African Grey vs. Double Yellow Headed Amazon

[Amelliott83]

Hello I need some advice from experienced parrot owners. I'm looking to buy either an African Grey or a DYH Amazon and would like to know which breed would b better to have around children? From what I understand, both breeds are excellent talkers, that is another characteristic I'm looking for in a parrot. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

-Andrew

 

[U2gal]

Females DYHA.

But how old are your kids? If they're old enough to not run around crazy. A CAG could be good.

They're both not good children pets and a child shouldn't handle the birds.

 

[goalerjones]

I think the Amazon would win. Unless the CAG was good at MMA. Weapons or just bare feathers?

 

[Amelliott83]

U2GAL - I have a 6 year old. He wouldn't be handling it too much but I do want the bird to get to know him. I've heard that CAG can get used to only one person and not be too social around other people. I'd want the bird to be nice to all of us =)

Goalerjones - funny =)

 

[sodakat]

I kept a CAG for a few years but have only babysat a zon so cannot compare.

Two of my older Eclectus really like my 8 year old grandson. They are gentle with him and like to visit with him. I didn't know this about either of them when I acquired them as they were rescues whose history was pretty much unknown to me. Eclectus are not known to bond strongly. In other words, they will drop a mate for another and will fool around with more than one (polyandrous) at the same time. This was one reason we bought our first Eclectus -- hoping for a bird who would enjoy multiple family members and friends. They do.

He is not particularly interested in my birds but these two have definitely won him over and now he understands a bit better why I love parrots. He's pretty active so they can be wary of him, but when he sits still and gently holds one for a few minutes, they both enjoy it. He knows not to stick a finger in a cage of course.

I'm not saying you should get an Eclectus. What I'm saying is, if you find an older bird whose nature is gentle and who already enjoys spending time with various people, that might be a good fit for your family and allow your son to enjoy the bird too.

 

[henpecked]

We could give tons of opinions , but i'd suggest reading though some of the older post in the zon and CAG sections of the forum. I'm sure many more questions will come to mind after you expose your self to the info. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have but you need to do a bit more research and not depend on us for easy answers. A bit more knowledge will help you to ask better questions. Loads of folks have been here before you asking the same questions. It would be good for you to research and learn more about both species.