African Grey Parrot: Facts And Information About This Species

African Grey Parrot: Facts And Information About This Species

African Grey parrots are a very popular choice for a pet parrot, but let's have a look at some of the facts of this bird.

When a person wants to keep a pet parrot it is a difficult decision to make when it comes to choosing which species of parrot they want to keep. Parrots have a long life span (up to 60 years) and taking on a pet parrot is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously.

If you like parrots, you more than likely really love so many different sorts that it is hard to decide which one to own. The colors appeal, but so do the different personalities.

Talking Abilities

African Grey's have an enormous ability to mimic people talking and they are a quick learner so the owner does need to watch what they say in front of the bird otherwise they will hear it straight back at them! They also love to imitate noises they hear, such a clock, a door bell or the telephone.

Parrot Size

The African Grey is a medium sized parrot which ideal for a pet. Both sexes tend to be about the same size but the female does have a slightly narrower upper body and head.

Colors

There are in fact two types of these birds. One is the Timneh African Grey which is darker grey on top, with a light grey chest and a maroon colored tail. The other is the Congo African Grey which has a light grey body, a very light grey on the side of the head and a bright red tail.

Intelligence

The African Grey is a very intelligent bird and needs to be kept stimulated. It loves company but if you cannot keep it company and it has to be left on its own during the day, then make sure that it has some stimulating toys to play with. Noisy and moving toys will keep them occupied. But so too will they enjoy some rough tree bark and leaves in their cage to chew on.

If they get stressed they will get into feather picking so this needs to be watched for as it can be a sign of loneliness, ill health, jealousy, sadness, or any other emotional problem that it could be facing.

Training An African Grey

These parrots love the interaction with owners and to this end they just love pleasing their owners and do this by their learning abilities with their training. They will enjoy being trained and they will enjoy showing off their new skills.

What to feed a parrot

It is best to give a parrot a mixed diet of pellets, seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables and a mix of proteins. They may need to be encouraged to eat different foods but they do need to do this for their best state of health.

Make sure that the water is clean and it does need to be changed twice a day because parrots do have a habit of making their water rancid with seeds and excretions.

In warmer weather they will enjoy a light water spray but be careful not to drench them as they don't enjoy being soaked.

If you wish to buy an African Grey parrot do purchase from a popular breeder and avoid inherited problems from rogue breeders. So many ill-bred parrots get very sick and they will cost a fortune to look after and you just won't have a happy, healthy parrot.