If you are looking into getting an African grey parrot for a pet, there is a lot of African grey information that you might want to know first. This type of parrot has an amazing ability to mimic sounds and talk. They pay attention to their owner’s emotions and act accordingly. These parrots are extremely intelligent and make for beautiful pets.
Native Habitats of African Grey Parrots
The African grey parrots are usually found in the coastal mangroves, woodlands, savannas, and forest clearings throughout Central and West Africa. The Congo is actually found throughout Kenya and Tanzania. While the Timneh is usually found in the southern area of Guinea and the western area of the Ivory Coast.
Caring for and Feeding African Grey Parrots
If you have the African grey parrot for a pet, you will see just how intelligent they are. These parrots love learning new words and they can develop quite the vocabulary. They need to have a variety of toys to play with that test and challenge them. Some of the best toys for African grey parrots are puzzles and foraging toys.
It is important to know that African greys react quickly to commotion and stress in their environment. It is important that you place an African grey parrot in a quiet, less chaotic environment if there is a lot going on.
African grey parrots need a well-balanced diet. The majority of their diet will consist of seeds, leafy greens, fruits, and nuts. They should have berry shaped food, as this most resembles what they would eat when living in the wild.
All types of African grey parrot breeds are prone to beta-carotene/Vitamin A deficiencies. This means that you should feed an African grey a lot of beta-carotene filled vegetables. Fresh kale and sweet potatoes that are cooked would be great options. The African grey parrot is also prone to Vitamin-D deficiencies. Making sure that these parrots get a balanced, pellet diet could help to prevent these deficiencies. If you make sure your African grey has the proper diet, they shouldn’t need any supplements added into their diet.
Behavior and Personality of African Grey Parrots
All types of African grey parrot breeds are sensitive and complex. They can be demanding, as well. With this being said, they are intelligent and charming. They can have behavioral issues, but when well cared for, these issues should be minimal.
It is important that the African grey parrot doesn’t have quick or severe changes in their routine. This could easily upset them and cause undue stress. When stressed, the African grey parrot may chew on their feathers or even pull them out.
When researching African grey information, you will find that African greys need to socialize. Their owners need to spend a lot of time with them. However, they don’t like to cuddle. They might let you scratch or pet them for a bit, but most African greys don’t like a lot of physical contact.
African Grey Sound and Speech
Most people will get an African grey over another parrot because of their ability to talk. They may repeat words and/or phrases that they have heard only a couple of times. Usually, when the African grey is around 1 year old, they will reach their complete talking ability.
In addition to learning how to say many words and phrases, the African grey parrot can understand what they are saying, as well. Some African grey parrots can even be taught to understand what certain objects are and what certain words mean.
With all of this being said, it is important to understand that even though these parrots can learn to talk, that doesn’t mean they won’t scream and get noisy. Just about every type of parrot is noisy from time to time. Many African grey pets will learn what certain household sounds are, such as the vacuum or a baby crying, and they will mimic those sounds (even louder than what they heard).
Common Health Issues with African Grey Parrots
Out of all the African grey information you can find, one of the most important things to know are the common health issues with this type of parrot.
African grey parrots are known to have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, feather picking, psittacosis and psittacine beak and feather disease, and respiratory infections.
Getting an African Grey Parrot as a Pet
There are different types of African grey parrots that you can get as a pet. The 2 main types are the Congo and Timneh African greys. There are different sized African greys and some that are different colors, as well. If you decide that this is the type of pet that you would like to bring into your family, there are many places that you can get an African grey.
This is the information that you should know about African grey parrots as a pet. There is a lot of African grey information that can help you to decide whether this is the type of parrot that you want to bring into your family. If you are looking to get an African grey parrot as a pet, hopefully the information here today and the questions and answers below will help you to make your decision.
Where do African grey parrots live?
How much is the African grey parrot?
How smart is an African grey?
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Comments
I am looking for aa gray good art
I bought my African Grey almost 12 years ago and am still very happy with her. We bought her at the age of 3 months old had to get acclimated to her before we could take her home. I paid $1500 for her back then, now they are going for $3000 and up.
Yeah, I live in Philadelphia, PA and the African Greys around here are 6,000$ in the store. But I am close to that price. Very excited to get my AG.
African Greys are the greatest. My little man is almost 22 years and he was given to me in 2016. He was cold when given to me and now he’s happy, spoiled, playful and talks up a storm. He has to be part of the conversation too or he starts to get loud but nothing a little neck massage can’t take care of. 🥰
Enjoyed info thanks; but is it better to buy an older bird or rescued one past it’s teens?
I’m not sure where you are located but in the US African greys are ALOT more than 1500 we are getting a baby at 5000 and I have seen them priced even higher
I’m interested in purchasing a bird I live in Santa MariaCA I am 80 years old income and Social Security and stock Bond I’d like to know what is out there and prices Rick
I’m looking to buy. With a reasonable price I’m poor. Thanks.