The African Grey Parrot
(psittacus erithacus)
Location: Central Africa
Size: 13 inches
Sex identification- requires DNA testing or surgical sexing. DNA testing is less invasive and generally recommended if you really need to know the sex of the bird for sale or breeding purposes. Cost varies.

African Greys: 2004 Wall Calendar

Often noted as the best "talkers" and "mimics" of the pet bird world. Known to have exceptional vocal abilities and potential extensive vocabularies. They learn and repeat sounds and words quickly after age 12 months. Whistling and other vocal abilities will emerge prior to 12 months, however true identifiable words are generally heard after the 1 year mark. Words become more clear after practice, which they seem to do when no one is around! They tend to pick up on phrases spoken with emphasis, therefore they can suddenly use words that will embarrass their owners. They can learn to whisper if the words spoken are whispered to them. Greys are very intelligent and have shown that they can repeat things at appropriate times. We have a Grey who will shout to our Cockatoo "Kona no screaming" or "what are you screaming about"...every time the Cockatoo screams. Then, being a polite bird, she will ask the Cockatoo "Kona want a chippy" in an effort to pacify him.

Greys are also known to be quite timid and take time to adapt to their environment. A change in furniture arrangement or relocation of their cage can send them over the edge. It can take weeks or month to recover from the "trauma" of a change in their environment. They can be feather pickers when they are upset. This makes a very unpleasant looking bird and it shows they are psychologically fragile. Feather picking needs to be addressed quickly.

These birds can eat just about anything. Diet should be well balanced, as these birds can develop calcium deficiencies after age 2. Ours enjoys most table food and will kill for a taste of cool whip.

These birds make excellent pets in a reasonably quiet stable home with a routine schedule. Breaks in a routine can be devastating for this breed. It is recommended that all birds be obtained from a reputable breeder and preferably weaned for a first time bird owner. Bonding improves if you purchase an unweaned bird, but hand feeding is a skill that needs to be learned and if not done properly can kill your new friend. Birds at the local pet chain are usually over priced and may not receive the care and attention necessary for to keep the bird tame. This breed is often weaned by age 4 months.

Subspecies
Timneh Grey Parrot-(psittacus erithacus timneh)
Location: Guinea, The Ivory Coast and Liberia.
Identifying characteristics- darker maroon tail feathers, lighter shaded area on beak, slightly smaller and slightly less expensive. These birds have similar talking and mimic capabilities as the true African Grey

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