timneh's form a noticeable 'V' shape and the Timneh has darker Grey feathers. It is difficult to see clearly in the pictures due to lighting but yours seems to be more Timneh colored

http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-species/find-the-right-bird/congo-timneh-african-greys.aspx

[Greywings]

Ok I vote hybrid C/T either way she sounds like a wonderful new companion for you .

[Inara]

She is beautiful and looks like Congo to me. Take a good look at HRH'S beak in particular in her photo below and you can see the difference. Also with Maggie, there is no mistaking the flash of those bright tail feathers of a Congo. Having had a Congo and currently living with a Timneh, my money is on Congo all the way.

 

Welcome to you and your new sweetiebird!

Edited September 27, 2016 by Inara

[Mathews]

Thank you, Giannine. The article talks about the CAGs having a white scalloping on their dark feathers. I'll post a close up. Maggies feathers have the scalloping. Is it possible she is actually a male CAG? I suppose getting a dna test at the vet would help. I'm curious what the vet will think concerning what she truly is also. You seem to be of the same belief as myself in that she is most likely truly a timneh. Thanks for the link!

[Mathews]

Ok I vote hybrid C/T either way she sounds like a wonderful new companion for you .

 

Thank you, Greywings. She is a wonderful bird, whatever she is

[Mathews]

Thank you for the welcome, Inara. The votes seem to be split. HRH's beak is definitely a lot lighter in color than Maggie's. And HRH's tail feathers are much darker. This may always be a mystery, but whatever she is, we love her

 

She is beautiful and looks like Congo to me. Take a good look at HRH'S beak in particular in her photo below and you can see the difference. Also with Maggie, there is no mistaking the flash of those bright tail feathers of a Congo. Having had a Congo and currently living with a Timneh, my money is on Congo all the way.

 

Welcome to you and your new sweetiebird!

[murfchck]

Welcome! I can't really tell if the beak is blond or dark with a flash streak from the camera. Looks Congo (CAG) when i look at the pictures on my phone.

I am searching again for an avian vet. I use to use Dr Moore but after taking 2 in for beak and nail trims and being charged over 200 bucks and questioning it and being called a liar, i have moved on. Summertree by the Gallaria has been highly recommend by someone in the bird community that i greatly respect so we will be going there next time.

 

Was it the feed store off of 199? Russell? The guy who runs that one is big in the Ft Worth Bird Club and also is a huge part of the bird mart in Cleburne.

 

Congratulations and just give a shout if you need anything. I am nearby!

[Mathews]

Welcome! I can't really tell if the beak is blond or dark with a flash streak from the camera. Looks Congo (CAG) when i look at the pictures on my phone.

I am searching again for an avian vet. I use to use Dr Moore but after taking 2 in for beak and nail trims and being charged over 200 bucks and questioning it and being called a liar, i have moved on. Summertree by the Gallaria has been highly recommend by someone in the bird community that i greatly respect so we will be going there next time.

 

Was it the feed store off of 199? Russell? The guy who runs that one is big in the Ft Worth Bird Club and also is a huge part of the bird mart in Cleburne.

 

Congratulations and just give a shout if you need anything. I am nearby!

 

Murfchck, thank you. We know not to see Dr. Moore. The flash on my camera wasn't on when I took these pictures, however there was sunlight coming through the window behind me, which was in front of her. She does have a small area on her beak which is lighter than the rest of it, but it's far from being blonde. And yes the woman said she got her from Russell feed on 199. I didn't know that about the owner, but explains why they have birds there.

 

Thank for the input and help! I'll be watching for your posts concerning future vet visits.

[katana600]

DNA testing is a great idea. We had Gilbert for two years before she had other bloodwork so we asked for DNA testing. On the DNA certificate it says "African Grey - Timneh", female. That was the day she became Miss Gilbert. When the vet recommended DNA, I asked what did it matter we were not going to use "him" for breeding and it really made no difference to us. He said it does make a difference in diagnosing issues related to egg binding etc. In Maggie's case, I think we all agree her coloring is unique. We also know that every grey has similarities to all African greys, Timneh or Congo, but they also are exquisitely individual. Your family has a great attitude about bringing Maggie home just as she is and loving her for being a sweet addition to your family. I wish you many happy decades together laughing, loving and learning.

[Mathews]

DNA testing is a great idea. We had Gilbert for two years before she had other bloodwork so we asked for DNA testing. On the DNA certificate it says "African Grey - Timneh", female. That was the day she became Miss Gilbert. When the vet recommended DNA, I asked what did it matter we were not going to use "him" for breeding and it really made no difference to us. He said it does make a difference in diagnosing issues related to egg binding etc. In Maggie's case, I think we all agree her coloring is unique. We also know that every grey has similarities to all African greys, Timneh or Congo, but they also are exquisitely individual. Your family has a great attitude about bringing Maggie home just as she is and loving her for being a sweet addition to your family. I wish you many happy decades together laughing, loving and learning.

 

Katana600, thank you for all of that. After hearing Miss Gilberts story I think a DNA is definitely in order. And thanks again for the warm welcome!

[Giannine]

Thank you, Giannine. The article talks about the CAGs having a white scalloping on their dark feathers. I'll post a close up. Maggies feathers have the scalloping. Is it possible she is actually a male CAG? I suppose getting a dna test at the vet would help. I'm curious what the vet will think concerning what she truly is also. You seem to be of the same belief as myself in that she is most likely truly a timneh. Thanks for the link!

 

That picture swayed me over to Congo! LOL I was looking for the white scalloping in the first set of pictures and couldn't tell. Maybe she is just a darker Congo but I agree that a DNA test would be beneficial. Can they actually know from DNA whether birds are Congo or Timneh? Regardless, as everyone else said, she is beautiful and you two are blessed to have found each other:D

[SRSeedBurners]

I'm still holding out for Timneh. Of course a weight on the birdy would really help as Timnehs are considerably less gravity challenged (Im' just thinking here of my 490 gram flying congo pigglette).

 

Here's Princess Joupyter from Project Perry - same eyes!

 

[Mathews]

That picture swayed me over to Congo! LOL I was looking for the white scalloping in the first set of pictures and couldn't tell. Maybe she is just a darker Congo but I agree that a DNA test would be beneficial. Can they actually know from DNA whether birds are Congo or Timneh? Regardless, as everyone else said, she is beautiful and you two are blessed to have found each other:D

 

Giannine, thank you. I saw one that looks like her at a bird dealer called "The Bird Man' over the weekend. He sells birds at a local market on the weekends. That birds tail was brighter red than Maggies. So I asked about the bird. He said it's a congo and I asked why it was so dark gray in color. He said it's because it's a male congo and they are darker than the females. Is there any truth to that? Are the male congos typically darker than the females? That bird was the same color as Maggie - just as dark in it's dark feathers.

[Mathews]

I'm still holding out for Timneh. Of course a weight on the birdy would really help as Timnehs are considerably less gravity challenged (Im' just thinking here of my 490 gram flying congo pigglette).

 

Here's Princess Joupyter from Project Perry - same eyes!

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]26775[/ATTACH]

 

SterlingSL, you might be correct. She might just be a timneh with brighter tail feathers and a darker beak. As soon as we have her weighed I'll post the weight.

[Giannine]

SterlingSL, you might be correct. She might just be a timneh with brighter tail feathers and a darker beak. As soon as we have her weighed I'll post the weight.

 

I think the weight will help give a better indication since the Congos are bigger and heavier. The DNA tests come back very quickly (within a few days, maybe sooner, depending on where you get it done). I am completely new to Greys so I am not able to offer any input on whether or not male Congos are darker in color than the females but I bet someone here knows