Important facts about African grey parrot

Things to Know About the African Grey Parrot

Weight: 15 to 18 ounces

Length: 13 inches

Lifespan: Can live up to 80 years 

Physical Characteristics: Varying shades of Grey on the body, with striking red tail feathers

The African Grey parrot is believed to be one of the world’s most intelligent birds and can learn over 1000 words and speak sentences in the correct context. These beautiful and intelligent birds tend to form a powerful bond with one individual and are often remarkably in tune with their handler’s emotions. While these traits may seem appealing, African Grey parrots are not recommended for novice pet owners. These birds require much time with their owners, plenty of puzzles and activities to keep their brains occupied, room to fly, and a reliable daily schedule.

Because of their outsized intelligence, these parrots need five hours of stimulation daily to avoid boredom or depression. They are easy to train once one is familiar with using positive reinforcement and operant conditioning as training methods, but inexperienced bird owners will need to educate themselves on training techniques for the process to go smoothly.

How to Care for African Grey Parrots

Owning an African Grey parrot can be much like having a toddler to care for. These brilliant birds need hours of attention, plenty of out-of-cage exercise, social time with people and other pets, and mental stimulation to thrive.

What Type of Cage Does an African Grey Parrot Need?

Enclosures require enough space for your African Grey parrot to fully spread their wings without touching the sides and to move around from perch to perch comfortably. Your parrot’s cage should be durable, clean, secure, and constructed with non-toxic materials. Perches should be of variable widths, heights, and textures. A concrete perch can help to keep your Grey’s toenails tidy. Never place perches over food or water (to prevent contamination). Be sure to put your gey enclosure in a warm, safe place, clear of drafts and with indirect sunlight. Do not isolate your Grey; these social birds want to be involved in the day-to-day life of their handlers.

What Kind of Diet Should I Feed My African Grey Parrot?

In the wild, the natural diet of African Grey parrots consists of various fruits, nuts, and vegetables. While seed-based diets may seem obvious, there are better choices since they permit birds to selectively pick out the seeds they like best, often leading to an imbalanced diet.

High-quality formulated diets in pellet or crumble form should comprise about 75% of your parrot’s diet. These specially formulated foods prevent picking and provide your pet with a more complete and nutritionally balanced diet. Dark leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits should make up 20-25% of your Grey’s diet, with treats limited to 5% or less. Clean, fresh water should always be available to your parrot.

How Can I Provide Opportunities For my African Grey Parrot to Exercise?

African Grey parrots require an hour or more each day of enrichment playtime with owners involving games, puzzles, and lessons – but that’s not all. As well as enrichment, your Grey will also require 2-3 hours of exercise and out-of-cage time every day to help build muscle strength and prevent obesity. Be sure to restrict your African Grey parrot to safe rooms whenever they are out of their cage and always supervise your Grey since they can get into mischief, such as eating things they shouldn’t, getting into fights with other pets, or knocking things over.

How do you take care of an African Grey Parrot?

To keep your African Grey Parrot healthy and happy, a qualified avian veterinarian should examine it once or twice a year. A vet with specialized training in the care of exotics and avians can help provide your African Grey parrot with the care they need and deserve, as well as the guidance and advice you need to become the best Grey owner you can be. Routine preventive care, including fecal exams, blood tests, and vaccinations, is vital in giving your African Grey their best shot at a long, happy, and healthy life. 

Wing and nail trimming will also be required occasionally to keep your parrot looking and feeling great.

Without proper care at home and annual veterinary care, African Greys are prone to several problematic behaviors and health problems, including feather picking, fearfulness, aggression, respiratory illnesses, hypocalcemia syndrome, circovirus (PBFD virus), nasal blockages (bacterial, fungal, secondary to malnutrition), and proventricular dilatation disease (PDD)

What Are the Costs Associated With Owning an African Grey Parrot?

African Greys do not make ideal pets for everyone. If you are out of the house frequently, travel, devote your time to children, or do not have 3-5 hours to devote to your Grey each day, this is not the pet for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a feathered friend who will be devoted to you and demand your love and attention, an African Grey may be the right pet for you. Still, it is essential to remember that these birds can live up to 80 years of age, meaning they often outlive their owners and must be rehomed.

If you want an African Grey Parrot, your first stop should be your local parrot rescue agency. The volunteers and professionals at a parrot rescue center will be able to tell you about the personality, health, and general background of the birds they are rehoming. Rescue agencies often offer classes for new bird owners and tips and advice on caring for avian companions.

Whenever you see an African Grey Parrot for sale, check out the breeder or seller to ensure that the bird has been treated ethically and is in good health.

You should expect to pay anywhere from about $500 to $5000 for an African Grey Parrot, depending on where you get your pet. It would help if you also were prepared to spend $75-$300 in the region to purchase all the food, equipment, and goodies you will need for your new feathered friend.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.