African Greys are one of the most popular companion parrots available. They are highly intelligent
birds. They have ability to imitate human speech and just about any other sound they so choose.
The amazing thing is that African Greys often use words and sounds in context. For instance, when
you stand in front of the microwave the bird starts making the beeping noise for 2 minutes and then
the sound of the microwave running. Or maybe every time you give it a banana slice you say, "Don't
you shake your head" because he flings it as he eats. Your bird may say that to you the next time you
give him a banana slice, before you can say it to him.
There are two types of African Greys. The Congo Grey and the Timneh Grey.
Types of African Greys
Congo Greys: The Congo Grey is larger than the Timneh. It has red tail feathers and a black beak.
Timneh Greys: The Timneh Grey is smaller than the Congo. It has more of a maroon colored tail,
and its beak will have some reddish-beige tints in it.
Noise Level
African Greys are considered by most companion bird owners to be moderately noisy. Most don't
have a morning and evening screaming session as some parrots do, unless they are imitating other
parrots they live with.
Don't get me wrong. African Greys know how to make loud noises, and will emit a loud shrill and
make loud noises when they so choose. If they are angry at their toy, or think your not paying enough
attention, they may choose a loud vocalization express their feelings.
Cuddle Factor
African Greys may not have the reputation for being the cuddliest parrot, but they can cuddle with
the best of them. Most of it depends on how they are raised as a baby and how they've been treated
since then.
They often have a favorite person, and that will be the person they will cuddle with. Experts suggest
that you socialize your bird when you bring it home so that it will be comfortable with many people
handling them.
Even still, that is no guarantee. Some birds just pick one person to like. My mothers Congo Grey lets
some of us pick him up and he threatens to bite others. Everyone loves him and treats him kindly. It's
his choice.
Often a bird will not "like" someone because they feel that person's apprehension. Encourage people
to relax when they handle your parrots. If they are really nervous, it might be best for them to wait
until they have more confidence.
A bite from African Greys may spoil their future handling of that bird and other parrots too.
Sensitivity Factor
African Greys are very sensitive to their environment. Unfamiliar sounds, toys, household items,
people, animals and the like will often scare them.
To help avoid having an African Grey that is scared of everything, try to introduce them to new
things and people as often as you can.
Changing their routine will help to. Don't let them become such a creature of habit that any change
will stress them out. Some day you may need to change their routine or take them to someone else to
care for them. If they are stuck in a rut, you may end up with terrible behavior problems.
Chet has written a great article called, "10 Tips For Not Owning A Grey That Is Afraid Of His Own
Shadow!" Click on the link below to read it. It is a MUST READ article!
Some African Greys have a tendency to feather pick. This is where the bird chews his feathers in a
destructive way. Some become bald from the neck down.
Many have found that stress, boredom and dietary problems play a big role in this problem. Follow
the advice above and reduce any stress you can.
Feed them a diet that is healthy for their type, preferably organic. Chemicals in foods or that were
fed veggies or fruits while they were growing can effect your parrot's behavior!
One of the pellets we carry doesn't even have artificial vitamins in them. This is highly recommended
for birds with allergies or feather destruction issues.
Provide lots of stimulating toys for African Greys and change them out regularly to keep them from
getting bored.
birds. They have ability to imitate human speech and just about any other sound they so choose.
The amazing thing is that African Greys often use words and sounds in context. For instance, when
you stand in front of the microwave the bird starts making the beeping noise for 2 minutes and then
the sound of the microwave running. Or maybe every time you give it a banana slice you say, "Don't
you shake your head" because he flings it as he eats. Your bird may say that to you the next time you
give him a banana slice, before you can say it to him.
There are two types of African Greys. The Congo Grey and the Timneh Grey.
Types of African Greys
Congo Greys: The Congo Grey is larger than the Timneh. It has red tail feathers and a black beak.
Timneh Greys: The Timneh Grey is smaller than the Congo. It has more of a maroon colored tail,
and its beak will have some reddish-beige tints in it.
Noise Level
African Greys are considered by most companion bird owners to be moderately noisy. Most don't
have a morning and evening screaming session as some parrots do, unless they are imitating other
parrots they live with.
Don't get me wrong. African Greys know how to make loud noises, and will emit a loud shrill and
make loud noises when they so choose. If they are angry at their toy, or think your not paying enough
attention, they may choose a loud vocalization express their feelings.
Cuddle Factor
African Greys may not have the reputation for being the cuddliest parrot, but they can cuddle with
the best of them. Most of it depends on how they are raised as a baby and how they've been treated
since then.
They often have a favorite person, and that will be the person they will cuddle with. Experts suggest
that you socialize your bird when you bring it home so that it will be comfortable with many people
handling them.
Even still, that is no guarantee. Some birds just pick one person to like. My mothers Congo Grey lets
some of us pick him up and he threatens to bite others. Everyone loves him and treats him kindly. It's
his choice.
Often a bird will not "like" someone because they feel that person's apprehension. Encourage people
to relax when they handle your parrots. If they are really nervous, it might be best for them to wait
until they have more confidence.
A bite from African Greys may spoil their future handling of that bird and other parrots too.
Sensitivity Factor
African Greys are very sensitive to their environment. Unfamiliar sounds, toys, household items,
people, animals and the like will often scare them.
To help avoid having an African Grey that is scared of everything, try to introduce them to new
things and people as often as you can.
Changing their routine will help to. Don't let them become such a creature of habit that any change
will stress them out. Some day you may need to change their routine or take them to someone else to
care for them. If they are stuck in a rut, you may end up with terrible behavior problems.
Chet has written a great article called, "10 Tips For Not Owning A Grey That Is Afraid Of His Own
Shadow!" Click on the link below to read it. It is a MUST READ article!
Some African Greys have a tendency to feather pick. This is where the bird chews his feathers in a
destructive way. Some become bald from the neck down.
Many have found that stress, boredom and dietary problems play a big role in this problem. Follow
the advice above and reduce any stress you can.
Feed them a diet that is healthy for their type, preferably organic. Chemicals in foods or that were
fed veggies or fruits while they were growing can effect your parrot's behavior!
One of the pellets we carry doesn't even have artificial vitamins in them. This is highly recommended
for birds with allergies or feather destruction issues.
Provide lots of stimulating toys for African Greys and change them out regularly to keep them from
getting bored.
