Interested in my first T or CAG

[giggity57]

Ok, here is the long and the short of it, lol. I am a 21 yr old college student. I am looking at getting my first bird ever, and I have been doing research for the past couple of months or so and have found that Greys are what I am looking for. They're gorgeous, EXTREMELY intelligent, bold, and medium sized. Originally, I was looking at the TAG because of their size and price. After going to the New Orleans bird show this past weekend, I fell in love with the CAG. They are prettier, slightly larger, and seem more proportionate. (but thats neither here nor there. I'm sure I'd be happy with either).

 

I live in a fairly quiet house with 2 family members, both of whom are older. I am fixated on the idea of getting a parrot, specifically a CAG. I've learned a ton about both species and am sure that this is what I want.

 

Now, here is where the questions are. Would a CAG be more fitting for that type of household? I learned that each bird is its on specific case, and that CAG's can be just as sociable as TAG's as long as you bring them up in a social environment. Is this true? Do they do well with being in new environments every once in a while to be introduced to new people? Am I biting off more than I can chew with a CAG or Greys in general? I just want to be 100% ready and sure when the time comes for me to actually purchase this new family member, because I realize the commitment involved with Greys.

[Japie]

Hi there!

Not to sound like a prophet of doom, but getting a grey is like choosing your life partner! Or like having a baby or marrying...

We have a CAG and he slotted in with our family very easily, with Mom, Dad, two small kids and a Scottie. They are amazing creatures and have different relationships with everyone... The do need a helluva lot of love and attention, but as you have done some research, this is not new to you.

If and when you do get a Grey, you will have a friend for life!!!

[aasweeney22]

The Congo is less accepting of change than the timneh. Whether it be true or not from what I have read the timneh is/can be more accepting of other people. I am a college student as well. I am only an undergraduate and I am either going to vet school or med school. Seeing as how I don't know where this will take me it is also a concern of mine that the bird be suceptable to change. I have had several other species of bird, but from the books I have read as long as you are determined and have done research than it is possible that the grey can be the right bird for you. One of the best books I have read so far is "A New Owner's Guide to African Grey Parrots" by Nikki Moustaki. You should read it.

[Guest]

Welcome here Giggity 57

 

I think that if you will handle your bird, any bird, any animal, with love, everything will work out

 

Patience and love is all that is needed I think. Even if an 'individual character' of any pet whatsoever is (and frequently are) different from one another.