The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a popular pet species, renowned for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, including human speech. These birds form strong bonds with their owners, making them devoted companions. However, potential owners must be prepared to meet the significant demands of these intelligent creatures.
African Greys come in two subspecies: the Congo (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and the Timneh (Psittacus erithacus timneh). Both require similar care, though Timnehs may adapt to slightly smaller cages. Congos are larger, reaching 12-14 inches with bright red tails, while Timnehs are around 10 inches with maroon tails. While both subspecies can talk well, some believe Congos excel at mimicking precise sounds, while Timnehs may start talking earlier and are more willing to speak in front of strangers. Each bird, however, has its unique personality. It takes African Greys longer to mature than many other species.
Housing
African Greys need a large cage to accommodate their size and activity level. A starter cage for a young Grey can be 24”L x 24”W x 28”H. As the bird matures, a larger cage is necessary, ideally AT LEAST 36”L x 24”W x 48”H. The cage should have horizontal bars on at least two sides to facilitate climbing. Bar spacing should be no more than 1 inch to prevent injuries.
The ideal African Grey Parrot aviary should be private and quiet. They should be kept away from noisy conures, cockatoos, Amazons, and macaws. Thirty years ago, Tony Silva bred Grey Parrots in cages as small as 90 cm (3 ft) square, feeling that the small enclosure met the requirements for security that these parrots needed. Today his current recommendation is to house pairs of African Greys in cages 3.6 m (12 ft) long x 1.2 m (4 ft) square.
African Greys thrive at room temperature, ideally between the mid-70s during the day and no colder than 65 degrees at night. Avoid placing the cage in drafty areas or near heat sources. Ensure the bird can dry in a warmer area after bathing to prevent weakening of their immune system.
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Essential cage accessories include at least three perches of varying sizes, shapes, and textures. Perch diameters should be between 1 and 2 inches for comfortable standing. Natural wood branches, concrete/bonded sand perches, and rope perches are excellent choices.
Toys
Toys are not a luxury for African Greys but a necessity. They require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Provide a variety of toys made from different materials, such as wood, plastic/acrylic, vegetable-tanned leather, sisal rope, woven palm leaves, and corn cob. Introduce new toys regularly to keep them engaged.
For African Greys, toys are not a luxury, they are a necessity. As a baby, your bird may not play much at first, but as it matures it will need a great deal of mental and physical stimulation. These intelligent birds not only need toys to condition their beak, but also foraging toys to keep them occupied for the many hours that their 'owner' may be gone each day.
Consider a cage cover to block out light and ensure 10-12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. A smaller sleep cage in a quiet room can also be beneficial if the main cage is in an active area.
Diet
The natural diet of African Greys consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries. In captivity, a varied diet is essential. A base diet of pellets can be supplemented with unsalted tree nuts (except peanuts) to provide necessary fats. Pellets should comprise 50-80% of the diet, with the remainder consisting of cook and serve mixes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats.
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Vegetables are more nutritious than fruits and should be offered in greater quantities. Healthy options include dark leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, and cooked sweet potatoes and squash. Fruits can include papaya, mango, apples, pears, plums, grapes, and berries. Remove uneaten fresh foods after a few hours to prevent spoilage and wash the dishes thoroughly.
Other healthy treats include cooked whole grains, pasta, multigrain breads and cereals, cooked eggs, and unspiced lean meats. Avoid feeding avocado, onions, rhubarb, asparagus, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, uncooked beans, and heavily salted or greasy foods.
The birds that receive pellets have them drizzled with a 50:50 blend of extra virgin cold pressed olive oil and coconut oil. When these two oils are combined, they provide a fairly balanced ratio of saturated and monosaturated oils like those found in the palm fruit; using only olive or coconut oil will not provide a ratio similar to palm oil. The pellets retain their integrity and are avidly consumed. The rest of the diet remains unchanged after 30 years, except that today my birds also receive large amounts of palm seeds as enrichment, as well as green coconuts, pods, fresh branches and more.
Because African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) have a higher calcium requirement than most parrots, the soft food was and continues to be sprinkled with calcium and if the birds eat seeds also a vitamin complex; when pellets form the basis of the dry diet, additional vitamin supplementation is not used.
Toxic Foods to Avoid:
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- Avocado
- Onions
- Rhubarb
- Asparagus
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Dairy products
- Uncooked beans
- Heavily salted or greasy foods
Grooming and Hygiene
Birds enjoy bathing, whether in a shallow dish, through misting, or even in the shower with their owner. Regular bathing is essential for maintaining good health, as many parrots come from regions with high rainfall.
Clipping flight feathers can aid in taming and prevent escape or injury. Consult an avian vet for proper wing clipping. Nails should also be trimmed regularly by a qualified professional to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
Behavior and Interaction
African Greys are highly social birds that thrive on interaction. They are naturally observant and can be wary of new people and situations. Early exposure to various people and environments can help them become more adaptable and less fearful.
Multiple hours of daily socialization outside the cage are crucial. Activities can include sharing meals, watching TV, playing on the computer, or helping with household tasks. A playstand with different toys is ideal for keeping them occupied while you perform tasks that may be dangerous for the bird.
Social interaction is particularly important because African Greys often bond strongly with one person. Without proper socialization, they may become aggressive towards others. In general, handfed parrots should be housed alone unless kept as a breeding pair.
While African Greys are known for their talking abilities, not all birds will talk. Most start talking around one year of age, but there is no guarantee. Some may prefer to communicate through their own vocalizations and body language or imitate environmental sounds.
Breeding
Grey Parrots are not difficult to breed provided three conditions are met: they feel secure and can enjoy privacy, they receive a good diet, and they are offered the proper nesting box. Meeting one and not the other conditions can thwart breeding.
Over the years I have tried all types of nests for Grey Parrots. I have never noticed a difference, though other breeders may disagree. We are currently using L-shaped nests that measure approximately 45 cm (18 in) high along the tall end and 20 cm (8 in) along the short end, 45 cm (18 in) long and 35 cm (14 in) deep. The nests have rotted wood added to allow chewing.
In captivity, African Grey Parrots tend to produce multiple clutches. Some appear to nest year around, but they do rest. In my collection, for example, they stop nesting when the weather becomes hottest. Once they stop, access to the nest is blocked.
Grey Parrots have a breeding display that starts with the male lowering the wings and bringing them forward so that the butts almost touch, this to expose the paler grey rump. Wing pumping also takes place. This action gives the impression of slow motion flight. Body feathers will also be flared. Courtship feeding usually occurs prior to mating. To mate, the hen crouches on the perch. Treading takes place from the top, the male stepping on the hen´s back, or from the side, the male retaining one foot on the perch. Switching sides is not uncommon when mating, the male stepping over the female to continue on the opposite side.
African Grey Parrots lay 3-4 eggs in the clutch. Incubation ranges from 26-30 days, with the average being 28 days. On hatching chicks are covered in white down. The bill and nails are black in the Red-tailed Grey and brownish-black in the Timneh Grey Parrot. The secondary down is grey. Chicks fledge around 10 weeks, but normally they quickly return to the nest and hide on hearing someone approach.
Young Grey Parrots are easily hand-reared. As they age, they spend a lot of time scratching with one foot, then the other. In the wild this behavior is intended to keep the nest hygienic; I have watched more than once as nesting material flew out the nesting cavity entrance while the parents were nearby preening. Chicks grunt and squeal like puppies and are comical to watch.
Grey Parrots should never be rushed into weaning. The hand-rearer should show patience and allow a normally lengthy process to evolve. Young intended to become future breeders should not be imprinted, but should be reared in groups and provided with enrichment. The intention is to develop birds that are independent, socialized and confident. As the birds mature, they will begin to pair off and they can then be given their own nest. We have four generations and have never had issues with hand-reared birds breeding. Problems can be experienced with former pets, which may see themselves as humans and not birds.
Veterinary Care
Finding a qualified avian veterinarian is essential for the health and well-being of your African Grey. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to any signs of illness can help ensure a long and healthy life for your bird. Veterinarians can also be a great source for finding your next pet.
Signs of Illness to Watch For:
- Changes in droppings
- Nasal secretions
- Debris around the vent
- Audible breathing or tail bobbing
- Red or discharging eyes
- Sudden changes in behavior or eating/drinking habits
Key Considerations for Responsible Ownership:
- Commitment: Parrots can live for decades, requiring a long-term commitment.
- Environment: Provide a spacious and stimulating environment.
- Socialization: Dedicate time for daily interaction and socialization.
- Veterinary Care: Ensure access to qualified avian veterinary care.
- Financial Resources: Be prepared for the ongoing costs of food, toys, and veterinary care.
By understanding and meeting the specific needs of African Grey Parrots, you can provide a fulfilling and enriching life for these intelligent and fascinating birds.
