African Grey

     Genus: Psittacus          Species: erithacus

Sub-species:  Congo (P.e. erithacus) – 33cm (12.8 in) – 400g (14 oz)        Timneh (P.e. timneh) – 30cm (11.7 in) – 320g (11.2 oz)

Pet Suitability:
Hand-reared and parent-raised birds can make good pets; they are however sensitive and need a lot of attention; excellent mimickers. Due to their sensitive natures they may develop behavioral problems.

Captive Status:
Common, but heavily imported with high mortality. From 1994-2003 over 359,000 individuals were traded on the international market.

Longevity:
50-60 yrs

Housing:
Aviary or suspended cage, minimum length 3m (9.8 ft).

Diet:
Cooked beans and pulses, boiled corn, sunflower seed – dry, soaked or sprouted but limited; fruit such as: apple, orange, banana, pomegranate, pear; rearing food (hard boiled egg, wholegrain bread, low-fat cheese and carrot); vegetables such as: carrot, celery, green beans and peas in the pod; spray millet; complete kibble.

Enrichment:
Provide overhead misters or shallow water bowls for bathing; foot toys, destructible (non-toxic) toys, non-destructible (non-toxic plastic) toys, food-finder toys, preening toys, different texture and size hanging perch toys; fir, pine, elder or willow branches, push-and-pull toys (sliding up and down), vegetable tanned leather toys. Introduce with care, as Greys are sensitive to novel things.