African Greys vs. Amazons (Is one species friendlier?)

marcham93 · Apr 26, 2011

Hello everyone! I am new around this forum, but not to the bird world!

A few years ago I had a sun conure that passed away due to unknown causes in his sleep. (Possible heart attack or stroke. It is unknown as an autopsy would have been $500!)

I am now back in the commnunity and I am looking at two species currently. The beautiful African Greys which I have always been in love with and the Amazon parrots.

My question is whether one species is generally more friendly or playful than the other. Since I had a sun conure I am used to having a bit of a clown on my hands!

I visited a local bird shop today and they had both species. The amazon's seemed very friendly and the african grey babies they had where very timid and a bit aggresive. Is this because of being young babies or is the amazon species generally more friendly?

Thanks guys!

Cecilia · Apr 26, 2011

Like every other animal I honestly believe it's all on how you raise the bird. Then need lots of interaction and love. Since you've had a bird before I'm sure you already know this. Honestly again with my statement above... Plus every individual animal/bird has it's own personality... So it's just preference. Are you ready for a Larger Parrot such as the African Grey?

marcham93 · Apr 26, 2011

Cecilia said:
...Are you ready for a Larger Parrot such as the African Grey?

Most definitely!

My heard and home is open.

HRH Di · Apr 27, 2011

I don't have any experience with Amazons, but my little Grey, Ruby, is an absolute joy. She's much more sedate and dignified than our macaw, Jade, but she has a little mischieveous streak, too. She is incredibly loving but is showing the signs of being a one-person bird (we're working on that). She will nip at other family members whe she's with me, but she isn't generally agressive. I would bet the babies you saw were scared and a little stressed.

marcham93 · Apr 27, 2011

Wonderful to hear HRH! I am very excited.

Going to have to wait a few months for the cash to come in, but that will provide me with lots of time to read up! When I had purchased my conure I believe I read at least 3-4 books.

merlinsmom13 · Apr 27, 2011

My amazon is a very big personality. He plays rough but loves to be scratched. He enjoys hanging upside down on toys rather than chewing them. He does tend to be nippy, but I think he just communicates w/his beak. He's not overly loud, he does have his moments. I have never had alot of time w/greys (I would like to). You have a very hard decision. lol Are there any shelters near you, you could visit & the bird may make the decision for you.

mtdoramike · Apr 27, 2011

The only real negative that I have read about Amazons is that some can get veryu aggressive when they reach sexual maturity and it can last for several months. But I will agree it also depends on how you raise your bird.

nofearengineer · Apr 27, 2011

All generalizations are just that...generalizations. But on average, I would say African Greys are somewhat more docile and less loud than Amazons.

Friendly is a more subjective subject. The two species tend to show their likes and dislikes differently.

Just because Amazons have stronger jaws, and can really chomp you if you get them cross, doesn't make them less friendly.

And just because Greys tend (but not always!) to be somewhat more reserved and aloof doesn't make them less friendly.

I think that you'll find that they are both fantastic lifetime birds if you know how to care for one properly.

marcham93 · Apr 27, 2011

Great to hear everyone! Thanks for the feedback.

It seems I will go with an african grey!

Abzeez · Apr 27, 2011

I love my blue front amazon.

We are getting a grey in a few weeks.

African Greys vs. Amazons (Is one species friendlier?)

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