Psitticus Erithacus
Commonly called: African Grey Parrot
Length: about 33 cm (13 inches)
Origin: Central belt of Africa; southeast Ivory Coast east to western Kenya and south to northern Angola, southern Congo and northwest Tanzania; islands of Fernando Poo and Principe.
Status: not an endangered species, this bird is no longer imported although it is trapped locally for it's feathers and illegal trade.
Lifespan: Over 40 years
Frequently touted as the best talking parrot in captivity, the African Grey is indeed an incredible talker. They can learn literally hundreds of words, . However, African Greys can be very dignified and somewhat aloof. If very bonded to one person they may become jealous and protective toward them, even defending their loved one if someone else comes too close to them. In the wild, around the age of two or three a Grey will pick his or her mate for life. This is why as pets at this age a Grey may decide it's formerly bonded person is not the one for him anymore, he may pick another member of the family to be his or her 'mate', even though it may be someone he has previously ignored.
The intelligence level of these birds is too high to expect any one of them to act the same, their likes and dislikes are as obvious as a human. In fact, it is like having another person around and they seem to demand the same respect you would give to anyone else in your home. Their intelligence is about the same level as a young child. Often also called the smartest of all parrots in captivity, they will convince you of that themselves. They are truly amazing to have around.
Bathing is a requirement with these birds as Greys tend to have more feather plucking problems than many other species. These problems can rise from a multitude of reasons. Change of cage location, introduction of a new pet, baby or even furniture are among the causes. Bathing will help in the case of this happening, especially if Aloe Vera is added to the spray bottle or bath water. Some Greys hate to bathe, it may take time and patience to find a way they will accept without being frightened of it. If your bird develops a lot of powder on his feathers this is a very healthy sign and is the result of good care of his feathers.
Caging requirements: We would recommend a 2x2x3 foot cage minimum, although a double wide Amazon cage is preferable. They do well with playtops, and are happy to sit on them all day. Buy toys that demand thought, such as the type where pieces can be unscrewed or manipulated. Wooden toys to chew up are important, Greys love to shred wood and will happily destroy the wooden block toys you give them.
Rotate the toys so they don't get bored. Rope perches are usually destroyed pretty quickly. Greys also like to have a small 'sleep perch', a 6 inch cement perch works well. Put it up as high as they can sit comfortably,preferably toward the back of the cage.
Feeding requirements: Eating is something these birds do well. A good pelleted diet would be primary, followed by a small amount of seed to vary their diet and give them the fun of cracking the seeds. Grey's can be prone to being overweight so keep that in mind with the seed. They love demolishing whole corn on the cobs, oranges with peel and pomegranates. They love to eat whatever you are eating, just make sure it's healthy before you share! If you start giving them undesirable foods they will quickly learn to cause commotion when they see you eating it if you don't share. It's best off not to start bad habits, these birds have a very long memory!
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