African Grey Parrot as Pets
The Congo and Timneh Parrots can be Exceptional Family Pets
If you're considering a parrot, none exceed the African Grey in intelligence, affection or reasoning ability. Learn more about this exciting breed.
If you're considering bringing a parrot into your family, you should consider the African Grey. Originally from Central and Western rainforest in Africa, the Grey is considered the most intelligent bird in the world. They can make loving additions to the family, and can genuinely show affection and concern for its human parents. There have been several famous African Grey parrots featured in national media, with "Einstein" being an absolute show stealer and a perfect example of the species.
An Unusual Looking Parrot
The two most common subspecies of African Grey are the Congo and the Timneh. The Congo is the larger of the two, and considered to be the more intelligent. Both birds are gray in color, with solid black beaks and white skin around dark gray eyes. Both birds have colored tail plumage, with the Congo being a cherry red and the Timneh resembling more of a burgundy.
An Unmatched Vocabulary and Cognitive Reasoning
It is widely believed that a young Grey has the equivalent understanding of a human toddler and that by the age of five years, a Grey is believed to have the intellectual equivalence to a precocious five year old human. There are reports of African Greys with vocabularies over 1,000 words and the ability to speak in complete sentences. They are unique birds in the sense that they show the ability to associate human words with their meanings.
High Maintenance Pets
As with all pet parrots, Greys are high maintenance. At the very minimum, you need to spend an hour a day interacting with your Grey and allow him or her at least three hours out of the cage daily. Greys tend to bond exclusively with their family, and are often wary of strangers or guests. Greys can build a lifetime bond with their handlers, but can also be social if regularly socialized with other humans. These birds require a very stimulating environment with a wide variety of destructible and non-destructible toys, puzzle toys and interactive toys. If a Grey becomes bored, depression can set in.
The Perfect Bird Cage
If the amount of time your parrot will be allowed out of the cage is limited, go with as large of a cage as you can accommodate. Locate the cage near a television or a major thoroughfare in the house, and if you're going to be out for a lengthy amount of time leave a radio or some noise on to keep the Grey company.
A Well Balanced Diet
Greys require foods high in calcium and vitamins. Green, healthy snacks are great treats as well as almonds. You should avoid giving your bird chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, apples with seeds (The seeds are poisonous), garlic or onions, or foods high in sodium.
Where to Find the Perfect Bird
While pet stores often offer Greys, you should look for local handlers if possible. A bird raised in home with breeders familiar with the species are quite often the best resource for loving companion pets. Avoid any birds that are potentially wild caught, or were not hand fed as these may be more difficult to bond with and domesticate.
A Grey is a lifetime family member with a life span that will almost surely outlast your own. Make certain that your home and family are equipped to provide the Grey with a loving and stable home indefinitely.
