Questions about CAG

Sabbath

New member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
364
Reaction score
1
Good morning/afternoon/evening all!

About three month ago, my family experienced the loss of our precious Sun Conure, Cameron. At first we were up in the air about whether we wanted to adopt another bird but after a few month have passed, we've missed having our feathery friend around. I've always expressed and interest with my wife about owning a CAG and she seems on board about getting one now as well.

Now first off, I want to say that this adoption won't take place until at least early to mid 2017, I have a lot of research to do before making a commitment like that (and a lot of shopping). At this point I just want to get an idea of whether a CAG would be a proper fit for our home.

To give you an idea of what my family looks like, it's:

1 Husky (About a year old)
2 cats (Both about 2 years old)
1 baby (6 month and growing to fast)
2 adults(23 and 22)

My baby did get to interact with Cameron a bit but generally due to her age and tendency to grab at things, we made sure they were either extremely supervised or we kept them out of each other reach. This isn't to say that I isolated either of them from each other, just that if I was holding the baby, Cameron was either with my wife or hanging out on a T post on the opposite side of the room or in his cage. Now I know every bird has their difference and you may get one that loves babies and another than can't stand them but is there a general consensus about CAG and children?

Next, both my wife and I are military. I'm deployable, she isn't. We both work full time jobs with very little vacation time between (Only major holidays). With Cameron, I would wake up, pull the blanket off his cage and got to work. Whenever, I had lunch, I'd come home, let him out of his cage to hang out, feed the other pets, and than put him back to go back to work. Obviously, after work he normally hung on a perch with the family in the living room. Would a schedule generally work with a CAG? How are CAG with moves? We're hoping to be in CT for at least 5 years and after that, either be out of the military or if we change our mind, stay stateside(Which has a good chance with our jobs).

Lastly, when I bought Cameron, I think I sort of rushed into things. I had to hand-feed him, which was a fun experience but something I don't think a beginner should do. So at the moment, I'm looking for recommendations for a breeder that people would recommend. I live in CT if that helps anyone. I've done a bit of research on finding a local breeder and I've turn nothing up that I'm comfortable with (A lot of closed websites and hard to reach breeders). So, shoot your recommendations away!

Thank you all for your help! I'll keep everyone updated on the progress.
 
First, thank you both for your service.
Second, I feel ya on loosing a parrot companion, my Maxie died the same way. I tought I was going to wait awhile or even if I wanted to have that again. But then Salty came up, and he was a really nice baby of a very rare but well recommended species. I feel ya and good on ya for doing your research.
Third - Greys. Your conure was probably an exception, if he didn't try to nip off a finger or toe! Most parrots don't like quick small hand or general movements. I had a YNA , had to give him up to raise 3 kids, all he wanted to do ( and succeeded a few times) is take chunk out of them. Personally, your the first person I've heard of if, the conure and your birdy were sharing shoulders peaceably. Even my daughter. who WAS a baby and basically was raised with Winston til she was 3 or so, she would still stick her fingers into the parrot cage, and get bit. A grey - it might be tough sell when it got older.As the both get older. Do your reaserch well, on this. Good luck.
 
I can only offer my limited experience with my 9mo CAG. I have two gigs, both can keep me away from the house for anywhere between 2 - 6 hours. What I have noticed recently is when I come home from a longer absence Perjo seems to test me, wants to bite down a tiny bit harder than usual (she's not a biter, and I'm the only person in the home, we're bonded). She doesn't hold a grudge all day, but for the first 15-30 minutes of my return she does this. My instinct tells me this is her way of letting me know she's not happy with me being gone too long.

I don't know if it is a phase, if this is how she will be forever, or if CAGs tend to do this.

I'm just giving you the info to have to consider if others mention this as well.
 
I can only offer my limited experience with my 9mo CAG. I have two gigs, both can keep me away from the house for anywhere between 2 - 6 hours. What I have noticed recently is when I come home from a longer absence Perjo seems to test me, wants to bite down a tiny bit harder than usual (she's not a biter, and I'm the only person in the home, we're bonded). She doesn't hold a grudge all day, but for the first 15-30 minutes of my return she does this. My instinct tells me this is her way of letting me know she's not happy with me being gone too long.

I don't know if it is a phase, if this is how she will be forever, or if CAGs tend to do this.

I'm just giving you the info to have to consider if others mention this as well.

Thank you for your reply, I'm use to conure bites but I've never been bitten by a Grey but I've been told they are worse. I'll have to do more research on the work thing than as my schedule is a pretty consistent 8 hours with sometimes a hour break for lunch.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, Perjo looks beautiful!
First, thank you both for your service.
Second, I feel ya on loosing a parrot companion, my Maxie died the same way. I tought I was going to wait awhile or even if I wanted to have that again. But then Salty came up, and he was a really nice baby of a very rare but well recommended species. I feel ya and good on ya for doing your research.
Third - Greys. Your conure was probably an exception, if he didn't try to nip off a finger or toe! Most parrots don't like quick small hand or general movements. I had a YNA , had to give him up to raise 3 kids, all he wanted to do ( and succeeded a few times) is take chunk out of them. Personally, your the first person I've heard of if, the conure and your birdy were sharing shoulders peaceably. Even my daughter. who WAS a baby and basically was raised with Winston til she was 3 or so, she would still stick her fingers into the parrot cage, and get bit. A grey - it might be tough sell when it got older.As the both get older. Do your reaserch well, on this. Good luck.

Oh I won't lie, Cameron tried and succeeded in taking a bit out of her before, got a little over-confident with him and how well I could read his intentions and well, that was one pissed off baby and one guilty looking bird that day. That was when we just kept them on opposite sides of the room when he was out (IE I'd play with the baby and wife would hang out with Cameron). It seemed to work for him. Just not sure if this would be something that I'd expect to work with a CAG, especially a young CAG. I'll make sure to do more research.

Also,thank you, we both appreciate it :)
 
I have two concerns:

1) CAGs I believe are rather known to be one person birds, so you both may be excited now but one of you could be left out in the cold.
2) as military, if you are deployable and you both wind up having to move, you're faced with import/export laws regarding exotics. If this scenario playing out is in fact a possibility, it might be better to wait until you retire and aren't likely to be sent overseas; otherwise you probably aren't acting in the best interest of your bird. I grew up military and had to leave my parakeets behind when we left Spain. Of course, if your wife being nondeployable means someone will always be stateside, this could be a mute point.

In your scenario, I might posit that an eclectus might be a better choice for you.
 
Last edited:
I have two concerns:

1) CAGs I believe are rather known to be one person birds, so you both may be excited now but one of you could be left out in the cold.
2) as military, if you are deployable and you both wind up having to move, you're faced with import/export laws regarding exotics. If this scenario playing out is in fact a possibility, it might be better to wait until you retire and aren't likely to be sent overseas; otherwise you probably aren't acting in the best interest of your bird. I grew up military and had to leave my parakeets behind when we left Spain. Of course, if your wife being nondeployable means someone will always be stateside, this could be a mute point.

In your scenario, I might posit that an eclectus might be a better choice for you.

Well she'll be getting out shortly (before I get orders outside of the states) and with my job, there really isn't any 'oversea' orders, you know, minus deployments. I'd be the main caregiver for the bird but it's up to the bird to decide who they want to give affection to the most. Would you recommend looking into a different species? Or holding off completely?
 
Good morning/afternoon/evening all!

About three month ago, my family experienced the loss of our precious Sun Conure, Cameron. At first we were up in the air about whether we wanted to adopt another bird but after a few month have passed, we've missed having our feathery friend around. I've always expressed and interest with my wife about owning a CAG and she seems on board about getting one now as well.

Now first off, I want to say that this adoption won't take place until at least early to mid 2017, I have a lot of research to do before making a commitment like that (and a lot of shopping). At this point I just want to get an idea of whether a CAG would be a proper fit for our home.

To give you an idea of what my family looks like, it's:

1 Husky (About a year old)
2 cats (Both about 2 years old)
1 baby (6 month and growing to fast)
2 adults(23 and 22)

My baby did get to interact with Cameron a bit but generally due to her age and tendency to grab at things, we made sure they were either extremely supervised or we kept them out of each other reach. This isn't to say that I isolated either of them from each other, just that if I was holding the baby, Cameron was either with my wife or hanging out on a T post on the opposite side of the room or in his cage. Now I know every bird has their difference and you may get one that loves babies and another than can't stand them but is there a general consensus about CAG and children?

Next, both my wife and I are military. I'm deployable, she isn't. We both work full time jobs with very little vacation time between (Only major holidays). With Cameron, I would wake up, pull the blanket off his cage and got to work. Whenever, I had lunch, I'd come home, let him out of his cage to hang out, feed the other pets, and than put him back to go back to work. Obviously, after work he normally hung on a perch with the family in the living room. Would a schedule generally work with a CAG? How are CAG with moves? We're hoping to be in CT for at least 5 years and after that, either be out of the military or if we change our mind, stay stateside(Which has a good chance with our jobs).

Lastly, when I bought Cameron, I think I sort of rushed into things. I had to hand-feed him, which was a fun experience but something I don't think a beginner should do. So at the moment, I'm looking for recommendations for a breeder that people would recommend. I live in CT if that helps anyone. I've done a bit of research on finding a local breeder and I've turn nothing up that I'm comfortable with (A lot of closed websites and hard to reach breeders). So, shoot your recommendations away!

Thank you all for your help! I'll keep everyone updated on the progress.

Where in CT are you? I know of an excellent place that breeds and hand feeds all of their babies. That is where I got BB from.

Jim
 
Good morning/afternoon/evening all!

About three month ago, my family experienced the loss of our precious Sun Conure, Cameron. At first we were up in the air about whether we wanted to adopt another bird but after a few month have passed, we've missed having our feathery friend around. I've always expressed and interest with my wife about owning a CAG and she seems on board about getting one now as well.

Now first off, I want to say that this adoption won't take place until at least early to mid 2017, I have a lot of research to do before making a commitment like that (and a lot of shopping). At this point I just want to get an idea of whether a CAG would be a proper fit for our home.

To give you an idea of what my family looks like, it's:

1 Husky (About a year old)
2 cats (Both about 2 years old)
1 baby (6 month and growing to fast)
2 adults(23 and 22)

My baby did get to interact with Cameron a bit but generally due to her age and tendency to grab at things, we made sure they were either extremely supervised or we kept them out of each other reach. This isn't to say that I isolated either of them from each other, just that if I was holding the baby, Cameron was either with my wife or hanging out on a T post on the opposite side of the room or in his cage. Now I know every bird has their difference and you may get one that loves babies and another than can't stand them but is there a general consensus about CAG and children?

Next, both my wife and I are military. I'm deployable, she isn't. We both work full time jobs with very little vacation time between (Only major holidays). With Cameron, I would wake up, pull the blanket off his cage and got to work. Whenever, I had lunch, I'd come home, let him out of his cage to hang out, feed the other pets, and than put him back to go back to work. Obviously, after work he normally hung on a perch with the family in the living room. Would a schedule generally work with a CAG? How are CAG with moves? We're hoping to be in CT for at least 5 years and after that, either be out of the military or if we change our mind, stay stateside(Which has a good chance with our jobs).

Lastly, when I bought Cameron, I think I sort of rushed into things. I had to hand-feed him, which was a fun experience but something I don't think a beginner should do. So at the moment, I'm looking for recommendations for a breeder that people would recommend. I live in CT if that helps anyone. I've done a bit of research on finding a local breeder and I've turn nothing up that I'm comfortable with (A lot of closed websites and hard to reach breeders). So, shoot your recommendations away!

Thank you all for your help! I'll keep everyone updated on the progress.

Where in CT are you? I know of an excellent place that breeds and hand feeds all of their babies. That is where I got BB from.

Jim

Small world! Lovely Groton but I'm more than willing to travel.
 
Good morning/afternoon/evening all!

About three month ago, my family experienced the loss of our precious Sun Conure, Cameron. At first we were up in the air about whether we wanted to adopt another bird but after a few month have passed, we've missed having our feathery friend around. I've always expressed and interest with my wife about owning a CAG and she seems on board about getting one now as well.

Now first off, I want to say that this adoption won't take place until at least early to mid 2017, I have a lot of research to do before making a commitment like that (and a lot of shopping). At this point I just want to get an idea of whether a CAG would be a proper fit for our home.

To give you an idea of what my family looks like, it's:

1 Husky (About a year old)
2 cats (Both about 2 years old)
1 baby (6 month and growing to fast)
2 adults(23 and 22)

My baby did get to interact with Cameron a bit but generally due to her age and tendency to grab at things, we made sure they were either extremely supervised or we kept them out of each other reach. This isn't to say that I isolated either of them from each other, just that if I was holding the baby, Cameron was either with my wife or hanging out on a T post on the opposite side of the room or in his cage. Now I know every bird has their difference and you may get one that loves babies and another than can't stand them but is there a general consensus about CAG and children?

Next, both my wife and I are military. I'm deployable, she isn't. We both work full time jobs with very little vacation time between (Only major holidays). With Cameron, I would wake up, pull the blanket off his cage and got to work. Whenever, I had lunch, I'd come home, let him out of his cage to hang out, feed the other pets, and than put him back to go back to work. Obviously, after work he normally hung on a perch with the family in the living room. Would a schedule generally work with a CAG? How are CAG with moves? We're hoping to be in CT for at least 5 years and after that, either be out of the military or if we change our mind, stay stateside(Which has a good chance with our jobs).

Lastly, when I bought Cameron, I think I sort of rushed into things. I had to hand-feed him, which was a fun experience but something I don't think a beginner should do. So at the moment, I'm looking for recommendations for a breeder that people would recommend. I live in CT if that helps anyone. I've done a bit of research on finding a local breeder and I've turn nothing up that I'm comfortable with (A lot of closed websites and hard to reach breeders). So, shoot your recommendations away!

Thank you all for your help! I'll keep everyone updated on the progress.

Where in CT are you? I know of an excellent place that breeds and hand feeds all of their babies. That is where I got BB from.

Jim

Small world! Lovely Groton but I'm more than willing to travel.

LOL...ok I am in Wallingford,and this place is in Stamford :o Thet even have a website..I think its called "Parotts and Company" They have been in business for 36 years,and carry ALL KINDS of beautiful birdies! from budgies to 'tiels,amazons, CAGS and TAGS...'too's and Macs...very knowledgeable people. I would recommend calling or going for a visit..well worth your time. And like I said they breed and raise them all


Jim
 
Where in CT are you? I know of an excellent place that breeds and hand feeds all of their babies. That is where I got BB from.

Jim

Small world! Lovely Groton but I'm more than willing to travel.

LOL...ok I am in Wallingford,and this place is in Stamford :o Thet even have a website..I think its called "Parotts and Company" They have been in business for 36 years,and carry ALL KINDS of beautiful birdies! from budgies to 'tiels,amazons, CAGS and TAGS...'too's and Macs...very knowledgeable people. I would recommend calling or going for a visit..well worth your time. And like I said they breed and raise them all


Jim

That's not to bad of a drive, I think I'll have to make a trip next weekend! Thank you.
 
BB the 'tiel was kind of an impulse buy..I have had 2 birds in my life for nearly 30 years. And after having to rehome Jonesy,the Goffins..Amy <my BF> and I were kind of depressed. After reading about 'tiels on this forum,I went to this place and looked at ALL of their birds..conures,and finches,ekkies..etc etc.
They had a couple mutations of 'tiels,and had 4 normal grey tiels that were ready for homes..they were 4.5 months old..the others still had about a week to go.
I looked at the four and the guy asked which one I'd like to hold,and BB was looking at me,so the guy picked him up < no fight from BB> and handed him to me..he perched on my finger,then RAN up my arm to my shoulder twittling in my ear..
He has now been here 4 months now. Amy loves him...he doesn't mind Amy,sharing his food with her,and he is VERY smart! He is talking away..sings,,,does the Andy Griffth theme song..Anyway...I'd highly recommend this place.
And when I took BB for his first wellness check...he was in perfect health!


Jim
 
Aww he sounds adorable! Sounds like you two were a match meant to be! Cameron was sort of the same, bought him from a breeder I found on CL and kind of impulse bought him on pay day. Trying to avoid that situation now lol. Wife and I already plan to go there next Saturday though, so here's to hoping I can stay strong!

EDIT: Also,I'm sorry about Jonesy, I don't know the circumstances behind the rohoming but by doing so,you showed that you really cared.
 
Last edited:
Aww he sounds adorable! Sounds like you two were a match meant to be! Cameron was sort of the same, bought him from a breeder I found on CL and kind of impulse bought him on pay day. Trying to avoid that situation now lol. Wife and I already plan to go there next Saturday though, so here's to hoping I can stay strong!

EDIT: Also,I'm sorry about Jonesy, I don't know the circumstances behind the rohoming but by doing so,you showed that you really cared.

After my TAG Smokey passed away,after 27 years,my friends brother had 2 too's and Jonesy didn't get along with Pooky...so he heard Smokes passed and asked if'd like to adopt him..he was GREAT for a year...then turned jeckyl/hyde...sweet one moment,drawing bloof the next...and CONSTANT screaming :eek: I did everything I could..change MY attitude...tried different things with him.
A lady who owns a convience store right down the road wanted him...so her family has him now...They love him and he loves them! It turned out great foreveryone concerned.


Jim
 
I just sent you a PM..


Jim
 
Aww he sounds adorable! Sounds like you two were a match meant to be! Cameron was sort of the same, bought him from a breeder I found on CL and kind of impulse bought him on pay day. Trying to avoid that situation now lol. Wife and I already plan to go there next Saturday though, so here's to hoping I can stay strong!

EDIT: Also,I'm sorry about Jonesy, I don't know the circumstances behind the rohoming but by doing so,you showed that you really cared.

After my TAG Smokey passed away,after 27 years,my friends brother had 2 too's and Jonesy didn't get along with Pooky...so he heard Smokes passed and asked if'd like to adopt him..he was GREAT for a year...then turned jeckyl/hyde...sweet one moment,drawing bloof the next...and CONSTANT screaming :eek: I did everything I could..change MY attitude...tried different things with him.
A lady who owns a convience store right down the road wanted him...so her family has him now...They love him and he loves them! It turned out great foreveryone concerned.


Jim

Well at least he has a good home now! And they are close by, have you been able to see him since the rohoming?

I saw the pm! Replying shortly.
 
No I have not seen him..they have invited me over though..


Jim
 

Most Reactions

Gus: A Birds Life

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom