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All About Parrots


adult African Grey parrot
Adult African Grey

African Grey Noises



Wild African Grey Parrots often whistle, click, or make other sounds. An African Grey's owner should expect to hear regular renditions of microwaves, telephones, alarm clocks, video games, and other electronic sounds, as well as dripping water, wild birds, and any other sound often heard by the parrot. African Greys also have the ability to mimic, and distinguish between, the different voices they hear. The African Grey parrots use different alarm calls for different predators coming their way.

Care of the African Grey


Suitability as Pets

Hand-reared and parent-raised birds can make good pets. They are excellent mimickers. They are also sensitive and need a lot of attention. Due to their sensitive natures they may develop behavioural problems.

Captive Status

Common, but heavily imported with high mortality. From 1994-2003 over 359,000 individuals were traded on the international market. The species is subject to much illegal trapping and trade.

Longevity

50-60 yrs

Housing

Aviary or suspended cage, minimum length 3m (9.8 ft).

Perches

A selection of perches should be provided - varied in size and material (e.g. natural branches such as manzanita wood, which is often available at pet stores). Smooth, slippery perches should not be used, neither should sandpaper covered perches.

Diet

Cooked beans and pulses, boiled corn, sunflower seed - dry, soaked or sprouted but limited; fruit such as: apple, orange, banana, pomegranate, pear; rearing food (hard boiled egg, wholegrain bread, low-fat cheese and carrot); vegetables such as: carrot, celery, green beans and peas in the pod; spray millet; complete kibble.

Enrichment

Provide overhead misters or shallow water bowls for bathing; foot toys, destructible (non-toxic) toys, non-destructible (non-toxic plastic) toys, food-finder toys, preening toys, different texture and size hanging perch toys; fir, pine, elder or willow branches, push-and-pull toys (sliding up and down), vegetable tanned leather toys. Introduce with care, as Greys are sensitive to novel things.

Nest Box Size

Vertical box 12" x 12" x 24" (30.5cm x 30.5cm x 61cm)

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