The African Grey Parrot is about 36 cm long, 450 to 600 grams. Its plumage is ash gray with a bright red tail. In the wild, it is found in equatorial Africa.
Immature birds (less than a year old) have dark gray, almost black eye irises. After a year, the iris turns pale and becomes pale gray, then takes on its final color. A mature bird has a pale yellow iris. This bird produces a fine powder to maintain its plumage. A well-powdered bird is a sign of good health.
The African grey is surely the most gregarious of parrots. In the wild, it lives in bands of 100 to 200 individuals and remains in groups even during the breeding season.
It is one of the highest-bred parrots in captivity and the most popular with amateurs, mainly thanks to its calm temperament, its intelligence, its remarkable ability to perfectly reproduce sounds, the human voice and above all… to speak to communicate. This bird is also appreciated for its great sensitivity and its incredible empathy with humans.
The Gray begins to speak later than other parrots, around 12 to 18 months of age.
He needs to practice the sounds and develop his muscles to properly control the formation of sounds. Provide him with high places to be comfortable in order to give better vocal performances (speaking, singing).
From a dietary point of view, the African grey has high vitamin A and calcium needs. He also needs vitamin D3 to help him assimilate calcium. In summer, outside, the sun will provide it with its daily vitamin D3 requirement. Its main diet consists of pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
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This Jaco parrot needs a stable and calm environment. Opt for a large cage with many games! You should know that this parrot can live up to 60 years!
African grey parrot price will depend on the type, age, gender, etc., but for an African Grey Parrot, expect a cost of $1500 to $4,000
The African grey Parrot: What a talker!
A superb bird with ash gray plumage and a red tail, the Gabon gray parrot (Psittacus Erithacus) is the champion of all categories of speech. He can make sentences and does not just mechanically repeat the words he has heard.
An African grey parrot can learn 150 to 300 words.
But beware, each parrot has its own character. Some may remain silent despite the promptings for months and then suddenly start talking. It all depends on the relationship that develops between the bird and its owner.
What food to give him?
The Gabon gray parrot feeds exclusively on seeds and fruits. Very greedy, he can eat excessively. It is therefore necessary to take care to give him a ration in sufficient quantity.
What living conditions to offer him?
He needs a stable life because he is very routine. Its cage must be spacious enough, larger than its wingspan, and regularly cleaned to avoid the development of diseases. It must be equipped with wooden perches of different heights. Also, install a feeder and a water trough. If he has been used to it by the breeder you buy him from, he can live in semi-freedom attached to a perch.
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How to teach him to speak?
Before you start learning to speak, get to know each other. Repetitiveness, constancy, and patience are the keys to this learning. For example, whenever you offer him a piece of apple, say the word before giving it to him. Your bird will quickly learn to associate the word and the reward.
African grey Parrot Able to imitate the most varied sounds, including the human voice, endowed with an incredible memory and great sensitivity, the Gabonese gray parrot is one of the most fascinating animals.
Parrots: A big family
What do a budgerigar, an African Grey, and a cockatoo have in common? All these birds with hooked beaks, round eyes and bright plumage belong to the parrot family.
Behind this term hide more than 300 species of birds. Able to imitate the most varied sounds, especially the human voice, endowed with an incredible memory and great sensitivity, the parrot is one of the most intelligent and fascinating animals.
