Q1 - Are Jardine's parrots suitable pets for children?
A - From Rita Shimniok:
We have a Lesser J here named Li'l Jo who is just wonderful with kids - she has interacted with kids age 3 and up so far. Jardine's are probably the most headstrong of J's, TAGs (Timneh African Greys), and BWPs (Bronze-Winged Pionus). Of course the TAG would reign as the most talented talker. Pionus are pretty quiet and don't learn a whole lot of English - but are certainly capable of some.
When you have kids and you want a bird - of course it is no secret that all birds bite. But there are ways to help young baby birds become accustomed to children - it helps to buy a well socialized bird - and one already used to children if possible (not always necessary though).
A - From Ginny Caputo:
Both my Jardine's are capable of biting hard & both have formed trusting attachments
to me. I would not trust them with young
children. Their bite is too hard & they are too headstrong IMHO for children to
handle. While they are not as high strung as my Grey, they do tend to be a little shy at
times & are a bit sensitive. I don't think they would be a good choice for a young
child as a pet.
A - From Cathy Henderson:
My Jardine's seem to enjoy being where the action is. Kids with balls or roller blading through the den don't seem to bother them.
A - From Perry and Kristin:
It does bring up an interesting philosophical question though about bird ownership and that is: how much information is enough? Perhaps what we have learned the most is that although there are characteristics of a breed, it is the individual bird's personality that is the most important trait.
Sadie was purchased -- we thought after gaining some insight into birds -- from a highly reputable dealer. The main problem here is that we chose the feistier of the two birds -- we could have gotten the one that Martha has that allows you to turn her upside down while she lies on her back - -- or at least she did in the store. Sadie on the other hand was trying to climb on our shoulders from day one. Our mistake was not knowing that what we really wanted was a cuddler not an explorer. We let Sadie on our shoulders early on only to realize what a mistake that is.
Q2 - How do Jardine's compare to, say, Timneh African Greys as pets?
A - From Rita Shimniok:
Differences between Jardine's and Timneh African Greys from one who has both:
Jardine's are often more strong willed than a TAG - therefore it may take a person with a strong personality to set the proper guidelines in order to keep their bird in line. Jardine's are not for one who can be easily intimidated by a large beak - yes, they can be sweet - but Js are very clever and will test out new people to see if they can gain the top position in the flock.
(Hopefully anyone considering a parrot has studied flock behavior and realizes that humans become flock members for a bird that lives with people vs. other birds. If not - I strongly suggest a subscription to the Pet Bird Report magazine.)
Both Jardine's and TAG's are active birds - and will require an assortment of amusing toys. Both birds play with the toys in their cage and tend to pass the time while their people are gone without problem. The key here, of course, is obtaining a young bird that has had exposure to toys, and time alone while being raised. If you get a baby who does not know how to play with toys - you will have to teach them.
Timneh's are typically more mild mannered than a Jardine's - therefore perhaps easier for one to maintain top flock position with - but they DO test you also, as will any juvenile parrot. A Grey, however, is more likely to bluff (as in not actually deliver a bite) than a Jardine's. I believe Jardine's to be quite fearless. (VBG)
All Greys are extremely intelligent, so if the bird is to be left alone while at work or school, and there are no other pet birds in the home for company - I highly recommend that televisions and radios be set up on timers to deliver interesting shows and/or music. A Jardine's will appreciate this too, of course. A variety of toys is a key preventative in reducing the possibility of boredom. The more intelligent the bird, the more challenging the toys should be. Puzzle type toys are great for Greys.
A well socialized Grey, as well as Jardine's, will not pluck it's feathers from stress, change, or boredom as long as the bird is provided with plenty to do while its people are gone - and receives plenty of interaction when its people are home. Both of these birds require several hours a day of people to parrot interaction. The entire time does not mean that one has to hold it in their lap for cuddles - as there are various levels of parrot/people interaction. It can be as easy as having the bird out on a playpen while you are home supervising, having the bird hang out with you while watching tv or studying, and of course hands on interaction where you are petting, preening and scratching their heads. All birds need all types of interaction - as is such that they would receive from fellow flock mates in the wild.
As was mentioned by another list member, if a teenager is interested in obtaining a bird - they must have the back up support and interest from their parents. I receive so many calls from families who want to sell or give up their bird, as their youngster is going off to college and the bird "belonged to them". Many parents have no desire to maintain the enormous upkeep and responsibility of a parrot while their child is off to college - to come home on weekends, every other weekend, then once a month, once every couple of months, etc. Dorm rooms do not allow parrots, and if they did, it is likely not a good place for a parrot since non bird owning students find it amusing to give birds alcohol or other substances detrimental to their health.
One on one comparisons:
Beauty: Jardine's: Glowing green and black with orange accents; TAG's - elegant
charcoal grey with maroon tail
Eyes: J's: mischievous, clever; TAGs - intelligent, wise, read your mind
Personal Interaction: whether either of these birds is cuddly or aloof will depend upon how it is raised, how confident the new owners are in handling the bird and continuing the lessons taught by the breeder. A person who is not confident handling larger parrots and are afraid of "THE BEAK' should really consider a smaller species.
Size: J's: a Lesser J will require less cage space than a Greater J or TAG. Lesser J - 20x20x24 or 36" minimum; Greater Js and TAGs: - 36"x24"x24" ideal minimum. If someone in the home is home all day and the bird will be out of its cage for the greater share of the day - a somewhat smaller cage would be all right.
Noise: J's can be noisier than TAGs if they are "taught" to scream for what they want; TAGs can be annoying if they learn to imitate other screaming birds, smoke alarms, microwaves, etc. TAG's will in almost all cases, be the best talker of the two
Activity: Both very active, require plenty of toys to be changed around in the cage now and then
Diet: require typically the same - nutritious, well researched pellet based diet supplemented with vegetables, grains, and fruits which they will enjoy plastering all over your walls and floor
Bathing: required every other day, often daily in the winter time where air is dry from artificial heat. types of baths will vary, depending on what the breeder has offered while raising, or what you discover your bird likes
Interaction with Strangers: Js typically will perform and not be bothered by strangers, where greys can be more aloof - however, a well socialized Grey will not be bothered by new people. Most birds will clam up with strangers around. Do not expect either to allow major cuddling by a complete stranger.
© 1998, 1999 African Parrot Society
Last update: March 04, 2003