African Greys: The Einstein of Birds

It's a little-known fact that there are two unique African grey parrot species: the Congo African grey and the Timneh African grey.

While both species are native to Africa, the Congo grey has more distinctive features that set it apart. Congos are typically slightly larger than Timneh greys, plus they have solid black beaks and striking bright red-orange tails. For this reason, Congo greys are commonly referred to as Red-tailed greys.

Both Congo and Timneh African grey parrots are extremely active, social birds. They're fun-loving and fun to be around, but African greys are demanding in that they need a lot of interaction and time outside their cage. If they don't get that stimulation, African greys are known to become mischievous.

Before deciding to get an African grey as a pet, be certain you're willing and prepared to give it sufficient time and attention.

With vocabularies that can far exceed 1,000 words, there's no question about why African greys are widely considered one of the most intelligent bird species in the world.

At around 6 months old, African grey parrots start to learn words. Within a few months, they're able to form sentences and can soon carry on conversations. Congo greys are even capable of impersonating voices.

Because African grey parrots are so intelligent, they need a number of varied activities and toys to keep them engaged. Your grey should have access to perches and swings placed at different heights and of varying thicknesses, as well as some different-sized balls.

Without this much-needed stimulation, African greys can quickly become bored and distressed, which can lead to behavioral problems.

Nearly all African grey parrots exhibit a distinctive behavior called foraging. While foraging, greys explore the ground, rummaging as if they're searching for food. Greys forage even in their native rainforests, so it appears to be something innate.

African greys should be given opportunities to forage at home, whether on the floor or in a foraging box. Hide toys and nuts in shredded paper inside a large plastic box.

Decidedly vegetarian, African greys feed on a wide variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits. Domesticated pets should be offered primarily fruit, as greys will almost always pick out seeds when offered and these aren't nutritionally well-balanced. As an alternative, offer pellets that include a blend of fruit, seeds, and green vegetables.

Many animals are natural enemies – such as cats and birds – but that doesn't necessarily mean that they can't get along. In the case of African grey parrots, they can live harmoniously with other household pets so long as they are introduced early on and slowly.

Owning two greys as pets, however, is a different story. With very few exceptions, they generally do not get along well.

It should come as no surprise that African grey parrots are capable of forming intense bonds with humans. Fascinatingly, Timneh greys have the ability to form multiple human bonds but Congo greys generally do not. Instead, Congos bond with one person and reject others – sometimes even within the same household. Because of this, Congo greys may not be ideal pets for families with children.

African grey parrots are prone to some behavioral problems, particularly when they don't get enough attention or mental stimulation. These include picking at their feathers, commonly referred to as plucking, as well as using their beaks to destroy things in their environment.

Greys also don't handle change well and cannot be left alone for long, so they don't make great pets for people who travel frequently or work long hours.

Aside from the behavioral issues, African grey parrots are susceptible to, they're also prone to a few common medical problems. Respiratory issues are among the most prevalent, but they can often be prevented with a well-balanced diet and maintaining a clean cage and water supply.

Greys also tend to suffer from calcium and vitamin A and D deficiencies, largely because they don't get sufficient sunlight. Providing a high-quality artificial light can counteract this.