African Grey Parrot Info:
What You Need to Know

If you are interested in getting an African grey parrot for a pet, there a few things you need to know first. The following tidbits of African Grey parrot information may help you decide whether or not you are ready to take on the responsibility of looking after such an exotic and unusual bird.

Types

There are two types of African grey parrots - one is known as the Congo, which is the larger of the two and the other is called the Timneh. Congo parrots can be identified by their bright red tailfeathers and black beak, while the Timneh's tailfeathers are more a blend of maroon and grey colors, and they have a red/brown colored beak.

Feeding

This is an area in which many owners of African greys tend to fall down, so it is wise to acquire a good knowledge of the types of foods that greys love to eat, and which will help to keep them active and healthy. In the wild, greys feed on fruits, seeds, nuts and the berries of native rainforest trees. In captivity, they can become easily bored with their food if there is not much variety, so a good mixture of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as different types of seeds and nuts is advisable. You can either ask your vet, or search online, for exactly which types of fruits and veges to serve up to an African grey.

Cleaning

Like all caged birds and animals, regular cleaning is vital to maintain the health and well being of your pet. It is particularly important to, daily, take out any uneaten fruit and veges from the cage and wash the feed dish, as rotting residue from these can be unhealthy for your parrot.

Time

The most important aspect of keeping and caring for your African grey parrot is that you spend quality time with him/her. These birds are highly intelligent, affectionate and crave company. Almost immediately, you will notice your parrot's desire to form a strong bond with you - this is completely normal and one of the most endearing qualities of this wonderful species. So, if your present lifestyle does not allow you to spend enough time bonding with your pets, then perhaps you should re-think buying an African grey parrot at this stage.

We hope that these few tidbits have been helpful to you in making a decision to get an African grey. However, these are just a snippet of the African grey parrot information that is available to you online.

by Kevin Daly - 08/23/08

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