Hi there. I am sorry for the loss of your bird and hope the following information helps you:) I bought my African Grey from a friend of mine 11 years ago this past December, before her I believe she had one owner. I love my Grey, I believe they are quieter than a conure would be, however, it is up to you individual taste. She is quite the talker and can definitely be loud when she wants to. Unfortunately, she has taken to men over women, so it's very difficult after being bitten by her numerous times to try and hold her, but when she does let me, it's great. My husband can hold her upset down, she grooms him, all the good stuff that makes me quite jealous because I cannot get that close to her. She says hello, good bye, sierra (her name) and sentences that I can't quite figure out yet, when our dog runs to the front door barking, she will do a ssshhhh sound because that is what we do :) Anyways, I love having the grey, so I personally would recommend one over the conure, just because of the intelligence level, Greys are number one in that degree and they say the Yellow Napes are second. Good luck in whatever you decide.