A grey can also become a “one person bird,” even if every member of the household socializes with it from the beginning. Every bird has individual tastes and preferences. The CAG prefers a little less chaos.Īfrican greys are social parrots that need a lot of hands-on time, however, they aren’t “cuddlebugs.” They will tolerate some head scratching and a little bit of petting, but they do not appreciate intense physical contact, though some individuals don’t mind a little snuggling. Anecdotally, the TAG has a hardier attitude and may be better for households with a lot of people coming and going. They are prone to plucking and chewing their feathers, among other bad habits. They are creatures of habit, and even a small change in routine can make a sensitive grey unhappy. They are also charming and brilliant, but this match of sensitivity and brains can lead to behavioral issues. They are complex parrots, highly sensitive, and more than a little demanding. Most bird keepers believe that only an experienced bird enthusiast should keep a grey. A grey that consumes a pelleted diet generally does not need vitamin supplements added to its food. Offering a balanced, pelleted diet, such as Nutri-Berries, for the main diet of an African grey helps prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Vitamin-D deficiency is another concern, especially for greys on a poor diet. This mimics the foraging that African greys do in the wild.Īfrican greys seem especially affected by stress and commotion in their environment and can be put more at ease by placing one corner of the cage against a wall as opposed to in the middle of a room.Īfrican grey parrots are more prone to deficiency in vitamin-A/beta-carotene, and therefore benefit from eating vegetables high in beta-carotene, such as cooked sweet potato and fresh kale. Because the grains and seeds are mostly whole and formed into a berry shape, it encourages African greys to hold, nibble, and even play with the Nutri-Berries. This complete food blends a balance of grains, seeds, and other nutrients in the shape of a berry.

Nutri-Berries by Lafeber Company are perfect for foraging. There’s a reason why the African grey is often considered the poster bird for parrot intelligence - not only is this bird inclined to amass a large vocabulary, African greys also demonstrate an aptitude for recognizing the meaning of words and phrases.Īfrican greys need plenty of toys that challenge their intelligence, such as foraging and puzzle toys.

Red and grey cockatoo