African Grey parrots are some of the most intelligent parrots in the world. Both the Congo African Grey and Timneh African Grey species are very bright, inquisitive birds that can solve problems quite well, making them amusing to watch and somewhat challenging to own. African Grey parrots are well known as the best talking parrots. They are much more likely to learn to speak than any other species.
However, do not purchase an African Grey simply because you want a talking parrot. The only way to ensure you get a talking parrot is to buy one that already knows how to talk. There are many African Greys that never say a word. In fact, having a talking parrot is a poor reason to purchase any parrot. Parrots, especially those as intelligent and emotional as these, need loving homes that respect them for what they are rather than homes that want to show off a talking bird.
You may have heard about Alex, the African Grey parrot owned and studied by Dr. Irene Pepperberg at the University of Arizona. This amazing parrot has been raised in a setting much like that in which a human child would be raised and using many of the same techniques and methods a parent would use in raising a healthy, happy child. Alex has learned how to use hundreds of human words in context, actually asking for specific items he desires. He can count from one to five, after which it simply becomes "many". He can identify shapes, colors, objects, and even tell what is different between objects in a set. If you want to learn about a truly talented parrot, you should visit the Alex Foundation online.
Not all African Grey parrots are this obviously talented, but then most parrots do not have someone that spends every minute of every day with them as is the case with Alex. The African Grey's abilities seem to be largely limited by the amount of interaction they have with humans. Unless you become the "flock" to your African Grey, it will have no motivation to learn how to communicate in the ways this parrot has learned to talk with his trainer. African Greys are long-lived parrots. It has been documented that one Grey that lived in Alaska was 112 years of age. With proper care, a good diet including fresh fruits and vegetables as well as seeds or pellets, a loving home, and a safe, healthy environment, these parrots can live very long lives.
If you decide an African Grey is the parrot for you, keep this in mind and determine who care will for your parrot should it outlive you. African Greys are comical and inventive in their play. In order to keep them from becoming bored, and as a result plucking or chewing their feathers, they need a spacious cage, lots of out-of-the-cage time to play and interact with people, plenty of interesting food to eat, puzzle toys to solve, wood to chew, and a regular schedule so that it knows what to expect each day. If you can give an African Grey these things, it just might be the best parrot for you.
3 Responses
-
Phyllis Martin Says:
I agree African grey parrots are wonderful additions to anyone’s life. The greys are highly intelligent. I keep most of my greys outdoors in large flight cages. One group of Congo Greys is noteworthly. Whenever you come up to the cage all of the greys with the exception of one are hanging upside down from the top of the cage swinging back and forth. The single, brave heart, is sitting near the food bowl and says hello as soon as it sees me walking up. Recently I gave all of the birds lengths of bamboo with all of the leaves still attached. They had great fun pulling off the twigs with the leaves. Some of the birds even play with the leaves and twigs even after they had dried up. I think they like the cracking sound the leaves make when they crush it in their claws.
I believe Timneh greys are the most wonderful pet quality bird. The Timnehs do not start plucking their feathers like many of the redtail grey parrots. I have one Congo grey I retrieve from a couple who were abusing it. Took six months of patience while keeping the bird in a cage high above my head (otherwise it would cower in the corner growling and screaming) before I was able to start interacting with it. One day while reaching into the cage to get the food and water bowls, the Grey reached down, touched my hand and said “Hello.” After that I lowered its cage and the bird and I became good friends. To this day, however, when the weather drops before 45 degrees the bird pulls all of its feathers, leaving only the head feathers. When the weather warms up it grows its feathers back and is beautiful. Don’t know the reason for this unless the previous owners used the HORRIBLE training technique of putting the bird in the refrigerator for a few minutes to “teach it a lesson.” -
Fran Sebban Says:
Hello My name is Fran Sebban. I have just purchased an African Grey who is 7 months old. His feathers, especially on his chest, are not in the best of shape because he had previously started to tear them out in the place where he was. Since I have him home, he has stopped doing this. We talk to him all the time, he lives with other animals which attract his attention. What I was wondering is if his feathers will ever grow back to be a healthy looking bird. Today he looks a bit tattered! We adore him, am giving him his time to love us.
Thanks for your reply
Regards
Fran
-
Cindy Says:
I handfed my African Grey from 2 weeks of age. He lives in the same room as his parents and his father has taught him many things to say. I handle Lennie, now 9 minths old several times a day. Over the last few days he steps up on my hand and then flips over and hangs upside down. I place him back upright on my hand and upside down he goes again. Can you tell me why he does that?