The Beautiful African Grey Parrot

The African Grey parrot is among the most beautiful and easiest of the parrot family to keep. They are originally from Central Africa, they are known for the exceptional talking ability and the high intelligence. African Greys generally communicate well with their owners and are capable of developing a large vocabulary.

These birds are medium-sized normally growing to about 10 to 14 inches. There are only two types of African Grey parrots. One is light Grey with a red tail and is known as the Congo African Grey. The Timneh African Grey is a darker charcoal Grey with a maroon tail. Normally the females are smaller than the males. The males are generally 12 to 14 inches in length. Both sexes actually look the same, however, the female African Grey parrot usually has a more slender neck and narrower head.

These parrots can live a long time so therefore need long-term commitment from their owners. African Greys 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 need to be stimulated and be in an interactive environment or they will become bored. African Greys may turn their boredom into behavioral problems such as feather plucking if their intellectual needs are not met.

Since they are so sensitive this can lead to behavioral problems. It seems that even small changes to their daily routine and surroundings can lead to an African Grey parrot becoming cranky and frustrated. More often than not, these birds are even-tempered and well behaved and make good pets but there can be a few challenges. African gays need to be disciplined, otherwise they can get into trouble. They could bite and chew things. They are very quick to pick up behaviors, and so if you reinforce negative habits in your African Grey, you could also just as easily reinforce good ones.

African Grey parrot’s make fantastic pets because they are sociable birds. The natural instinct is to flock together in the wild. An African Grey parrot living in a home environment will usually adopt the family into their flock. Some of them even cuddle their owners. They seem to enjoy head scratching and petting, even though they don’t always enjoy physical contact. The birds strange signs of affection will not put off an experienced African Grey owner.

African Greys use regurgitation as a deep sign of affection, and will even try to kiss their owners. It is not recommended that you allow the bird to kiss you, because humans mouths contain bacteria that is harmful to the birds. It is also very important the owners really understand the birds need for companionship.

African Grey parrots have great personalities and human like qualities to.Those of us who are fortunate enough to own one will be able to see an intelligence that not many other animals can equal.

Malc Moore has been interested in parrots and aviary birds for many years and finds them both fascinating and joyful to be around. For more information on the african grey parrot breeder and parrot breeders tips, check out www.parrotcare4u.com.