hwks1 Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 Hello - new user, been reading alot. I was all set to go pick up a 14week TAG but after reading posts here I am concerned. Many of the posts here make it seem that a Grey after about 1yr becomes a neurotic and potetially vicious mess - no matter how much attetntion you give them. I was hoping that a Grey would make a good new family member - emphasis on family. I have a 13yr son and 10yr daughter. I originally decided on a grey becuase I was looking for a relatively quiet parrot - and the birds intelligence just makes everything else inadequate. So help me to decide - can a grey coexist in a family with attention from all members of the family? We have no other birds (did own a Cockatiel) in the house and only a Westie (she don't bark etc.). We work all day 8-5 but thought with my son home all day this summer that would give ample time to adapt to our home.....your thoughts?? Post edited by: hwks1, at: 2007/06/02 02:26<br><br>Post edited by: hwks1, at: 2007/06/02 02:31 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caspersmum Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 Hi, welcome to the site, and thankyou for actually thinking this thing through! I really can't comment on the family thing, as its just me and my bird. However, I used to have a ring necked parakeet (and a CAG at the same time). To be honest, my CAG wasn't the sharpest tool in the box, but the parakeet was MUCH more intelligent, and a much better talker. Added to this he was really out-going - he'd be happy to get his head scratched by anyone willing to scratch it, and never bit anyone. In short, don't rule out other birds. I think for people who live alone it's difficult to have more than one bird, but in a family, there's no reason why you can't start off with one, then get more. And if you do this, ring-necks are a great place to start. I love my CAG, but even I'll admit that there are other GREAT birds out there! Julia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talon Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 We have a tag in our family that is 20 months old. It is the only bird we have right now. We also have 6 family members to give her attention. She loves each of us for the different things that we each do for her. Our kids are 8,12,14 & 18. It seems to work well for us, as there is always someone here to pay attention to her. I am home alot, so she doesn't spend alot of time in her cage. But I'm sure others here have advice on that issue. Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 I don't think we mean to sound like all greys will be neurotic and vicious creatures. But greys are more independent than most birds and they can be prone to bite if not handled correctly. If you are serious about getting one read up on them, a good book to read is For the love of greys by Bobbi Brinker. If you understand what is involved and how to handle them you will find out what magnificent creatures they are and will be forever hooked. Only you can make that decision but make sure you know what you are getting into and if you decide to get one we are here to help you with any questions you may have. Good luck to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Monique Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 Many adult greys will bond to one person. And all parrots bite. At the size of a Grey, their beaks are strong enough to break a nut and definately strong enough to break skin! I would not recommend a Grey for a family bird that everyone can handle. Most likely your Grey will let everyone handle him or her fine when its a baby but it will go through a nipping stage and that can hurt. Are your kids responsible enough to keep the Grey away from their face and to follow your instructions if they do get bit (do not withdraw your hand do not flinch)? If they are and they're real excited about having a bird they could be fine ... but otherwise they may end up disapppointed. Our 10-year-old handles our Grey and gets bit once in a while but she isn't scared of birds at all as she's been raised around them since birth . On the other hand, a Grey will interact WONDERFULLY with all sorts of people reading them stories, giving them treats, teaching them things to say, etc. You may get a Grey that you raise well and its tolerant of your children handling it and it works out fine that way, too. You just have to be prepared for the other as well and know you would be happy with the alternate. Okay I am sorry I have rambled a lot and I don't know if any of this is helpful or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 It was helpful to me Monique, and I know it will be helpful to Hwks1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hwks1 Posted June 2, 2007 Author Share Posted June 2, 2007 Yes, thanks! My daughters hamster has bitten and broke skin. I do understand the potential - a dog will bite unexpectedly in the right circumstances thats why they are called animals I suppose. I have been reading everything I can find, probably too much. The good news is I can find no evidence of a severe injury (like biting off a finger) caused by a grey...that seems like a great exageration. Could they? probably. Have they, ever? Doubtful or likely equivalent to lightning striking. I would like to get the TAG (mostly cause I have always wanted one) but it is a big investment both financially and otherwise. Unfortunately they are difficult to find locally so it seems the only choice is to hand over a wad of cash to a distant breeder and hope it all works out. Not sure I'm comfortable with that yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest briansmum Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 i dont think they could bite off a finger..i could be wrong though :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caspersmum Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 ...Then again,they can open walnuts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Monique Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 I profess my finger to be stronger than a walnut! I think the only real danger is to keep anything but a 300% trusted Grey away from your face as a really really nasty bite (not necessarily likely but always possible) could scar your face pretty badly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest briansmum Posted June 3, 2007 Share Posted June 3, 2007 yeah, brian accidently caught my nose with his claw a few days back and i had a bit of a scratch for a while.. so replacing that with a bite and his beak would be quite ooowwy :laugh: i guess it's something you have to be wary of and prepared for witha grey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted June 3, 2007 Share Posted June 3, 2007 Yeah there is always that possibility that they could bite which is why a lot of people don't recommend to let them up on your shoulder. Your face is too close if they do decide to bite. I don't know if they could actually take a finger off but they can certainly take a chunk of flesh off if they so desired. I currently allow my grey on my shoulder, she is still a baby at 1 year of age, but I am on the alert for suspicious behavior that may indicate a bite and if I decide it is too much of a risk I won't allow her there anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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