Amazing African Greys

The bird of choice this month is the African Grey. The African Grey has two recognized sub-species, both are found in Africa, (of course!). The Congo reside along the southeastern Ivory Coast, Kenya and Tanzania. The second type, the Timneh are found in a smaller region along the western edge of the Ivory Coast and throughout Southern Guinea and Liberia. The Congo is the larger of the two, its feathers are typically light gray with white edging giving a lacy look, with a red tail. The Timneh smaller and has a darker gray body with a maroon to dark gray tail. The African Grey parrot is one of many species of animals listed as part of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species Treaty, and is banned from commercial international trade. This treaty was drawn to protect wildlife from exploitation and from the risk of extinction. All birds less than 10 years (and many over 10 years) of age are domestically bred.

The African Grey is one of the top talkers of the parrot world. They very often have the ability to repeat words and phrases that they have heard just a few times. They come into full talking ability at a year of age, sometimes sooner. African Greys also have the wonderful ability to mimic a multitude of sounds such as telephone rings, laughing, coughing, sneezing, cat meows, alarms, etc. We have an African Grey Congo, at Harmony Animal Hospital where I work, by the name of Sam, or as we fondly refer to him, Sam-Bird. He greets us all every morning as we walk in with a funny little robotic sounding Heeelllooo!! It always starts us off with a smile! He is also guaranteed to provide you with a wolf-whistle at some point in the day, also a great pick-me-up!

Aside from their conversation, Greys are relatively quiet birds. The sounds they make are not screams and are not repetitive and should not interfere with your neighbors' peace and quiet. This parrot’s intelligence is another reason it has become a very sought after companion bird. The most famous African Grey, Alex, owned by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, who you may have seen on various animal programs, has been the focus of Dr. Pepperberg’s studies at the University of Arizona. Alex is now 23 years old and can recognize and verbally identify close to 50 objects. His intelligence level is quoted to be close to a 3 or 4 year old child. Because of the high intelligence level, these birds are prone to boredom. In addition to providing colorful hanging toys, foot toys for chewing and puzzle toys made of safe and well constructed materials are appreciated. A good selection rotated often will make the most of playtime.

Greys are typically not a “cuddley” type bird. They enjoy some head scratching and petting, but do not enjoy intense physical contact. These parrots do not usually take well to birds of other species. In the wild they are not a multi-species flock bird. In order to make a grey feel more a part of your flock it is best to place them in a family room where it can be included in daily activities. The cage is best situated against a wall where the bird can see when someone is approaching. A good cage size for a grey is rectangular, and least three feet wide and two feet deep with one-inch spacing. Avoid cages with scrollwork that can trap toes or feet. Daily bathing or misting is appreciated.

The diet of the grey should consist of a variety of mostly pellets, and some soft foods. A variety of pastas, beans, grains, vegetables and fruits are enjoyed. Birds look upon eating as a source of entertainment, so try to make it interesting.

The African Grey is not the best choice for the first time bird owner. Due to its sensitivity and intelligence, boredom, feather picking and screaming can result if they are not attended to with the same physical and emotional attention that would be given to a small child. It is best to talk to owners of African Greys and breeders before making a decision of a possible 50 year commitment.

Editor's comments: "Alex" is the very famous and amazingly intelligent African Grey taught by Irene Pepperberg described above. Dr. Pepperberg and her students taught Alex tasks that were once thought beyond the capability of all but humans or, possibly, certain nonhuman primates. He can distinguish and verbalize shapes, colors, quantities, and understands the names for a multitude of different objects. He can respond accurately to a number of different questions posed to him.