I'm Confused...Desert African Grey Congo vs Timneh??

[DeanArrlack]

I spoke with a bird breeder tonight who cautioned me against Timnehs and urged me to go with Desert Congo African Greys. She states they're smaller and calmer than congos and 'much better' than Timnehs. Anyone know much about this or can add to it?

Thanks,

 

[expressmailtome]

There are only two subspecies of African greys: the Congo (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and the Timneh (Psittacus erithacus timneh). Many "small" African greys have stunted growth or come from small parents. Their temperament would be the same as other Congos.

As a side note, there is some question as to if a third subspecies exists (Psittacus erithacus princeps). It is considered by most ornithologists and aviculturists to be the nominate Psittacus erithacus erithacus.

Matt

 

[DeanArrlack]

Thats exactly what I thought! Thank you @expressmailtome This bird feeder (she gets the birds from another breeder) ALSO seemed maybe a touch loopy. Finding breeders ain't easy! I think I'll go with Scott if I decide to get a timneh.

 

[expressmailtome]

Scott is an excellent breeder.

Matt

 

[David Hull]

Now they have given the timneh parrot its own species. I think that it is silly to say one bird is much better than the other. What does that even mean?! Agh

 

[Lady Jane]

I had my choice of either a Timneh or Congo and chose the TAG. She has a lovely personality and I am happy it went that way.

 

[roxynoodle]

My personal opinion is they are very similar, and both wonderful! I would have either and not think about it at all.

 

[Timmy&Crash]

I chose my TAG because its a little smaller and they are suppose to be less phobic haha mine is 16 months old and has went into quite a phobic phase the past couple months, at least I hope its a phase. I never had a CAG but would not trade Timmy for anything.

 

[emdh]

I have a Timneh and also chose him because they are a bit smaller and supposed to be less phobic. He's definitely not phobic and he's a very very busy boy. I really have to keep an eye on him because he's in to everything. Turn away for a second and he's crunching on a door! He doesn't stay still-ever and is incredibly smart. I love him.

 

[petiteoiseau]

I've had 5 Congos and 1 Timneh so, in reality, very little experience because with only one Timneh, one can only talk about that bird's individual temperament and not the species or subspecies, in this case. But, if I went by the birds I've had, the Timneh is completely different from the 5 Congos. Pookey is definitely more independent as well as much more daring than the 5 Congos.

 

[Nancy1129]

I've never had a TAG but I chose Congo, it's just my personal preference, I prefer larger greys, a black beak, pretty red tail and silver grey feathers

But I'm sure both are great birds. If you want a larger bird them go with a Congo but if you feel more comfortable with a smaller bird them get a Timneh