African Grey Parrot

Merck Veterinary Manual describes the grey as a medium-to-large, very capable mimic with "possibly the largest vocabulary" of the parrots; it tends to growl rather than scream and may go quiet around strangers. The same source says it needs a lot of time and attention and is prone to behavior problems. Animal Diversity Web writes that in the wild greys form large, noisy flocks made up only of greys and that young birds stay with the family group for years, learning survival skills from older birds. So the need for a flock continues at home.

The expert panel in Chalmers and colleagues (2024) ranked lifelong social isolation, limited chances to express natural behavior and a lack of foraging among the priority welfare issues for pet parrots. All of these headings apply to a smart, social species like the grey.

The grey suits people who are ready to learn bird behavior, are home most of the time, can make a long-term life plan and can reach a bird vet. RSPCA Australia reminds readers that birds can live 10 to 50 years depending on the species and that owners should plan care even for travel or hospital stays; it adds that a bird vet can be hard to find. Merck also lists large, smart parrots as birds that demand attention.

The grey lives in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. Animal Diversity Web says it uses moist lowland forests, forest edges, mangroves and farmland and nests in tree holes.

Its status in the wild is worrying. The IUCN classifies the species as Endangered; according to the World Land Trust, more than 1.3 million wild-caught birds entered the international trade between 1982 and 2014, and many more died in transit or were taken illegally. The loss of large trees is also shrinking nest sites. So not buying a wild-caught bird is a direct way to protect the species. According to Per (2018), the grey was the parrot species most often imported into and re-exported from Türkiye between 1982 and 2016.

According to Animal Diversity Web it is about 13 in (33 cm) long and weighs up to 14 oz (407 g); the World Parrot Trust says about 14 oz (400 g). The body is gray, the face whitish and the tail red. There are two subspecies, the Congo grey and the smaller Timneh; sources sometimes treat them as separate species, so when buying ask for the exact species name and its paperwork.

• Flight and movement: Out-of-cage time in a safe room every day. Window, door, fan and heater precautions; toxic plants removed.
• Foraging: In van Zeeland and colleagues' (2023) study of 21 greys, both healthy and feather-damaging birds chose to work for food even though the same food sat free in bowls; the authors treat foraging as a behavioral need of greys and recommend making food-finding toys a standard part of housing.
• Enrichment: The World Parrot Trust suggests bathing (a mister or shallow dish), foot toys, chewable and non-chewable toys, foraging toys and natural branches; introduce new items carefully because greys are sensitive to novelty.
• Sleep: Merck values a steady day-night rhythm and uninterrupted nights. See how birds sleep.
• Consistent attention: Keep a routine; spend time at the same hours every day.
• Back stroking: Merck notes this can stimulate sexual behavior in some birds.

Also see bonding with your bird and toys for birds.

For a grey, the World Parrot Trust suggests an aviary or hanging cage at least 10 ft (3 m) long. RSPCA Australia's rule for a pair is a width of at least three times the combined wingspan of the two birds, a height of at least three times the head-to-tail length of the largest bird, and at least two wingbeats of room between perches. RSPCA writes that birds kept in cages risk obesity, arthritis, soft bones, feather picking, screaming and aggression, so a cage alone is not enough: regular safe flight is a must.

• Material: For aviary wire, RSPCA suggests strong 1.6–1.8 mm wire for birds of 200–500 g; fine chicken-wire-style mesh can be chewed and swallowed by a large parrot. Poorly galvanized wire can poison with zinc; Merck prefers stainless steel.
• Perches: Natural branches in different thicknesses; avoid metal pipe, cotton-rope and sandpaper-covered perches.
• Bowls: Stainless steel, glass or glazed ceramic; keep food and water apart.
• Floor: Newspaper or paper towel.
• Location: In a corner, at chest height, away from traffic and constant noise. See the cage placement guide.
• Cleaning: At least weekly, ideally every 1–2 days.

According to Merck Veterinary Manual, pellets (a complete formulated bird food) should be the base, with a smaller amount of fresh vegetables and fruit; work out proportions with a bird vet. Seed-and-nut-heavy diets are fatty and lack many vitamins and minerals. One point matters especially for greys: greys fed only seed are prone to dangerously low blood calcium, which can cause weakness, tremors and seizures. Sunlight or a bird-appropriate UV light also matters for bone health. This is not treatment advice but a warning: set up the diet with your vet.

• Vitamin A deficiency is common and often missed in seed-fed birds.
• Do not mix powdered supplements into the water; Merck notes they can change the taste and reduce drinking.
• For harmful foods, see foods that are harmful to birds.

Merck says birds hide illness and that by the time you notice signs the illness may be advanced. What follows is for information; for diagnosis and treatment, talk to a veterinarian who sees birds.

• Feather picking (feather-destructive behavior): Merck says medical causes (skin inflammation, nutrition, toxins) should be ruled out first, then psychological causes (stress, boredom, sexual frustration) considered; seed-heavy diets, lack of sunlight and a disrupted day-night cycle can also contribute. In Gaskins and Bergman's (2011) survey, feather picking was the behavior problem avian vets saw most. Van Zeeland and colleagues (2023) found that feather-damaging greys used foraging devices less than healthy birds, though the sample is small and results are not conclusive.
• Low calcium: Merck says greys on seed-heavy diets are prone to this problem.
• Chlamydia (psittacosis): A disease that can spread through droppings, nasal discharge and feather dust and pass to people. Merck lists testing new birds, isolating sick birds, gloves and hand washing. If you develop flu-like symptoms, tell your doctor you keep a bird.
• Fume and gas poisoning: Overheated nonstick coatings, aerosol sprays and room fresheners can kill birds quickly.
• Heavy metals: Galvanized wire, metal toys and old paint can be risky.

Merck says 30–50 years and the World Parrot Trust 50–60. Animal Diversity Web gives a wild average of 22.7 years, a captive average of 45 and a highest report of 60. In practice, a grey can be with a person for their whole adult life, or even outlive them. Chalmers and colleagues list the lack of a life plan for birds (who will care for them, moves, rehoming) among the priority welfare issues. Put that in writing before you get one.

• Legal status: The grey has been in CITES Appendix I since 2017 (the EU also moved the species into its Annex A); the World Parrot Trust writes that Appendix I tightly restricts international commercial trade. Ask for papers showing the bird's legal origin and do not buy from a seller who cannot show them. Confirm the details for Türkiye with the relevant official authorities; we do not give penalties or permit names here.
• Avoid wild-caught birds: Wild-caught birds add to the species' decline; buy only from a documented breeding source.
• Rescues and shelters: Look for organizations that rehome pet birds; long-lived birds are often left behind.
• Assess the seller: One who knows the species and its lineage, gives diet and health information, and offers returns or support. Do not decide on impulse; RSPCA says "Don't impulse buy."
• Vet: First find out whether a bird vet is available near you, and see one right after you bring the bird home.