TAG vs CAG

[SunConureMom]

Sorry I have had so many questions. I have been looking for a TAG because I've read that they make better pets; are less prone to pluck, bond with more than one person more easily, and are in general more emotionally stable than the CAG. However, I spoke to a breeder that has both and they said that is not really true - it depends on how they are raised. Of course, CAGs are all they have available right now. I would like some feedback from owners of both. What do you all say? Thank you!

 

[Alisana]

I had been wondering the same thing myself. *pulls up a chair and waits for the replies*

^^ *is rather curious*

 

[wenz2712]

I will sit and wait with you both... I have always been curious about this as well

 

[solobaby]

im also curious so i too will wait

 

[wenz2712]

LOL... Come on all you Grey Owners! Where are you??

 

[WharfRat]

gets can of grey spray paint, tells Zon's to cover their face :22: :30:


sorry, couldn't resist

 

[wenz2712]

gets can of grey spray paint, tells Zon's to cover their face :22: :30:


sorry, couldn't resist

 

[SunConureMom]

wharfrat - too funny!!

Perhaps it's not good to generalize. I know each bird is an individual. Maybe I'm just needing reassurance that not all CAGs pluck...

 

[wenz2712]

The only thing I can tell you on this one is, I know quite a few people with CAGs and neither of them are pluckers!

 

[KatherineI]

I've owned both. At the same time.

Neither of my Grey's were pluckers, but I definitely had more issues with the CAG than I did the TAG. Whether this was because I handfed the TAG and the CAG was a pet store bird, I do not know. The CAG was cage aggressive, the CAG seemed more depressed and needed a lot more work than I was able to provide. The TAG was the talker, had a sweeter disposition, was a bit goofier. Again, whether or not that had to do with individual personalities and the situations each came from, I do not know. I have come across many Grey's since I rehomed the TAG and lost the CAG (long story) and I find more CAG's with sour dispositions than I do TAG's. Every TAG I've encountered has been friendly, with one exception (and that was a TAG that had been abused by a woman, so he adored men, hated women, understandably).

Again, that's just my personal experience.

 

[incognito]

TAG or CAG

both are african, both are grey
both are naughty

you can keep two of them as well to answer your curious mind

 

[PortaPerch]

I don't know the background, but I saw a plucked TAG at the bird store, so it does happen to them, too.

We are against caging, except for necessity, and I can't imagine anything worse for a bird's psyche than being alone all day in a cage. We are embarking on a 2500 mile trip to Oregon next week, and taking them along. Chewbaca likes to chew the leather headrests, so I cover those with canvas bags. Still, she may spend some time in cage in the car, and overnight in motels will be caged. Greybeard is a great traveler, and likes to ride on the PortaPerch or on top of the cage.

We're taking them in for a fresh wing trim today.

 

[Parrotmamma]

I think a lot of it does have to do with how much socializing they get in the beggining. I chose a TAG for a lot of the reasons you were talking about , weather they are true are not I really do not know since I have never owned a CAG . but also because I prefer their darker coloring and they are a little smaller too. My tag is pretty laid back , he is goofy and talks a ton . He adores me and my 2 daughters and just puts up with my husband and 3 sons. Our house is pretty active and loud sometimes and it doesn't seem to phase him in the least. I would think as long as they have the right size cage , plenty of toys for stimulation, and someone to spend time , interact and socialize with them then either one would make a wonderful lifelong companion.

 

[WharfRat]

I don't know if this really helps but I think it makes a valid point in bird behavior/personality.
We have 2 GW's, same parents, 1 clutch apart, obviously raised in the same places (breeder then here) & they have 2 VERY different personalities. Almost the same with our Zon's though they are much closer in personality. IMO, every bird is just like a person, you just never know how they'll turn out. Just my .02

 

[SunConureMom]

We are against caging, except for necessity, and I can't imagine anything worse for a bird's psyche than being alone all day in a cage. We are embarking on a 2500 mile trip to Oregon next week, and taking them along. Chewbaca likes to chew the leather headrests, so I cover those with canvas bags. Still, she may spend some time in cage in the car, and overnight in motels will be caged. Greybeard is a great traveler, and likes to ride on the PortaPerch or on top of the cage.

Thanks everyone! I was also wondering if we could take him/her on vacation with us. I guess you answered that!

 

[WharfRat]

We are against caging, except for necessity, and I can't imagine anything worse for a bird's psyche than being alone all day in a cage.

That is of course your right to feel that way. My circumstances are different than yours, I am unable to let mine run loose all at the same time for their own safety. They are all caged in the same area so I don't see it as "being alone" while being caged. If any of them are ever out at the same time (meaning different breeds) I am always within an arms length of them.

 

[Mozzie]

I have a Cag and she is wonderful. She is not a plucker. when I got her she had been plucking a little but only because she was caged all of the time. Since I have had her she has not plucked at all. However, She is never caged with me. At first I would put her in her cage for bed, but she would pluck a little then and it made her very nervous. So now I just always leave her door open. She is a really good talker and so intelligent! She amazes me every single day. She let's anyone hold her, however, she does like my husband best. He is the only one she lets pets her. (this kinda ticks me off sometimes, because she is supposed to be my bird! (lol) But over all she is just so wonderful!! I would not trade her for the world. But I have never had a tag before, so I can not compare the two for you. Sorry.

 

[Alisana]

I had a chat with Les who is a breeder of CAGs in Queensland and he gave me some wonderful information about them.

Regards to plucking: depends on the bird, environment and owner. Some are fine if their owners leave, others stress out and puck themselves bald; same with their cage and toy preferences to keep them entertained throughout the day.

Talking: All of his talk, and most of them sing. (This has to do with him singing while in the bird room though from what I hear); so many of his birds know how to sing "Waltzing Matilda" HOWEVER he said that some CAGs will NEVER talk; while it doesn't happen often, it can.

Personality: As with all birds, varies form bird to bird. Some are very affectionate, some are more independent, others are so so; while some may only like females/males, etc. He mentioned it makes it interesting when it comes to pairing up the CAGs with potential owners so that the owner gets a bird that best suits them and vice versa.

He was great fun to talk to. ^^ Invited me down to check out his aviaries. Too bad he's an 8 hour drive away, otherwise I might've taken it up! hehe