African Grey / Amazon Parrots?

Question

I know African Grey Congos and Amazon Parrots are both very good talkers, but is there much difference between there talking and learning abilities? Can the amazon mimic like the grey can? Also I read that the Amazons can be moody at times, are the Greys that way as well? Have been reading up on both these birds for a while now, and I can't decide which one to get. I am also aware of the big responsibility, and am prepared. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

Thank you all very much, we have decided on an African Grey! Now I just need to find a good name.

Answer 1

Not all parrots, not even all African Greys learn to talk. That being said, African Greys usually develop awesome vocabularies of hundreds of words. Greys mimic human voices and will sound exactly like the humans they are imitating. Greys are a little reserved around strangers, though. My Grey will often talk to visitors as long as they are in another room but he clams up and gets nervous if he can see them.

Amazons vocabularies generally are not as large, though they are still respectable. Their voices sound more like a "cartoon" voice though they are still clear voices. Amazons are less shy and tend to love an adudience and are more likely to talk in front of strangers.

Are Greys moody? Heck yes! All parrots are moody. With many Amazon species the males get pretty fired up in breeding season and become pretty aggressive. Some owners can only handle their male Amazons on a stick perch during the spring months. Greys do not really have this big change in behavior during breeding season though they can become a little moodier during their breeding season (winter months for African birds).

Amazons are pretty easy to read. You always know where you stand with an Amazon. If they are pinning their eyes and flaring their tail feathers and raising their neck feathers you know to stay away! Greys have body language that is harder to read. Greys also seem to be the only parrot species that is "sneaky" and will lower their head to seemingly ask for a scratch and sucker you into it and then they bite you. Amazons are very direct and obvious and don't do thngs like that.

Another plus for Amazons is that they are less sensitive birds than greys. Parrot behavior consultants always have Greys in their client list. Greys are prone to phobic behaviors and plucking. Behavior consultants see few Amazons in consultations and none of them report ever seeing an Amazon who plucked.

Still, I love my Grey and cannot imagine life without him. He picks up new words and phrases every week. He is not exceptionally phobic and he has never plucked. He does chew his toenails until they are razor sharp - I always have scratches all over my arms and hands from his too sharp nails, his only neurotic behavior. He is super smart and seems to have a sense of humor. He makes me laugh every day!

Answer 2

This is the saying "If the African Grey is the college intellectual, then the Amazon is the class clown!"

I see you've decided to go with a Grey, and I think it's an excellent choice. They can be a little neurotic, but as long as you socialize them well, you should have yourself an excellent bird.

I commend you for not going with an Amazon (especially the DYH, which is usually the best talker out of them). They're not good for first time parrot owners. Although you can read an Amazon's body language all the time, which is a definite plus, the male (DYH's, YNA's, and BF's) are very hormonal come mating season.

I love my DYH male to death, but even after 10 years, it's a lot to deal with, and I think it would put a lot of first-timers off of parrots altogether. Thankfully, he's a sweetie the other 8 months of the year, so it evens out.

You should join a parrot forum. I suggest www.parrotforums.com
There are a handful of Grey owner's on there and they are extremely knowledgeable.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Gray Amazon Parrot

Answer 4

My preference is the African Grey - If you are serious about getting a parrot keep in mind that it is a lifetime commitment as they can live long enough to watch you collect social security. I highly recommend contacting your local bird club and attending a local bird club meeting. Most members are allowed to bring their birds (and most bird clubs & members are strict about health precausions). You can ask your local veteranrian or pet store for help to find a local bird clubs. I also recommend a breeder over getting a pet from a store. Birds have different personalities. I have found cockatoos to be manipulative and similiar to cats in their need for attention. They appear to have more separation anxiety then other birds - I don't know why. It sounds like you are willing to take the time to find the bird that is right for you - this shows that you are mature enough to wait until that happens. Good for you. It would also be prudent to get a young bird, but again, bird clubs often have birds (parrots) that are looking for good homes. NOT all of these birds have issues and some are actually very cool. I know, I have adopted in the past and recommend it as an option. Good luck - just make sure that the cage you get your bird is big - and then go find one a little bit bigger - the bird should be able to streatch or flap it's wings without touching anything in the cage.

Answer 5

The African Greys and the Double Yellow Head Amazons are the top talkers. I personally find the Double Yellow Heads to be more personable, but that is just my opinion. On the other hand, the best talkers I have seen were African Greys. You should see which bird you are most drawn to, in terms of personality and chemistry.

Either way, you won't go wrong.

Answer 6

I found the greys to be easier to teach to talk and unfortunately they also seem to pick up on things faster if they get a rise out of someone so watch your language around them. We had construction work done at our house and thereafter my grey's favorite sound was the circular saw at a much louder volume than the saw actually operates at.
The double yellow headed amazons i worked with were zoo animals and seemed to not pick up words quite as fast. They reveled in trying to get zoo patrons to reach out their hands to them so that the bird could then bite them and then laugh. They really enjoyed that.

Answer 7

I have an African parrot and is very good talker.Is also very friendly and when i clap my hand start dancing.

Answer 8

think of both of them as young children. both species can have their temper tantrums.