| African Gray Parrots did, in fact originate in central | | | | mental stimulation! |
| Africa. In the parrot realm they are considered a | | | | Sometimes even just small changes in their normal |
| medium sized parrot, growing to between 10 and 14 | | | | daily routines can result in crankiness and/or acting out. |
| inches long. There are two types of this species. One | | | | The African Gray is quite a sensitive creature! |
| is the Timneh African Gray which is a darker | | | | Behavioral problems can include self destructive |
| charcoal-like gray and has a maroon tail. The other is | | | | behavior like feather plucking, excessive screaming or |
| the Congo African Gray which is a lighter gray in color | | | | even biting. If you have young children you may not |
| with a red tail. | | | | want to leave them unsupervised with your parrot. |
| As in many species of animals, the females tend to be | | | | If your parrot is undisciplined he can also exhibit bad |
| slightly smaller than the males. They also tend to have | | | | behaviors and get into lots of trouble. Make sure not to |
| a more slender neck and narrower head. Other than | | | | reinforce bad behavior since parrots tend to pick things |
| that, unlike many other species where the male is | | | | up quickly. The flip side of this, however, is that they |
| fancier and more colorful, the coloring and appearance | | | | also learn good behavior quickly and are easily trained. |
| of both males and females is similar. | | | | One of the reasons that African Gray Parrots make |
| Considered by many to be both beautiful and intelligent, | | | | such great pets is because they are very social birds. |
| African Gray Parrots are also considered one of the | | | | Even though they are not overly fond of physical |
| easiest species of parrots to keep. | | | | contact, they often appreciate having their heads |
| They are very bright and are well known for their | | | | scratched and being petted. |
| incredible speaking and problem solving abilities. They're | | | | They can also reciprocate and show their affection |
| quite capable of developing a large vocabulary and | | | | for you in some novel ways. Sometimes they may try |
| African Gray owners claim that they have an | | | | to "kiss" their owners on the lips. You do want to take |
| excellent rapport with these extraordinary creatures. | | | | care doing this since human saliva contains bacteria |
| Since African Grays can live up to 60 years, if you | | | | that is hazardous to birds. Regurgitating, otherwise |
| want to own one you need to be prepared to make a | | | | known as "feeding" to your parrot, is another sign of |
| long term commitment to them. Owners also need to | | | | their affection towards you. |
| be well educated, experienced, or both, so that they | | | | In nature this species of parrots show their preference |
| are are able to understand and meet their parrot's | | | | for company and their social personalities by flocking |
| needs. | | | | together while domesticated parrots tend to make |
| Even though this particular species of birds are very | | | | their human family part of their flock. |
| social and make great pets they can develop stressed | | | | Once you adopt one into your family you will be |
| behaviors or behavioral problems if they get lonely or | | | | hooked. You won't be able to imagine life without |
| bored. These birds need plenty of interaction and | | | | African Gray Parrots! |