African Grey Parrot

Easily, the African Grey Parrot is one of the most beautiful, most desired, and among the easier species of parrots to raise.  They originate from central Africa, and they are very intelligent and have exceptional talking and cognitive ability.  African Greys are capable of developing a large vocabulary and may be able to communicate well with their owners. How much fun is that? Imagine actually carrying on a conversation with your pet!

Getting to Know African Greys

The two types of African Greys are medium-sized parrots growing to be about 10 to 14 inches in length. The first type; the Congo African Grey is light grey in color and has a red tail.  The second type; the Timneh African Grey is a darker charcoal grey with a maroon tail.  The males are larger then the females. Unlike most bird species, the appearances of both sexes in African Greys are the same. Female African Grey parrots however have a narrower head and a more slender neck than their male counterparts.

Living with an African Grey Parrot

These parrots need a caretaker that can make a long-term commitment to them since African Greys can live up to 60 years.  Because of their high intelligence, African Greys require a caretaker/friend that is experienced and who can understand their needs.  African Greys get bored very easily so, a stimulating and interactive environment is a must.  Unless their intellectual needs are met, African Greys often turn their boredom into behavioral problems like picking at their own feathers.  Being such sensitive birds also can lead to behavioral problems.  Even a small change in their daily routine or in their surroundings can cause an African Grey parrot to become cranky or show signs of self-mutilation.  Although they are typically well behaved and a great pet, these parrots come with a few challenges.  African Greys that are undisciplined can get into trouble.  They might chew wires or bite.  They pick up behaviors very quickly so if you inadvertently reinforce bad habits in your African Grey, they can have a very tough time unlearned the bad habits. But, it is also just as easy teach them good ones.

Are you a match?

African Grey parrots are very social birds. In the wild they will typically flock together.  With a caretaker, an African Grey parrot will adopt this new family into their flock.  They sometimes even cuddle with their owners. These social habits make them great pets.  Although they don’t like intense physical contact they do enjoy petting and head-scratching.  Their parrot’s strange signs of affections will not put off experienced African Grey caretakers.  For example; regurgitation for a Grey is a sign of deep affection.  They will also try to “kiss” their owners on the mouth.  This is not recommended because the human mouth contains bacteria that is dangerous to parrots.  It is important for you to understand these parrots’ need for a companion.  African Greys who become lonely may begin to screech excessively, pluck their own feathers, or they may start to bite.  Because of these tendencies, African Grey parrots may not be good pets for a family who has children.  Their beaks are strong and hard.  Children may not understand this behavior.  These birds also use their beaks almost as another hand; a way to explore the world.
African Grey parrots are full of personality and human like qualities.  Those who are lucky enough to own one are able to see intelligence not equaled in many other animals.