Bird Guide

AFRICAN GREYS

African greys are, of course, from Africa. There are three species of greys, but only two commonly being sold as pets. The third species is extremely rare. The two common species are the Congo and the Timneh.

The Congo is more popular than the Timneh. Congos are larger and their tails are brilliant red. Their gray color is also brighter.

Timnehs have a maroon tail with darker gray feathers. They are also smaller. Owners of Timnehs say that they are not as moody or flighty as the Congos.

Both are equally intelligent and possess similar talking abilities.

Greys are considered by many to be the top talking bird. Once again, this should not be the reason why you buy a bird. Just because a species is known for its talking ability does not mean that you will have a talker on your hands.

Greys can tend to be high strung and can be nervous in new situations. This can contribute to feather plucking. They can be very loving family birds or they may just choose one person to really love. This, as with all species of birds, will depend on the individual and how they were raised.

Handfed babies are the best choice when choosing a grey. Wild imports can make good pets as well but it will take a lot of time and effort to tame them down. Even tamed, they may never be as cuddly as a handfed one.

Greys are considered to be a powdery bird, though not as powdery as cockatoos.

Greys are prone to vitamin deficiency problems, especially vitamin A. They are also more prone to calcium deficiencies than other species of parrots, which can cause seizures, so diet is very important. Greys have an unusual sound that is similar to growling, they will do this when they feel threatened or frightened. They have a reputation of developing abnormal behavioral problems, such as feather plucking.

They also tend to be more clumsy, especially as babies. Greys are slow to talk, usually waiting a year or two, but once they start, their vocabulary can become very impressive. (While known for their talking ability your particular grey may or may not talk. Your grey may only develop a limited vocabulary.) They can live for 50 years or more if provided with proper care and diet.

Interesting facts: 1) Greys have been used in research into reasoning and thinking capablities. This has been exemplified by Alex and the research being done by Irene Pepperberg. 2) Greys have a habit of scratching on the bottom of their cages like a chicken