CHOOSING AN AFRICAN GRAY PARROT

General Information

The African Gray (Psittacus erithacus) from central Africa, is a highly intelligent bird commonly encountered in captivity. This elegant medium-sized bird is entirely gray with a strikingly red short blunt tail. The African Gray has a charming personality and is recognized as one of the best talkers amongst all the pet birds. With this extraordinary ability to imitate, some African Grays develop extensive vocabularies of words, songs, verse, whistles, sneezing, coughing and electronic sounds such as telephones and microwave ovens. Some individuals, especially if wild or improperly socialized, may have unacceptable vocalizations. The sound that a frightened, defensive or timid African Gray will make is a characteristic, loud growl. African Grays bond readily, often with one member of the family or specifically with males or females. This bond occasionally leads to aggression towards others. These handsome, good natured birds make excellent companions and family pets. Most are generally interactive and affectionate. They will often persistently solicit petting and head scratches. African Grays are very playful and enjoy climbing and chewing. It is important to keep these smart birds busy as boredom can lead to problems such as feather picking. Providing nontoxic, washed, fresh branches and pet-safe toys will afford many hours of entertainment and exercise for this inquisitive pet.

There are 2 types of African Gray parrots, the Congo African Gray and the smaller duller colored Timneh African Gray parrot which has a maroon colored tail.

Purchasing an African Gray Parrot

African Grays may be purchased from a pet shop or, better, a reputable breeder. When selecting an African Gray, try to choose a young bird as it may be easier to tame and train. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialized with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to new environments and situations. Importantly having a captive-bred bird also means that the wild bird population is not threatened further by catching and importing wild birds. This practice is bad both for the bird captured and transported as well as for the dwindling population left in the wild. Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the vet, etc.) to help promote a calm, well-adjusted pet. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your vet.

Veterinary care

African Grays require regular, routine veterinary health checkups. Your vet can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim) and laboratory tests as needed. During these semiannual checkups., health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary checkups. help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird.

Color

Mature

• in general the body feathers are light gray, the wing feathers dark gray, and tail feathers red
• iris (the colored part of the eye) is pale yellow
• legs gray

Immature

• tail feathers dark red towards tip
• iris is gray
• legs darker gray and smoother

Sexing

Mature

• generally no reliable external sex differences
• experienced breeders recognize subtle size and color variations between sexes

Weight - average 12 - 19 ounces (350 - 550 grams)

Size - average 13.5 inches (33 cm) in length

Life span - 20 - 25 years (maximum 65 years)

Diet - consult your vet or see the information page here

Breeding - sexual maturity at 3 - 6 years - prolific breeders require lots of space

Brood size - 2 - 4 eggs hatch in 17 - 31 days, young leave the nest in 9 - 10 weeks

Cage - minimum 2 ft x 3 ft x 4 ft (60 cm x 90 cm x 120 cm)

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