The African grey parrot is the smartest bird there is. As a household pet, he can fill the role of a buddy and a soul mate. An African grey is like a friend. He will love you, get angry with you, talk to you, play with you and bond with you. What more could you want from a family pet?
Scientists classify this bird as belonging to the genus and species Psittacus erithacus. There are two subspecies of the main singular species. One is known scientifically as Psittacus erithacus erithacus, commonly called the Congo African grey parrot. The next is Psittacus erithacus timneh, also known as the Timneh African grey. The central and western regions of Africa produce the Congo greys, which are the larger of the two subspecies. The Timneh greys are natives of Sierra Leone as well as the Ivory Coast area and are lighter by a few ounces. Experts in the avian field are trying to figure out if the Principe Island greys are actually a third subspecies or just a variation of one that is already established. Many individuals maintain that the Princeps is one variation of the Congo line of greys.
African greys usually have a grey or white patch of skin around the eyes as well as black feet. They all possess a wonderful, smooth grey plumage, which is soft looking. The Congos are not as dark. They have solid black beaks and dark red tail feathers when they become mature. Timnehs have darker grey feathers with some traces of maroon and taupe. They also have a beak that is two-toned.
In the wild, the African grey lives in a flock. It is the habit of this species to mate for life. This is a bond that is not broken unless death or separation occurs. Because they usually live at the tops of trees, their diet consists mostly of fruits and nuts. African greys are on alert in the wild. They have to be to keep out of reach of predators. They are very intelligent, so they have a lot of success at staying safe.
So what can you expect when you bring one of these wonderful birds into your home? First of all, your African grey is going to be like a kid for you. Typically they demonstrate the emotional maturity of a two-year-old child but the intelligence of a five-year-old. And because it is their native instinct to bond with a mate, when they're brought into a household they will do what is, for them, the next best thing: find one person in the family to become attached to.
You must take responsibility for introducing your bird to your family and gaining his trust. If you are your bird's favorite, then you must take the necessary steps to be sure he socializes appropriately with other family members. These birds must use keen observational skills in the wild. For this reason, they take great notice of their keeper's emotions. As a matter of fact, your bird will sense if you are feeling down, and he will be eager to spend some time interacting with you.
Loudness of any kind, especially shouting or anger will cause the bird to respond unfavorably. He won't enjoy having his beak tapped. Greys are considered to be flock animals, and they will expect to be treated as your equal; although he may want to be the center of attention!
If you opt to have one of these birds as a pet, you must make the same commitment to him as you would to having a brand new baby. Be prepared to raise the equivalent of a child, as African greys are considered youngsters for their first five years and won't reach maturity for at least another five after that! Greys have a life expectancy of between 40 and 50 years.
How can I get the bird to play with me? One way is to encourage him to bob and rock with you. Remember to move slowly at first as he has to build up his trust in you. A lot of people say that, when they buy their bird a new toy, they make a big show over playing with and enjoying the toy in front of the bird. That way the bird will really want the toy! Many experts think that you should keep them near you during your shared time at home. If you're in the family room, kitchen, or even in the bathroom, move his cage or perch so that he can be with you. He will get enjoyment by watching you and what you are doing, and he enjoys it if you praise him.
Perhaps the most enjoyable activity is teaching them to speak or imitate other sounds. These feathered creatures are famous for imitating everything they hear. They can mimic the human voice, and enjoy imitating other animals, as well as sound effects in its surroundings.
If you are looking for a terrific addition to your family, look no further than the African grey parrot. This bird is going to bring much enjoyment to you. - 32516
Scientists classify this bird as belonging to the genus and species Psittacus erithacus. There are two subspecies of the main singular species. One is known scientifically as Psittacus erithacus erithacus, commonly called the Congo African grey parrot. The next is Psittacus erithacus timneh, also known as the Timneh African grey. The central and western regions of Africa produce the Congo greys, which are the larger of the two subspecies. The Timneh greys are natives of Sierra Leone as well as the Ivory Coast area and are lighter by a few ounces. Experts in the avian field are trying to figure out if the Principe Island greys are actually a third subspecies or just a variation of one that is already established. Many individuals maintain that the Princeps is one variation of the Congo line of greys.
African greys usually have a grey or white patch of skin around the eyes as well as black feet. They all possess a wonderful, smooth grey plumage, which is soft looking. The Congos are not as dark. They have solid black beaks and dark red tail feathers when they become mature. Timnehs have darker grey feathers with some traces of maroon and taupe. They also have a beak that is two-toned.
In the wild, the African grey lives in a flock. It is the habit of this species to mate for life. This is a bond that is not broken unless death or separation occurs. Because they usually live at the tops of trees, their diet consists mostly of fruits and nuts. African greys are on alert in the wild. They have to be to keep out of reach of predators. They are very intelligent, so they have a lot of success at staying safe.
So what can you expect when you bring one of these wonderful birds into your home? First of all, your African grey is going to be like a kid for you. Typically they demonstrate the emotional maturity of a two-year-old child but the intelligence of a five-year-old. And because it is their native instinct to bond with a mate, when they're brought into a household they will do what is, for them, the next best thing: find one person in the family to become attached to.
You must take responsibility for introducing your bird to your family and gaining his trust. If you are your bird's favorite, then you must take the necessary steps to be sure he socializes appropriately with other family members. These birds must use keen observational skills in the wild. For this reason, they take great notice of their keeper's emotions. As a matter of fact, your bird will sense if you are feeling down, and he will be eager to spend some time interacting with you.
Loudness of any kind, especially shouting or anger will cause the bird to respond unfavorably. He won't enjoy having his beak tapped. Greys are considered to be flock animals, and they will expect to be treated as your equal; although he may want to be the center of attention!
If you opt to have one of these birds as a pet, you must make the same commitment to him as you would to having a brand new baby. Be prepared to raise the equivalent of a child, as African greys are considered youngsters for their first five years and won't reach maturity for at least another five after that! Greys have a life expectancy of between 40 and 50 years.
How can I get the bird to play with me? One way is to encourage him to bob and rock with you. Remember to move slowly at first as he has to build up his trust in you. A lot of people say that, when they buy their bird a new toy, they make a big show over playing with and enjoying the toy in front of the bird. That way the bird will really want the toy! Many experts think that you should keep them near you during your shared time at home. If you're in the family room, kitchen, or even in the bathroom, move his cage or perch so that he can be with you. He will get enjoyment by watching you and what you are doing, and he enjoys it if you praise him.
Perhaps the most enjoyable activity is teaching them to speak or imitate other sounds. These feathered creatures are famous for imitating everything they hear. They can mimic the human voice, and enjoy imitating other animals, as well as sound effects in its surroundings.
If you are looking for a terrific addition to your family, look no further than the African grey parrot. This bird is going to bring much enjoyment to you. - 32516
About the Author:
Dee LeClerc shares her home with Perky the lovable African Grey parrot and Smeagol the Quaker Parrot. Head over to http://www.anafricangrey.ca to learn more.
