Are the problems with timnehs or congos that serious of a issue?

[NiR]

i am currently deciding on a timneh or a senegal so i kinda wanted to know everything that a real owner goes through with a timneh or a congo. what are the chances that feather plucking might be an issue? Does it happen often? How often do timnehs bite? do they do this often especially compared to other birds? how cuddly are timnehs? Please tell me your experiences good or bad with timnehs or congos. I am interested to see how playful and agressive they are. also if they actually want to spend time with you and are a good companion.

 

[lene1949]

I have read your other posts... It seems you're most interested in the biting history of certain parrots???

Parrot can bite, and very hard... Some are more laid back than others.. If I were you I might research the pet status of different birds... I have taken in a few parrots, classed a biters, but none of them have ever bitten me...

 

[Casey]

Our CAG; Mj has been with us for 56 days, she is 164 days old.
She is my bird though, I can do just about anything with her without fear if being bitten. My wife can occasionally scratch her head if Mj is in the mood. But my wife and kids are terrified of being bitten. I believe Mj would be OK if they would put their fear aside and try to handle her. The "family" says she is a mean bird. I will admit she has bitten my wife, but my wife pulls away and makes it worse. I told her to push into the bite, which will lesson the bite and also throw Mj a little off balance and I believe all would be OK. That is what I did in the beginning.

I made a perch from PVC that I set over a towel on my lap and watch TV in the evening with her on it. She loves head scratches and will walk up my chest and chew the towel. I've even been able to put an aviator harness on her.

She is not talking yet but she sounds like she is trying, but she is still young at about 5 and a half months.

 

[justinlm24]

Any parrot will have the potential to bite or develop behavioral problems. So many factors go into determining how good or bad each bird will behave. Was it well socialized as a baby, is it eating a proper diet, does it have enough stimulation in its home to prevent boredom, etc etc etc. Each bird will have its own personality. Also keep in mind any bad behavior can be minimized or corrected if handled properly. I have 3 kids and will be bringing a Timneh home in a couple months. I'm prepared for any possible scenario, good or bad. Your best bet is to gain as much knowledge about the species you choose so that you will be as ready as possible once you bring it home. Good luck!!

 

[NiR]

I was set on a Sennie because of there intelligence, smaller size, quietness, and cuddliest. Then I started reading about there aggression problem. I have a budgie and I don't want any issues with them. Also I don't want my sennie to bite anyone he sees. That's why I started to look for a timneh. But people say they have there own issues and they are also bigger. So I don't know which will be easier to deal with and correct. So I am lost.

 

[wolf0994]

I think it will all depend on how well socialized they are, and how you continue their raising. If they are well socialized and you continue that, by exposing them to numerous people so they get conditioned to that, then that is what will become the norm for them. Our CAG was a supposed biter because he wasnt handled much. In our home he has bitten twice during the first 1-2 months. Since then he hasnt bit anyone and gives kisses and touches to complete strangers. But I have 7 people in my house that all give him attention.

 

[4theBirds]

I believe that each parrot, regardless of species, is an individual. We recently lost a Congo, Paddywack, who was a blast. He bonded to my wife and was very affectionate toward her. He tolerated me and would sit on my hand, nip me fairly hard, then say "Ow, Stop that, Bad Bird....Ha, Ha, Ha." After Paddy died, we got Bindy, another CAG. She's a 20 weeks old and a real love. Both of us work with her. She nips and "beaks" from time to time. It just takes patience to discourage bad behaviors.

I don't know much about Senegals, but African Greys are very intelligent, curious and fun to be with. You'll need to spend some serious time with a Grey thoughout the day, as well as provide them plenty of toys with which to play. Paddy would talk when we weren't around. On the other hand, Bindy has learned a few whistles and "clucks." She uses them to call us.

Good luck