Cockatoo or African Grey?

[PenguinAndPickles]

Okay so I am possibly moving to California and in the move, I will have to re-home my beloved quaker(They are illegal) to a friend, 5 fish tanks and my cat. I am so upset and cry everyday. My mom said that if I feel comfortable with a larger parrot, that she will help me care and raise one. She has experience with birds like cockatiels and has helped own many bigger birds like macaws and amazons. I kinda narrowed my favorites to Goffin cockatoos and Congo African Greys. The possibility of talking in the greys excites me(My quaker talks ALOT). My mom loves the cuddlyness in too's. I know all the stuff you are going to tell me about expense, loudness and time. We wont be moving for a few months if we do and I want to research and research. I just need opinions. So should I go with the entertaining and funny grey? Or the cuddly and hilarious Goffin cockatoo?

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Im going to give you my opinion . Get a just weaned Timnah [SP ?} Grey. Or check out a Rose breasted 2 . I just got a Goffin and they are a lot of work [you wouldn't realize how much] .Even though their smaller I wouldn't want to start with 2s with that species until you get more 2 experience.

 

[Blancaej]

I have no experience with 2's but my grey is a great talker and fun to be around. He is a biter and is not one who likes to be handled. Every bird will be different just like people are different depending on there personality. I have no experience with 2's, but I would keep researching and figure out which one you like best. I do think Pinkbirdy gave you some great advice on where to start!

 

[brianlinkles]

Just my thoughts, I have a grey and she is fantastic! She is very gentle and sweet. However, my friend has one and he is very feisty. They are all so different. I just got a rose breasted cockatoo, he is a lot of fun. I haven't had him long enough to tell what exactly his personality will be and he is just 8 weeks old so time will tell. However I go to my breeder and observe his 6 rosies flying around and they are soo much fun! Anyone can go up and handle them, they play by untying shoe laces, they are forever landing on your head and asking "what are you doing?" (they learned this from another bird there. I got mine because I wanted a bird that would interact with my family. As for goffins, I have to tell you that the worst bite I ever got from a bird was from a goffin! They are lots of fun but they are a handful! If it were me I would go for a grey, keeping in mind that a grey will many times prefer being handled by it's person. There are exceptions to the rule however usually greys tend to feel most comfortable with their chosen person.

 

[U2gal]

I recommend checking out adoptable older birds

I'm sorry you have to rehome your quaker

 

[Howie73x]

Only get a too, if you have SEVERAL hours a day to devote to it. Be prepared to go thru phases where your bird wants nothing to do with you, bites you etc. Also try to find the biggest cage possible. Remember that these birds have very long life spans. So if you're young, make sure your future life can accommodate these birds (college, careers, family w/ kids etc.)

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I'm so sorry you are unable to take your Quaker with you you to California

The white cockatoos are not a bird that just any parrot person should take on. They are emotionally demanding, when their needs aren't met we are left with the heart break of a bird who self mutilates.
I agree with looking into older birds, especially if you want a white cockatoo. A mature bird will be past puberty and you'll have a better idea of their needs and if that particular bird is a good fit for your family. A young bird will change as they go through puberty, many birds are re homed during puberty or after they mature.

 

[Wings]

If you want a cockatoo get a rosie. I have heard so many great things about them. Also, show your mom "mytoos.com". If you have read it and think "i can get past that", it will be MUCH harder than you might think. Once the novelty wears off cockatoos suffer. I wouldn't recommend any cockatoo except the rosie to you. I would choose a rosie, but a grey seems to be what YOU want. greys can be very cuddly, just gotta bring them up correctly. Remember! Every bird is different. YOu might find a M2 that is quiet and likes being alone (I swear if you do, write a book and make a movie lol) I am sorry that you need to rehome your quaker. I read a story of someone who moved to California with a quaker and had NO issues whatsoever. I wouldn't recommend it though. I hope you find a birdy buddy soon

 

[AngelicaandBandit]

I dont like recommending any sort of cockatoo to anyone. ALL of them are more than usual demanding and can quickly develop behavioural problems. You should have an large amount of experience before taking on ANY cockatoo. Loudness is a popular con, louder than most birds, can out scream the forever barking doberman next door. I havent had any experience with greys though...

 

[Galah]

I've got a Rose Breasted Cockatoo, he was my mother's but he chose me and seems to hate the rest of the family. My brother bought a Timnah African Grey about a year ago and the same thing happened. It absolutely hates me, loves my brother and father though. (One person birds?)

In my opinion they both need a lot of attention. My RB2 is more cuddly but he speaks a lot less than my brother's Grey. (Though my RB2 can make a lot more noise.)

I guess it depends on your preference. If you want cute and cuddly, and your willing to chance the odds of the bird choosing you, I'd go for a RB2. (Their beaks are a lot smaller as well- less damage when he/she should decide to bite.)