The Gorgeous African Grey Parrot
The African Grey parrot is among the most beautiful and easiest of the parrot family to keep. They are originally from Central Africa, they are known for the exceptional talking ability and the high intelligence. African Greys generally communicate well with their owners and are capable of developing a large vocabulary.
They grow to around 10 to 14 inches in length, and that therefore seen as a medium-sized parrot. African Grey parrots all may have two types. There is a Congo African Grey, which is light Grey and has a red tail. The Timneh African Grey is a darker charcoal Grey with a maroon tail. Usually, the males tend to be bigger than the females. The males are generally 12 to 14 inches in length. They are difficult to sex becomes they both look the same, however, a female African Grey parrots have a narrower head on thinner neck.
Because these parrots have a long life span may need some one will can make a long-term commitment. It's not unusual for African Greys to live up to 60 years. Because of their high intelligence, African Greys require an owner that is experienced and who can understand their needs. Being stimulated in an interactive environment is important, because they can easily become bored. African Greys need their intellectual needs met otherwise their boredom could turn to feather picking and other behavioral problems.
Since they are so sensitive this can lead to behavioral problems. It seems that even small changes to their daily routine and surroundings can lead to an African Grey parrot becoming cranky and frustrated. In the most part these birds are typically well behaved and great pets, however there can be challenges. Undisciplined African Greys can get into some trouble. They might chew something or bite. They are very quick to pick up behaviors, and so if you reinforce negative habits in your African Grey, you could also just as easily reinforce good ones.
African Grey parrot's are fantastic birds, who are very sociable and make great pets. In the wild their natural instinct is to flock together. An African Grey parrot living in a home environment will usually adopt the family into their flock. It seems some of them even cuddle their owners. They seem to enjoy head scratching and petting, even though they don't always enjoy physical contact. Most experienced African Grey owners are not bothered bythe birds very strange signs of affection.
A deep sign of affection for an African Grey is regurgitation, and they will even try to kiss their owners on the mouth.
It is not recommended that you allow the bird to kiss you, because humans mouths contain bacteria that is harmful to the birds The birds really do need companionship, and owners should realize the importance of understanding this.
African Grey parrots have amazing personalities, as well as human like qualities. If you are lucky enough to own one, you will see an intelligence unequaled by many other animals.
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Check out the parrotcare4u.com blog from much more information about parrot care and buying a good parrot cage for your feathery friend.