Caring For Your African Grey Parrot
One of the most beautiful and among the easier species of parrot to keep is the African Grey Parrot. Originating from central Africa, they are highly intelligent and known for their exceptional talking and cognitive ability. African Greys are capable of developing a large vocabulary and may be able to communicate well with their owners.
There are two main sub-species of the African Grey Parrot breed. Both sub-species make excellent pets, are considered a medium sized parrot (ranging 10-14 inches long), and live 60-80 years. When choosing a sub-species of the African Grey Parrot, it really just comes down to personal preference. The first sub-species is the Timneh (”Tim-ney”) African Grey Parrot. Timneh Greys are dark charcoal grey in color, have dark maroon tails, and have light or bone colored beaks. They are also considerably smaller than the Congo Grey African Parrot. The Congo Greys are the second sub-species and are lighter grey in color, usually have a white masked face, an all black beak, and have a lighter red or sometimes even coral or salmon colored tail feathers. Either sub-species make endearing pets and can easily be trained to mimic, speak, and do various tricks, specifically when hand fed.
African Grey parrots make great pets because they are very social birds. In the wild they will typically flock together. In the care of an owner an African Grey parrot will adopt this new family into their flock. They have been known to cuddle with their owners. Although they don’t like intense physical contact they do enjoy petting and head-scratching. Experience African Grey owners will not be put off by their bird’s strange signs of affections. 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 birds. It is important for their owners to understand these birds’s need for a companion. African Grey who becomes lonely may begin to vocalize 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.
These parrots also need an owner who can make a long term commitment to them. African Greys have a long lifespan and can live up to 60 years. Because of their high intelligence, African Greys require an owner that is experienced and who can understand their needs. They can easily become bored so, a stimulating and interactive environment is a must. Without their intellectual needs met African Greys might turn their boredom into behavioral problems like feather picking. Since they are such sensitive birds they can also behavioral problems. It’s possible that even a small change in their daily routine or in their surroundings can lead an African Grey parrot to become cranky or show signs of self mutilation. Although they are typically well behaved and a great pet these birds do not come without 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, you can also easily teach them good ones.
Proper research and understanding the full commitments required in owning an African Gray Parrot is important. Some say that training of and caring for an African Gray Parrot is similar to raising a small child. They can be challenging, demanding, and frustrating to care for at times, but the rewards, entertainment, and love that you will receive back from an African Gray Parrot will well outweigh the cons. Devotion, patience, and love for an African Gray Parrot will enhance the lives of its owners for a lifet