| The African Grey parrot is the most popular pet | | | | birds.The minimum cage size for African Greys is |
| parrot kept today. They are extraordinary | | | | 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 30 inches tall. |
| speakers and are also very lovable and sweet. | | | | Try to get the largest cage you can. Place the |
| However, they do require lots of love, patience | | | | cage in a well lit area that is free from any drafts. |
| and time. Make sure they are the right bird for | | | | You will need to get plenty of toys for your bird |
| you.The African Grey parrot originates from | | | | so they can get the mental stimulation they |
| Central Africa. It is medium grey in color and the | | | | need.A good diet is very important for any bird. |
| feathers on the head have white edging. It also | | | | Seeds should not be the only thing you feed. |
| has a bright red tail and a solid black beak.One of | | | | African Greys need a good pellet diet as well as |
| the things African Greys are most well known for | | | | fresh fruits and vegetables. Some fruits and |
| is how well they speak. Their speech is very clear | | | | vegetables that are good for them include |
| and easy to understand. They can even learn | | | | broccoli, green peas, black eyes peas, brussel |
| over 2000 words and can mimic any sound! | | | | sprouts, banana and cantaloupe.A major problem |
| However, don't buy an African Grey just for this | | | | that many African Greys develop is feather |
| reason. Some of them never speak at all.African | | | | plucking. This is actually a form of self mutilation. |
| Greys are extremely intelligent. It is said that they | | | | It can be caused by many things such as medical |
| have the intellectual capacity of a five year old | | | | problems, behavioral problems, or stress. If you |
| child and are probably the most intelligent of the | | | | see your bird doing this, take him to the vet as |
| parrot species. Some have even been known to | | | | soon as possible before it becomes really bad.The |
| understand concepts like color and shape. This | | | | hardest thing about keeping African Greys is the |
| also makes them very demanding pets. They | | | | amount of time you must spend with them. Once |
| require constant attention and many toys to keep | | | | your bird bonds with you, it will not want to be |
| them busy.African Greys form very strong bonds | | | | without you. Your bird will demand attention from |
| with their owners and can even respond to our | | | | you all the time. If this bird doesn't get enough |
| different emotions. When you are sad, a bonded | | | | attention or mental stimulation, it will likely form |
| African Grey will comfort you. They learn so | | | | behavioral problems. Make sure you aren't going |
| much from their owners! Once you win the trust | | | | to be too busy to spend time with this bird |
| of an African Grey, they will be your best friend. | | | | before you purchase one. This bird is not right for |
| They are not very outgoing with strangers | | | | everyone. |
| though. They are very loyal and dedicated | | | | |