Described as a perfect combination of brains and beauty, the African Grey is one of the more popular parrots kept by the aviculturist. Psittacus erithacus erithacus, the Congo African Grey, is the most common, while P. e. princeps is the least. Their pale head and grey body is strikingly offset by their brilliant red tail feathers. Typically, the African Grey is shy and reserved. With early and prudent handling, they will become trusting and affectionate, although not as demonstrative, per se, as some of the other small to medium parrots. African Greys are probably best known for their amazing ability to mimic not only the human voice but also an impressive array of environmental sounds. A Who's Who of African Greys includes Prudle and Alex. Famous for mimicry or intellect, Prudle holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the biggest vocabulary, at 800 words, while Alex, incredibly, exhibited what can only be called cognitive abilities - he could talk, count, and € read a little. With plenty of early stimulation, most African Greys will start speaking after one year of age. Even if your African Grey only maintains a handful of words in her vocabulary, it is certain you will share an entertaining and interactive life with one of these very special members of the parrot family. Average cost of an African Grey is $1,000 - $2,000.
HOUSING
Even before the birds are purchased it must be decided “where they will be kept?”. Many people do not consider this as a first and foremost priority and often forget it while purchasing the birds. When a person considers buying birds, it is very important to know about the kind of home that the birds will need and the amount of space the birds will occupy. Again, everybody has their own way of taking care of them; some will consider a huge place so that there is plenty of room for them to fly and lay eggs while some may not be able to afford a lavish cage, generally African Grey parrots require a theme natural to their real habitat.
A cage made of metal rods over wood is recommended. Wood won’t be reliable since the birds can tear at it with their sharp beaks while metal rods are less prone to breaking. It is good to take a long wood shark and place it in the center of the cage as a place to sit or swing from, add at least two or three for their ease. upon purchase of parrots from Universal pet courier, Inc a cage is given for free.
DIET
There are many differing opinions and thoughts on African Grey diet and nutrition and there is no exact formula for feeding your companion parrot. Provide the most balanced diet for your African Grey as possible.
As a base, a pelleted diet is the best way to go for your African Grey. Preferably, an organically processed pellet, and not one that has additives, such as artificial coloring and flavoring. Seeds are high in fat and are not considered a healthy diet for your African Grey Parrot. Do not give vitamin supplements to your African Grey without talking to your avian veterinarian. Most African Greys on a pelleted diet do not need them.
Provide an assortment of fresh, wholesome, organic vegetables. As with any child, sometimes it can be a challenge to get them to eat their veggies so you might have to spend some time encouraging your African Grey Parrot to eat them. Some vegetables contain more nutrients needed for your bird than others.Good vegetables choices for your African Grey: Sweet potatoes, Carrots, Yellow and Butternut squashes, Collard greens, Broccoli (good source of calcium), Kale (also a good source of calcium), Peppers – green, red, chili, Celery, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Green beans , Peas – garden and snow, Leaf lettuce (not head or iceberg lettuce).
Good fruit choices for your African Grey: Melons, Kiwi , Apples, Mango and Papaya (with skins removed), Grapes, Oranges, Berries – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries.
BREEDING
There is no special month stated for the breeding season of an African Gray parrot but there are certain things which need to be kept in mind. Food is an important factor which defines a birds breeding season, therefore food needs to be fresh on a daily basis. A combination of food items need to be given daily. These need to include a Premium Parrot Ideal and Banquet which are mixed seeds. Fruits and vegetables can be sprinkled with special vitamin and mineral powder and be given daily. Egg food and berries are excellent components for a hen bird’s diet. Birds which are fed with a high nutritional diet will normally give huge clutches of babies.
