Taming a much older grey

[JessH]

I have the option of getting two African greys, either a 7 years young Congo or a much older (as in possibly over 40) Timneh. The Congo is fairly tame and belonged previously to a pet shop employee, and let's me give him skritches sometimes through the bars. The Timneh broods in her cage all day (same one she was dropped off in when her previous owner passed), is antisocial and hostile toward hands, and looks frankly nervous, angry and scared in that pet store.

I'm torn. Admittedly I could go with the already sweet Congo but my heart tugs toward the Timneh. According to the shop employees she wasn't handled much previously but they don't know too much of her history.

Has anyone here rescued birds from situations like this before? Are they rehabilitatable? I have small bird experience so this would be my first largish bird. I'm going to visit the pet store frequently to see who I fall in love with, but what should I expect if I get such an obvious "project" bird as the Timneh?

 

[mellykyitus]

bless her, if she's 40 years she maybe set in her ways and may never be a hands on bird, but a good home life, proper food and attention, she may perk up but it will take time. you could get both!! lol

 

[tamsbratz]

I think it depends on how much time you are willing to spend with the bird whether its social or not will depend on your outcome with it. It will take alot of time and patience but if a person is willing you may have great progress or no progress at all. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Spiritbird]

I bet the CAG could find a home much faster than the TAG. I have a timmie and they really have a sweet nature. I think that would come out of her if given a chance. How much time and attention are you willing to give the TAG?
Working With Second-Hand Parrots by Pamela Clark

 

[scarperchick]

id deffo go with the TAG it sounds like it needs more loving and attention and if you are willing to give it then i reckon u will get payed back tenfold.. sometimes all it takes is alot of love and patience

 

[Ladyeclectic]

id deffo go with the TAG it sounds like it needs more loving and attention and if you are willing to give it then i reckon u will get payed back tenfold.. sometimes all it takes is alot of love and patience

LOL that would be me too, I'm also attracted to "projects".

It may sound tough, but you should probably ask yourself first whether you're prepared to fail. Even in the most loving home, with the best nutrition provided and the biggest cage you can find, any given bird may not like you. Are you prepared to continue for the life of this bird giving it all it deserves to be happy and not see a payoff, except the joy of knowing you're helping it live its life as full as it can?

If you can do that, I think you have a shot. There's only so much you can "learn" by reading articles or others' stories - there's so much variations between bird personalities, you could have a lover on day 2 or a recreational biter/screamer/plucker on day 734. It may bond to your friend, or future boyfriends, or your dog, or its reflection, etc.

And if the idea of that doesn't deter you, that it could be months or *years* before you get any real payoff.... Go for the Timneh. If, however, you're looking for a shoulder bird right off the bat, or want something that wouldn't be quite so hard to tame down, go for the Congo. Choice is up to you.

 

[JessH]

I'm willing to go the distance for any bird I get, I'm just not sure if I'm qualified for the task. Perhaps I'm overthinking but as much as I want to give the bird a good life, I also don't want to screw it up any further. I don't quite know what "rescuing" (if you want to call it that from a pet shop) entails...

 

[JessH]

Last night I checked out the band on the older Timneh: a rounded band that looks clamped on. I guess this means she's wild-caught? The sales rep yesterday said ten years old, which didn't seem right to me if it's a wild-caught bird but then I knew the age was unverifiable.

It was rather cute: I'd be talking to the Timneh and the Goffin next to her would start vocalizing for attention. When I'd shift my attention to the Goffin for skritches, the Timneh would come out of her shell a bit and approach the front of the cage, as if to say "Why aren't you loving on me?". Of course, if I approached her with hands she immediately puffed up but usually stayed where she was. I think there's hope for her.

But the Congo was SO CUTE last night, just wanted everyone to give it skritches. A total lover, even though from what I've heard quite cage territorial. So yeah: I still don't know lol. The Timneh is about $300 cheaper than the Congo (I'm pretty sure I can negotiate them both down farther), and yes if I could afford to take them both home I would.

 

[Spiritbird]

JessH If you are not excited and really wanting a bird I would not venture into guardianship and later wish you had not. sit back and wait a while. If you can find a bird rescue org. perhaps you could vol. or take in a foster bird until you are 100% sure of what you want to do.

 

[JessH]

No I'm excited, I just don't know which direction to go. How does one know they're ready until they make the leap? I'll be honest when I say money isn't quite an object despite what I've said, but I don't intend to rush anything. I'd also like to talk to the avian vet (who's actually located next to the shop) and see what they have to say also.

I do want what's best for the bird but also for myself. The idea of a mature bird appeals to me: you miss out on the cuteness but don't get the shock of Jekyl/Hyde during sexual maturity.

Anyone know of bird rescue places in or around Fresno CA? Everything I've seen is in LA or the Bay area....