Origin
The grey parakeet (Aratinga weddellii) is part of the Psittacidae family, genus Aratinga. It is a green, grey-headed parrot found in the forests of the Amazon basin in South America.
It prefers semi-open areas like forest edges. He also lives in coffee plantations. This habitat benefits it because it makes it less vulnerable to many other species of Amazonian parrots. The species with the least concern about extinction or the number of individuals is considered conspecific.
In literature or other countries it can be found under one of the following names: the Dusky-headed Parakeet, Weddell's Conure or Dusky-headed Conure. As you can see he is announced as the gray-headed parrot (dusky), but for simplicity and to become more popular I preferred to call him simply the gray parrot.
Feeding The Gray Parrot
The gray parrot feeds on seeds, fruits, flowers, looks for larvae from insects under the bark of trees. They also consume a certain type of mineral-rich land as a supplement.
In captivity, the seed mix for parrots is recommended, which includes sunflower seeds. Besides this mix you can give and fruits (apples, pears, oranges, etc.), vegetables (carrot,
etc.), salads or pellets.
Fresh water should not be missing. It needs to be changed daily.
Features Gray Parrot
The gray parrot has a long tail and a predominant green color. The head is gray in color. The beak is black, and the ring around the eyes is white. The legs are grey. The tips of the wings are blue.
Blue mutations can still be found in captivity occasionally. Both sexes are almost identical, it is difficult to specify sexual dimorphism. It can be established with the help of DNA.
The average length is 25-28cm. The bird weighs about 100 grams. It is noticeably smaller than the parrot aratinga of the sun.
It is generally a social parrot that spends most of its time together or in small groups. Cabd food is abundant can gather up to 100 individuals. Girl other
species of this genus are quieter, but just as energetic, funny or affectionate.
It adapts well in captivity. They are relatively easy to mate if they have the nest and the main conditions met. They like to climb and play. If they are left alone for longer it is
good to have toys and wooden sticks that he can gnaw. Parrots love to gnaw wood.
Breeding Gray Parrot
In the mating season both parents take care of raising the offspring. The nest is usually made in old woodpecker hollows or termite trees. The female can have up to three nests per year.
They are considered quiet parrots so it is good to give them an intimate area.
During the mating period lay 3-4 eggs which are incubated for 24 days. Once out of the egg the chicks will stay in the nest for about 55 days. All around 50 days they will be completely covered by feathers.
Life expectancy is up to 30 years.
