African gray parrot | Facts & Information

Origin

Researchers say it is one of the most intelligent birds. Their friendly character and ability to reproduce sounds so well have made them very popular pets.

The African grey parrot is in danger unless its capture from the Wild is given up for trade.

As a pet it needs attention, otherwise it begins to pluck its feathers. With due food and attention these animals can live up to 70 years in captivity.

Feeding The African Gray Parrot

The african grey parrot requires a varied diet that includes fresh food. In the wild it feeds primarily on palm nuts, seeds, fruits, leaves that it often procures from trees.

There are rumors that he was also seen eating snails. Over time they have acquired a penchant for grain, so they are doing damage to corn crops.

It is almost impossible to remove them because they come back every time. Toxic foods: chocolate, avocado, caffeine, alcohol, chemicals, and others.

Features African Gray Parrot

There are two accepted subspecies. The first species is the African Congo Gray Parrot. It is about 33 cm long, light gray feathers, cherry-red tail and black beak. By the time the color of the tail reaches maturity it is darker, this lasts until about 18 months of age. These birds also have gray irises until one year of age when the color turns a pale yellow.

The second species, the African Gray Parrot Timneh is smaller in size, have a charcoal gray color and dark brown tail. It can be found in the forests of Guinea, West Africa, Sierra Leone and Mali. Although smaller, these parrots begin to speak earlier than those of the Congo subspecies and are often less nervous towards strangers.

Unlike other parrots, the African Gray Parrot mimics the sounds of several species, it has been subjected to rigorous testing by scientific scientists. They are among the most intelligent animal species.

Dr. Irene Pepperberg has done research and demonstrated that these birds can associate words so that they have meaning and that they understand the concept of shape, color, number, etc.in 2004 it was noted that a parrot had a vocabulary of at least 950 words. They say they can reach the age of a 5-year-old with intelligence.

The African grey parrot generally makes the following sounds: whistles, laughs, squeaks, carts, etc.in captivity it mimics anything: telephone, alarm clocks, water leaks, wild birds, video games, electronic sounds and any other sound it hears.

Breeding African Gray Parrot

In captivity. Mating in captivity of African gray parrots is done after about 5 years, after maturation.

It is recommended that the pair stay together for at least 6 months to get to know each other and to socialize. In the wild the mating season varies.

Reproduction, which takes place in colonies, is preceded by mating dances. Between one and four eggs are laid at intervals of 3 days in the nest.

Both parents take care of the puppies until they are 3-4 months old.