Should I buy two TAGs or one CAG?

[SunnyBird]

After the recent passing of Alex I decided that I would try to find a local breeder and not buy another imported bird. I figured the bird would be healthier and acclimatized to the region, plus it would not have been traumatized or injured due to it's importation. Alex came from Belgium and I have found out that many birds coming from European breeders die within the first few months of their lives.

 

Anyhow, I have been in touch with a guy who started breeding as a hobby and his collection just kept growing. I have not met him in person but I hope that I will be able to visit his aviary eventually. His website is www.tropicalbirdfarm.gr.

 

His personal favorite is amazons but he does get a few AG eggs every year. His prices are a little higher but it's probably worth it. I will find out in a month or so if there's an "Easter egg" for me... :laugh: He doesn't let you take your bird before it's weaned and that's good for me because I don't want to have to syringe feed a baby bird right now...

 

Anyhow, his TAGs are ALOT cheaper than his CAGs, so I thought, what if I buy 2 TAGs instead of 1 CAG? There are some of you out there with direct experience on this and I'd really like your advice.

 

1) Will they bond with me or ignore me for each other? Or will they fight over me?

 

2) Will they learn to talk or not find the need to do so since they have each other?

 

3) Should it be male-female or it makes no difference?

 

4) Will I have to separate them during training sessions? (I once had 2 doberman pups and I couldn't train them while they were together. They would either start fighting each other out of jealousy for my attention or not listen to my words...)

 

5) Will they be able to live in the same cage since they are growing up together? (I have a HUGE one)

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages if I buy them now together or if I buy one this year and another one next year???

 

Or maybe I should just buy a CAG this year and a BF amazon next year????

 

Please enlighten me with your wisdom and personal experiences! Thanks everyone.

[SchroedersJen]

Hello,

The biggest part of your concern can be addressed easially. Price should not motivate your decision. You should get what you want, and what youcan provide time and supplies for.... There is a HUGE difference between 2 TAGs or a cag and an amazon. An amazon is a totally different bird. I'd suggest you do some research and figure out what makes sense for you.

your questions:

1) It depends on the birds. Birds have individual personalities, just like humans do...they might, they might not. The best way to keep them from bonding to eachother is to house them in separate cages.

2) It depends on the birds. Birds have individual personalities, just like humans do...they might, they might not. It shouldn't matter to you anyway though. As a bird owner, Im sure that you realize the great personalities that these animals have, and that that personality more than makes up for talking/not talking. If it matters to you that much, have a baby, don't buy a bird.

3) For baby african greys it really doesnt matter. if you end up with a female, there is a slight chance that you will have egg binding issues later on, but that chance is very slight, and I'm not sure it should influence your decision. Amazons can be much more hormonal during mating season than Greys. It is my understanding that each gender has its own quirks during mating season, but I dont own an amazon. Maybe someone who does can make a comment on this item?

4) It depends on the birds. Birds have individual personalities, just like humans do...they might, they might not. My gut tells me it would be a good idea though.

5) It depends on the birds. Birds have individual personalities, just like humans do...they might, they might not. also, see #1

 

6) Babies are a lot of work. They are fun, sweet, inquisitive trouble makers. Im sure that some of the breeders on this site can tell you about the virtues of young birds. I got Schroeder as a baby and he got all of my attention. I am inclined to think that having 2 at once may have made me less able to give him everything he needed. They learn so much the first few years that I want to be able to enrich him as much as possible. Not having another baby around with the same needs makes it easier. This is just my experience though, and I'm sure there are a chorus of other members that can tell you about the joys of having multiple babies around.

Good luck!

[Raposa]

I tend to agree with ShroedersJen. Getting two babies at the same time is a lot like having twins. Lots of love for both of them but not as much time and energy with either one as you would have had if they had come one at a time. That being said, some people are just plain good at baby raising and feel the more the merrier, and maybe you are one of those folks! Just remember that greys do not need less care over time (nor do other parrots) so make sure that you are prepared to give the time and attention for the long haul. As long as you remain aware of that, you'll make the right choice for you and your birds! Please keep us updated on what you decide to do, and tell us all about your new family member(s)!

[Eckobird]

I wouldn't buy 2 birds at once because its difficult to give two babies the attention they need. I think getting one bird for now would be a good idea. Maybe get one baby from this person either a TAG or a CAG depending on which one you'd rather have, and see how it goes. If you think you still want another bird after having the baby for a while then get another one. Maybe you can even rescue an older bird. Its just my opinion, I hope everything works out for you, keep us posted <br><br>Post edited by: caitb2007, at: 2009/04/03 20:13

[she]

Hi I agree with you that purchasing from a local breeder is a very wise decision.As for 1 vs 2 Thats your decision. Just be aware of the time and financial constraints of 2 parrots. Tags are fantastic birds as many on hear will testify,some even rate them above cags as they are noted as having a more even temperament and less prone to being pluckers. Again its your choice.Also remember that if you go on holiday 1 parrot is easier to find a minder for than 2.Many people on hear have more than one grey and get on just fine. Your questions about what sex and bonding depends a lot on individual personality. I would always advise housing them in seperate cages,although if they are reared together I am not sure if this is needed.Good luck in your decision and keep us all up to date.

[DavidH]

Hi HappyinGreece,

 

So sorry about Alex.

 

I don't really know enough about CAGS vs. TAGS to have any advice, but I would like to comment on imported birds.

 

After the recent passing of Alex I decided that I would try to find a local breeder and not buy another imported bird.

 

Wild bird import has been banned in Europe since July 1 2007. That of course includes AGs and Amazons.

 

Here's an article on the ban: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/import-ban.html#cr

 

They are also banned in the USA.

 

So if you're running into dealers with recently imported birds, the authorities would love to know about it, and you will be protecting many endangered species.

[Sallas]

I have two TAGs, if you have any direct questions that you would like answered, please PM me.

[Jane08]

I am biased here and say 2, but probably not at the same time unless you feel you can cope. It is a lot of work bringing up 2 babies as remember you have to teach them everything and they will go through many phases. We got our first grey as a baby and then waited 8 months to get the second baby. Both have been totally different to bring up.

 

1. If you handle it right then they will interact with you. Our 2 love each other but also love the one on one time they spend with us. The birds and us offer different things that they can't get from the other.

 

2. They won't talk less because there are 2. Both of ours are jabber jaws and they actually learn off each other.

 

3. Doesn't make a difference. We went for a male and a female as we wanted them to be partners.

 

4. Lots of people train them separately as this is easier. However I train both of ours at the same time as I find that they teach each other and watch when the other is being trained.

 

5. If they are born together and know each other then no problem being in the same cage. If you get them at different times then they will need their own cages and you can introduce them slowly and see how it goes and they might be able to go in the same cage.

[SchroedersJen]

Here is a great article on CAG vs TAG by Jane Hallander. In my work with both species, I am inclined to say that she is correct

http://www.africangreys.com/articles/greys/species.htm