I have been eyeing AG for quite a while, but was never really sure that it was a good idea to get one without having been a parront at all. I've had a Senegal, now I have my green chicken QP Louie and I am seriously thinking about adding an AG. I have some questions for African Grey owners. First, I cannot make up my mind as to an CAG or a TAG. I have read so much about each and have come across that most state the TAG is less nervous and more outgoing than a CAG. For those who have either or both, what can you tell me about that statement? Which one would you recommend?How much 1:1 undivided attention to they need?How much out of cage time? (I work full time)How much more sensitive are they compared to QP?Finally, I am a big advocate of rescue, but am a bit intimidated to adopt a Grey that possibly has some issues that I am not able to get a handle on. How do you feel about getting a baby from a breeder or store vs. adopting an older bird - looking from my perspective as somebody who has no experience with AG? If I decide to get one, it will be quite a while as I would first have to find one and actually come up with the money. They are quite pricey. By chance, do any of you know a good, reputable and fair-priced breeder in Colorado?

First, I cannot make up my mind as to an CAG or a TAG. I have read so much about each and have come across that most state the TAG is less nervous and more outgoing than a CAG. For those who have either or both, what can you tell me about that statement?

Based on speaking to breeders and owners of both I would disagree with that statement. I think many may believe it to be true solely because their are many more CAGs then there are TAGs and the "issues" seen in them is related to the weening process and mass breeding. I think if the weening process isn't approached properly in the future you will see the same issue with TAGs. That is why it is so important to research and find responsible breeders.

Which one would you recommend?

Either or .. the main differences between the Congo and the Timneh are their size, colouring and colour of their mandible. Most would agree that their dispositions and intelligence are the same.

The Timneh is dark grey with a maroon tail and the Congo is a lighter grey with a bright red tail. The CAG's mandible is all black, while the TAG has a bone-coloured upper mandible.

The CAG weighs in at between 400 and 600 grams and the TAG between 275 and 350 grams.

How much 1:1 undivided attention to they need? How much out of cage time? (I work full time)

As much as you can give them. I also work full time but when I am home my birds are out of their cages. I think they adapt quite well to our routines as long as they understand it and are with their flock when their flock is home.

How much more sensitive are they compared to QP?

My CAG isn't as boisterous as my QP.... But QPs are little birds with mega attitude!

Finally, I am a big advocate of rescue, but am a bit intimidated to adopt a Grey that possibly has some issues that I am not able to get a handle on. How do you feel about getting a baby from a breeder or store vs. adopting an older bird - looking from my perspective as somebody who has no experience with AG?

I think it depends on the bird's issues, the time you have, the environment you are bringing him into. I only had one year experience with a quaker when I rescued my 22 year old CAG. I have had a lot of support over this past year but the road has been long in that he has been very demanding and time consuming. I don't have any small children so it worked for us ..

If I decide to get one, it will be quite a while as I would first have to find one and actually come up with the money. They are quite pricey. By chance, do any of you know a good, reputable and fair-priced breeder in Colorado?

I think you are doing a fabulous job already by doing your homework ... Best of luck in your research ... Greys are wonderful companions but like all parrots require a lot of time and attention ..

Most would agree that AGs are emotionally equivalent to a two year old child with the intelligence of a five year old child... so if you have the time to raise a child then a grey just might be the companion for you!

Hope this was helpful!

I have a CAG and he is the BOMB!!!!!!!

I have a TAG, and Axel has a CAG...we like them.

When I was looking into TAG vs. CAG I was going to go TAG as they are smaller and thus (theoretically) less able to cause damage. Plus there was a really cute one at the rescue I was eying, plus my friend's mom had one for 20 years or something and he was awesome. And I think they are prettier- something about the black and maroon.

I don't have one, though- maybe someday.

I need to stop saying things like that! The MBS will get me...!

Hehehe....once you start saying "maybe one day" it's already too late, deep down you know you are going to get another fid, it's just a matter of time.



I know that I definitely want one, I guess I already have MBS, it is just now a matter of finding the right one and the little problem of $$$



I also will be checking out a local parrot rescue/sanctuary in our area, The Gabriel Foundation.

I have a Cag and I love her so much. I would'nt trade her for a million bucks.

Everyday she picks up something new. She has my laugh right down to the snort. She is a really cool bird. She does perfer my husband over me. But it does not bother me because her bites are getting less and less and not as hard as the use to be. So she is coming around to like me.

I have a Timneh, and it is my belief that they are less likely to develop behavior issues. Now don't get me wrong, as I also believe Dee is correct as well. Timneh's in the wild reach adulthood in the flock younger then Congo's do. Timneh's at about 6 months, and Congo's at about a year. From what I have read, and seen, this causes a few things. First, if you use the exact same methods to raise them, and they both wean at the same time, a Timneh is not going to be as far mentally from reaching his adult status, where a Congo may not be mentally ready to handle some things in life until later. This translates to the Congo sometimes not learning key social skills that allow it to handle life challenges. BUT on the other hand, if a breeder abundance weans, allows it to socialize with other babies (they to a great extent teach each other many things that they sometimes cannot learn alone. Also, many suggest even adding a "nursery" bird, an adult of the species to watch and guide the babies. Congo's specifically have been noted to use this method with thier young in the wild. What it comes down to is that, with proper breeding habits, you don't have the issues that create differences between the species. To me, this means that you should get your grey from a knowledgable breeder, or a decent pet store that atleast specializes exotic birds.

BTW, I only chose a Timneh because I thought them prettier, and thier smaller stature easier to manage. It was more a matter of appearence, then any of the issues above. Personally, I am the type of person that who likes the more rare and exotic, and the Timneh are not seens quite as often.

Ooopss .. forgot to add. Although I wouldn't recommend one over the other as it relates to disposition or intelligence .. my preference is the CAG because of appearance. I love the black beak and bright red tails ..

In most areas .. CAGs however are quite a bit more expensive than TAGs ... so that may also be a deciding factor.

I have a CAG & a baby TAG - I couldnt honestly tell you which one i'd pick. My TAG is a baby yet -- My CAG Is a rescue which isnt touchable really

I have 2 cags, both from a rescue. One is a wild caught and before the rescue got him he had been locked in a cage for 15 years the size appropriate for a cockatiel.Not let out once due to him biting his owner the first day and they were afraid of him. He was fed only seed and water poor guy. The rescue had him for 8 months and in that time she stick trained him. Laura who ran the rescue had the very first human/bird relationship with him. he's very cage aggressive, but he's getting better. I've had him 14 months.
Tobias, my wild caught although he will bite if you stick your hand in his cage, if you ask him first to pet his beak or kiss him on the beak, he will let you know if he's in the mood by stretching his head forward. I kiss him all the time. I've also been bitten by him a few times but not once if I asked him first. How intelligent is that?
I have to tell you that these guys ARE VERY intellegent and have emotions. The second day I had Tobias, my brother came by to meet him. Right away he started talking up a storm to him saying long complete sentences. The first thing he did was perk up and say "Hiya boss" He must have reminded him of somebody special. Then he turned away from us in his cage and said "Tobias go away" in the saddest voice a bird could possibly speak in. He sounded like a sad child. Broke my heart to pieces. I didn't know if he was sad about leaving his previous owner and seeing my brother sparked that, or if he was sad about leaving Laura,
He's a happy trouble making boy now and not one day goes by that I am not totally amazed with him. Jeremiah is more standoffish with, but for some reason at night, he comes to life and suddenly I think he likes me. hee hee. They never seize to amaze me!!!!
Tikileahsmom

Thanks so much for all your replies. I loved reading your story Tiki, how sad about Tobias before he was rescued.

I still haven't really decided, but I think in the end it's going to be whoever will pick me

I've requested an adoption application from The Gabriel Foundation, a local parrot rescue and sanctuary. It's a very lengthy and intense process to adopt from them as they really want to make sure the bird and new owner will be a good match and it's going to be a forever home. There are classes involved etc. It may not work out, I don't know, I may come to the conclusion that a baby grey is better for me, we'll see. I'm in no hurry and since I am a big believer in rescue, I want to at least check into it. April 28 is their "meet the birds" day and I have signed up to go and have a tour and meet all the adoptable parrots etc. I'm already excited.

Don't forget to visit AnAfricanGrey.Ca for support and advice from fellow CAG owners. Our own Dee started it and many of us have flocked there. We have some very experienced bird owners who are always willing to share their knowledge

I would really recommend visiting Dee's site, anafricangrey.ca/forum Its so friendly and informative.

I have a CAG, Grace, who is just over a year old. I am absolutely, madly in love with that girl. She is an absolute riot. It's been a long journey with her, in some ways, but I wouldn't trade her for the world.

I was forunate and got Grace from an EXCELLENT breeder. Grace was abundance weaned, lived with her parents for an extended period of time (related to CAGS taking longer to mature than TAGS), and wonderfully socialized. All the extra TLC as a chick has certainly helped Gracie a ton. She isn't phobic the way greys are "supposed" to be. She went through a phase where she was very skittish, but for the last few months she's been a terror (in a way that I love!) because she wants into EVERYTHING.

I did have a plucking episode with her though Grace fell off her cage one day and she broke her wing. But I didn't think her wing was hurt at all. Over the next week her barbered/shredded the feathers on her chest, back, and the tops of her wings. I was devasted and took her to the vet. Once we realized what the issue was and got her pain medication her stopped messing her feathers completely. Now her feathers are almost completely grown back. But I'm so thankful that I got her from a breeder who gave her a strong start in life, because I really believe that helped her handle the situation better and not become a picker out of habit. I'm almost glad I go to anafricangrey.ca/forum because of everything I learned there and they helped me help her. And I'm glad I had an avian vet that I trust, because otherwise I may never have known what caused the plucking.

Someday, I think I would like a TAG. The longer I have Grace, the more I adore and the more I think I just "need" another grey. LOL. But I would go with a TAG for my second one for variety and because then I could have a smaller cage.

Grace literally has the biggest cage I've ever seen (in person). It's an Island Macaw cage. And she uses all of it! So when you do get your grey, I would wait until I could afford to buy them as big as cage as possible, especially if you're going to be at work all day. Grace is a pyscho when she's into a toy... hanging from the ceiling, flipping around... she really uses the space...


Sorry to ramble so much, but I ADORE greys sooooo much.

Yes, I've already been poking around Dee's site

As I stated I am in no hurry, but I am checking things out. I've made a tour appointment with the rescue at which time I will meet all their available birds including the AGs. I don't know which kind they have at this time. They state that it usually takes a couple of months to be approved and go through all the education and reference process etc. before being allowed to bring the bird home.

I have also found a respected breeder who breeds TACs. I'm told that they just put up the nesting box and are expecting their TACs to lay eggs in the near future (they usually have one clutch a year) and I am on a waiting list.

It looks as I have some options and will see what works out best. This will also give me time to get a cage. Yep, I agree the bigger the better. My QP Louie has a cage that is usually considered big enough for a grey or amazon. So should I get an AG, his/her cage will be even bigger.

Sounds like you are really doing your homework and will be well prepared with either option you choose ..

Would love to hear how your visit goes with the rescue ..

Hi Seasa,
You're adopting from the Gabriel Foundation??? I have been reading up on many rescues and that was one I was considering for my birds if something were to ever happen to me. I don't know too many people I would want my birds to go to except the rescue I got them from, but they are basically finished with rescuing, so I cant count on that.
Would you please let me know how you like it there and if you think it would be a good place for a bird to retire? Most of my birds could be rehomed, but a few should not be and I can just see them in a sanctuary for the rest of their lives.
Too bad you don't live in Michigan. My rescue friend I beleive has one more CAG to rehome.
tikileahsmom

I wanted to post a picture of my big girl for you. She is really big for a grey. She does have her face in her feed bowl alot. I just love her so much! She can't fly because her last owner gave her a bad wing clipping we are working on getting those pretty wings grown out so she want fall on her face when she does try to fly. Poor girl I feel sorry for her!

Meeka, wow, your girl is a big one and also a very pretty one. Hope she gets to grow out thos wings soon.



Tikileahsmom: After I toure it and like it, I most likely will submit my application to them. I've only heard good things about the Gabriel Foundation. You know, on their protocol and application it says that once you adopt a bird from them, you are required to sign an agreement that states that you will surrender the bird to them if for any reason you are no longer able to care for it or don't want it anymore. You cannot sell it or give it to somebody else, it has to be returned to them. I think that is a good thing and a great peace of mind. I will also check with them if I can make the same kind of arrangements for my QP, even though I did not get him from them.



Gosh, I wished I'd live closer to Michigan also. I would have loved to meet your friend's Grey to see if we may click. Wonder if they have "rescue transport" arrangements for birds. On my dog group we set up transports across the country together all the time for dogs to go either to a rescue or from a rescue to a forever home. However, I have not heard anybody doing it with birds.



Anywho, I will let you know how the tour went and what I think about the facility. I do know that they recently built some major outdoor flight cages connected to the buildings for the birds that are living there, so they can go outside and play and fly and come back inside if they want.

I have had a quaker for almost a year now and was dying for a grey, I didn't care which kind. My hubby finally gave in a let me get one (Congo)almost 3 months ago. She is the best. The breeder took her straight from the nest box and in the house to a cage with her sisters. She is so very well socialized she even lets my wild kids play with her. She even behaved at the vets office and he said that she was probably the best one he has seen in a while. She loves to work on the computer with me she has already torn off 4 keys, but I love her anyway. I don't think I would recommend one kind over another but if you get her from a breeder check them out thoroughly, there is a big difference between "hand-fed" and "hand-raised".

There are bird 'rescue relays' as you put it. I've never seen one set up on this forum, but the other 2 I frequent often do it all the time, as does the rescue I'm involved with, as well.

I do really like the 'you will return it to us or else!' part of the adoption agreement- because then I know where she could go if everything went down in a bad way and I ended up with one leg on the street or something. Not that I plan on it, of course- quite the opposite. My bird! Back!