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African Grey
Scientific Name - Psittacus Erithacus
Distribution - Western Equatorial Africa
Description -
Weight: 300-550 gm
Size: Approximately 13 inches in length.
Distinct Markings: Overall medium gray, edged in
pale
gray on head and shoulders, pale gray cheeks,
large bare
skin area around eye, dark gray wing tips, light
gray
thighs, red tail, black beek, red feet. Sub
species Psittacus
e. timneh has a maroon tail.
African parrots are stocky, short tailed birds.
Colors are
greys and greens, accentuated by red, orange, or
blue
markings.
Behavior/Aviculture -
African Greys are highly intelligent and have
excellent
abilities for mimicry. Some highly trained
individuals
are also capable of reasoning and verbal
communication.
Young african greys adapt readily to new
surroundings
and should be well adapted to many novel
experiences
at a young age. Adult birds are less adaptable to
unfamiliar
environments, dietary changes, etc and may
feather pick
in response. Poicephalus are not so likely to
speak and
are often nervous or aggressive.
African parrots, especially African greys are
highly playful
and easily become bored, so environmental
enrichment
is important. They should always be provided
with toys,
especially wooden blocks which can be chewed and
branches from non-toxic trees. In order to
ensure safety,
companion birds should not be allowed
unsupervised
freedom in the home as they often encounter
toxins or
dangerous items. Young birds should be
socialized to
many people and exposed to a variety of
situations such
as; new cages, toys,
visits to the veterinarian, handling
by friends, and wing and nail, clippings to avoid
fear of
novel situations.
Routine bathing or showering is vital to
maintaining good
plumage and skin condition. Birds can be misted
and
allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun, or
dried with
a blow drier. Care should be taken not to clip
the wing
feathers excessively as African Greys often fall
and injure
themselves often requiring surgical repair. Clip
only
enough so the bird will glide to the floor.
All companion and breeding birds should be
individually
identified to assist in recovery if lost and
assist in
maintenance
of medical and genealogical records. Many
breeders apply closed leg bands when chicks are
young.
While they present a slight risk of entrapment,
closed
bands are preferable to no identification,
especially for
breeding birds. Microchips which can be
implanted into
the muscle or under the skin are a reliable
means of
identification but require electronic readers to
verify
identification. Tattoos may be used but often
fade or
become illegible with time. Foot prints may have
some
application in identification.
African parrots are very active and should be
provided
with as large a cage as possible. The cage
should have
two perches so the birds can move between them.
Toys
and activities should be provided.
Age at maturity: 3-5 years.
Diet -
African greys appear to utilize calcium
differently than
other psittacine species. Birds kept as indoor
pets especially
tend to develop signs of calcium deficiency
which can be a
serious health threat. Natural or full spectrum
light may
also be helpful. African parrots should be fed a
formulated
(pelleted or extruded diet) as a basis for good
nutrition.
The diet should be supplemented with fresh
fruits and
vegetables daily to add variety and
psychological
enrichment.
Treats may be given in small amounts especially
as rewards
for good behavior. Fresh clean water must be
provided
every day. Vitamin supplements are not needed
for birds
which are eating a formulated diet. Pretty Bird
manufactures
a special diet for African parrots with an
easier to utilize
calcium source to help prevent calcium
deficiency. For
Conversion see our brochure on Converting your
seed
eating bird to a formulated diet.
Breeding
Information -
African greys breed well in captivity. Some
prolific birds will
breed year round but most breed in the winter
and early
spring. Clutch size is usually 2-4 eggs. African
greys will use
a vertical, horizontal (18" x 18" x 24") or an L
shaped box.
Cage size should be al least 4' x 4' x 4' or 3'
x 3' x 6'.
Most African parrot species do not show
definitive sexual
dimorphism (visual difference between the
species)
therefore endoscopic examination or laboratory
sexing
techniques are needed for accurate sex
determination.
Common Diseases And Disorders -
Feather picking
Respiratory Diseases- Aspergillosis
Bacterial, viral, Fungal Diseases
Calcium deficiency disorder
Toxicities
Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)
Tumors
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
Many common health problems of African Parrots
can
be prevented by good diet, nutrition and routine
health care.
Routine veterinary examination (annually) can
help you
to keep your pet in excellent health and enhance
your
relationship with your bird.
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