Species Spotlight: African Greys
Monday May 1, 2006
Praised as the most intelligent of all the parrot species, and prized for its beauty as well as its sociable personality, the African Grey Parrot has been described as being the "total package" when it comes to pet birds. With their remarkable talking abilities and willingness to learn, it's no wonder that the African Grey has remained a popular pet for many thousands of years. Learn all about this magnificent species by checking out the newest Species Spotlight on African Greys, and decide if this popular parrot is the right type for your family. Photo of "Tyleen", an African Grey Congo, provided courtesy of Colleen Varga.
Comments
I have 2 CAGs one a rescue and one bought as a baby. They are a riot! The rescue was a feather picker and self mutalater and less than a two years after being in his permanent home he is completely cured.
I have also rescued a U2, amongst many other birds. I rehab and find their permanent homes for them.
Recently the love of my life relocated from Boston to Saint Louis and moved into our home. He has slowly but surely made great progress with both greys, teaching them many funny sayings, “like kiss no bites” “Quack! Quack!” “Lights outttttttt”
I just never know what will come out of those witty little beaks when I am in there room cleaning their cage. I spent 3,000 dollars closing off a room to my house so that they have an aviary and are safe from the rest of the house. They are wonderful part of our family and take a great deal of time and must be considered carefully BEFORE anyone decides to add them to their flock. Unlike a dog or cat they require constant interaction and are quite expensive to care for in food and toys alone.
Parrots are not quiet!!!! They are VERY noisy!!!! They are EXTREMELY messy and DESTRUCTIVE creatures of habit!!!! Parrots need a consistent schedule, diet, playtime, free time and regular interaction from their flock…YOU!!! They often BOND to ONE individual.
All said they are incredible and if you are willing to DEVOTE the REST of YOUR LIFE to loving one of the most intelligent and loving creatures on this earth then you should invest your time and research Congo African Grey Parrots. PLEASE do A LOT of reasearch BEFORE you find a PARROT.Too many Parrots end up in rescue homes like mine because first time owners buy them on a whim and do not realize how demanding and time consuming parrots can be on a daily basis and they are disheartened by the constant mess these curious creatures are always making with their toys and surrounding environment.
Thank you for listening to my passionate rambling!!!
Erika Smith
Parrot Rescuer
Erika321@gmail.com
I also have an CAG “Ozetta” she loves to imitate the several phone rings from our cell phones! she has gotten so good at it that we are all looking for who’s phone is ringing when all along its her! she also imitates my husband when he has a phone call, she says hello, ok ok alright goodbye! she is wonderful to have, I also have a Blue&Gold Macaw, Picasso, and they are the best of friends,they love to sit together and preen each other,Ozetta will say hello bird and Picasso responds with be quiet, I love them both very much, its worth the work taking care of them and a lot of work it is!