Grey Parrot

General Information

The Grey Parrot from central Africa, is a highly intelligent bird commonly encountered in captivity. Two subspecies are seen, Psittacus erithacus erithacus (African Grey Parrot) and P.e. timneh (Timneh Grey). The former is a medium-sized bird that is entirely grey with a strikingly red short blunt tail. The latter is smaller, darker and has a maroon tail. The African Grey has a black beak while the Timneh's is black and ivory. The Grey has a charming personality and is recognised as one of the best talkers amongst all the pet birds. Irene Pepperburg's work has shown their intellectual abilities to include the ability to combine different information and suggests that much of their talking is not just simple mimicry. With this extraordinary ability, some Greys 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 socialised, may have less desirable vocalisations. The sound that a frightened, defensive or timid Grey will make is a characteristic, loud growl (hence the common name of 'Growlers'). As with many species of parrot overbonding to one member of the family may occur although this can be avoided with appropriate socialisation. If properly reared and socialised these handsome, good natured birds can make excellent companions and family pets. Most are generally interactive and affectionate. Greys are very playful and enjoy climbing and chewing. Providing non-toxic fresh branches and suitable toys that can safely be destroyed by the parrot will afford many hours of entertainment and exercise for this inquisitive pet.

Purchasing a Grey Parrot

Greys may be purchased from a pet shop or, better, a reputable breeder. When selecting a parent-reared Grey, 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 socialised with humans however this process may adversely affect behavioural development predisposing to overbonding and feather destructive disorders. It is possible now to obtain birds that have been parent-reared until they are due to exit the nest (thus entering an important socialisation phase), then hand-reared to weaning. Importantly having a captive-bred bird 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 Greys require regular, routine veterinary health check-ups; once or twice a year is suitable. Your vet can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak or nail trim) and laboratory tests as needed. During these check-ups, health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary check-ups help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird. As Greys are very prone to hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium levels) it is strongly advised that they have their blood 'ionised calcium' levels checked regularly.

Colour

Mature

• in general the body feathers are light grey, the wing feathers dark grey, and tail feathers red
• iris (the coloured part of the eye) is pale yellow in birds older than 6-12 months. In younger birds it is grey
• legs grey
• powder down over the beak

Sexing

Mature

• generally no reliable external sex differences
• sexing should be performed using DNA analysis of blood or feathers or by surgical laparoscopy

Weight

Average 350-550 grams (12-19 ounces).

Size

Average 33 cm (13.5 ins) in length.

Life span

25-40 years (maximum 65 years).

Diet

Consult your vet or see the diet sheet in this series

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

Basic minimum 60 cm x 90 cm x 120 cm (2 ft x 3 ft x 4 ft); the bird must be able to fully extend wings in all directions. Given these birds' tendency to hypocalcaemia it is strongly recommended that they have daily exposure to ultra-violet light each day. This can be in the form of unfiltered sunlight for approx 30 to 60 minutes a day or a full-spectrum birdroom light for 12 hours a day. If using the latter then it is best to select either a DC light or one with a high flicker frequency.