CAG's for a family

[Aaron&Amy]

Hello, I am new to the forum and had a question about CAG's or TAG's. I was wondering from y'alls personal experience if these guys are good with a family and kids, because I've heard the usually attach to one person. As of now it it just my wife and I, and we have one son (9 months). We want another child in a few years as well. We have all the time and resources to care for a CAG or TAG. Just wanted some opinions or experiences if they are good with families, or would something like a Cockatoo be a better fit? Thanks

 

[HRH Di]

Welcome to the forum! I have a 9 month old CAG named Ruby and she's shown a definite preference to spend time with me and be with me. She's still young and we're going to work with her to spend more time with the other members of the family. She'll go to them, especially if they have a little snack that she's eyeing, but she prefers to be with me.

The breeder we got her from says on her website and told me that there's no reason a well-socialized CAG or TAG won't be comfortable with every member of the family. Here's a link to her website. She's never steered us wrong and been a great resource.

Good luck!

 

[Spiritbird]

This all depends on the way you socialize your bird. Young birds might to better at this than an older one. The bird will pick out that special person but at the same time you can get the bird used to everyone in the family by gentle exposure. There is a game that can be played where the familly sits down on the floor and passes the bird around using step ups and talks to the bird.
A human baby may be a little different. They make noise and may frighten the bird some. It is all a matter of exposure. If you show a grey something new or someone new every day they will get used to it. I took Rosie to bird club meetings with me and to social events here in the apt. complex where I live and she is quite used to it now. The greys are such wonderful birds, so unique and special.

 

[Von1983]

I adore both TAG's and CAG's but generally speaking, each bird is individual and it can go either way!

My little Sun Conure is incredibly sociable. She is bonded to both me and my husband but will go to anyone we ask her to which is lovely.

We had her at 3 months old and as we own a shop, she spends the majority of the time in here (sadly it's too cold at the minute with the snow ) with us. As a result, she is very used to strangers.

It is all about how you bring them up as babies. Everyone in the family must get involved. If you teach a bird "step up" successfully, then every member of the family must do it also for example.

With adult birds, they will probably have already "picked" their preference and it can be harder to make them family companions. They of course though, have their own wonderful merits.

Good luck with your choice

 

[AlexK]

Zozo, my TAG, is a very sociable bird. In fact, most of the timnehs I have been around have been very accepting of new/multiple people, they don't seem near as talkative as CAG's though.

The lady I got Zozo from had hand raised her around 2 children, I know the kids use to take zo all over the house with them, reguardless of whether they were playing video games or doing laundry, and I think this is what really made her be at ease in new and unfamiliar situations.

 

[Pied_Timneh_Moon]

Hmm.

Well, I haven't managed to observe many greys but! I have noticed TAG's are alot more goofy and approachable (the juveniles I've interacted with came over and wanted to physically interact---and my own TAG Jacko is extremely fond of scritches and treats from *anyone* lol) and even though they will have their favourite person they are (if you socialize them of course) friendly and better (although any parrot with kids requires work and caution--lots of it) for families and multiple people households. All the CAG's I've met were more vocal but standoffish and sort of aloof. They didnt really want to be touched--except by their favourite person and someone they knew really well. They didnt even really want to vocalize in front of strangers.

I'm going to really have to head you off at the pass so to speak on cockatoos though! Those guys are cuddly and sweet yes, but also extremely loud, throw off a heavy, heavy dust (not a good idea with sensitive lungs--especially those of a baby) and they are known for being jealous to the point of violence. Their unique beak shape also means they pack the most painful and dangerous whollop behind their bite. They are also, when jealous or stressed or not getting exactly the amount of attention they demand--known for multilating themselves to the point of death, and ripping their feathers off. Google 'mytoos' and REALLY look at that site.
Then decide if you still want a cockatoo.

Btw--greys also share the tendancy to feather destruction and are highly intelligent and sensitive--needing a lot of attention as well. If you guys are really set on a bird right now I'd recommend something smaller and less complicated, like a pionus. These guys are known for being quieter, calmer and a lot more self-confident and able to amuse themselves. But really, I think that with a child that young maybe a parrot isnt such a good idea right now.