BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Birds Would you buy this Timneh?

I've always wanted an African Gray and my thoughts leaned towards a Congo. Now I have a chance to buy an unsexed Timneh, 3-5 yrs. old, 300 word vocabulary, friendly but seldom out of the cage, held or played with. The current owner has only had him for about 3-4 months and needs the cash. I'm told he's not agressive and they pet him through the cage bars! Would this be a risky purchase? Would the poor guy come around in time? I want to be able to hold and cuddle. Or should I keep looking? BTW---Asking price for parrot and large cage is $550. I'd have about a 3 hr. drive to see him but am willing if there's a chance he'll be the pet I'm hoping for.

Thats a tough one Janet - especially since you really want one that likes to cuddle. 3 hours is a long way to drive, just to fine out that he/she may be more like a pit bull - but often the 2nd or 3rd hand birds turn out to be the best! The bird is still young enough that with time and patience it may be the best purchase you ever made. Timneh's are supposed to be more outgoing than the Congo's are and a little more like clowns than the dignified CAG's are.

I think I'm probably leaning more on the "go for it" bench than the "keep looking" one - but you're the one who will have to make the decision on this. GOOD LUCK <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well, I went for it! They lowered the price by $75 to cover my fuel expenses! I was able to feed Taz through the cage bars and he appeared to be in good health and good feather, bright eyes, etc. No plucking problems at all. We signed an agreement that I have ten days to get a health check and if he's in poor health I can return for a full refund! Hmmmm....the instant UBB codes don't work. Maybe I can still add a pic if I remember how!

Congrats on your (hopefully) new baby! I hope everything works out. He's/She's a real cutie pie <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Are you able to hold him, he looks pretty friendly. If all goes well and you do keep him please post more pics and let us know how it's working out.

I'm glad you got him. He looks like a real sweetie & I hope you have him cuddling with you before long.