African Grey - (Psittacus Erithacus)

Purchasing your African Grey:

What should you look for when you purchase an African Grey?

You can be certain that your bird is a youngster if the entire eye colour is black.

The African Grey's eye colour will develop with age gradually changing until its iris will become a light yellow at about three years of age.

Your African Grey should have been hand reared by its breeder until approximately 12 weeks.   You can make the bird think it is still immature by continuing to hand feed baby food two or three times a day.

If you are thinking of buying an African Grey you should only purchase from a reputable breeder who will have put a ring on its leg showing its identity number and the breeder should be able to give you the date of birth.   If either of these things have not been carried out do not buy from this person.

An African Grey, or indeed any parrot, should not be purchased if any member of your household suffers from asthma or any breathing difficulties.

Do you have the right sort of cage for your African Grey?   It should be large enough for your bird to stretch its wings without touching the sides of the cage.   Normally, a cage should be fairly large about 24 x 24 x 30 inches being the norm.   The cage should open at side or end and also at the top so that your African Grey can sit on a perch placed across the top.   The cage should also have a removable droppings tray for ease of cleaning.

Where should you keep your African Grey?   In a room where you spend most of your time is the ideal place but not the kitchen.   Your bird will be susceptible to cooking smells and may almost certainly die if you allow Teflon, or similar, pans to boil dry by accident.

The African Grey has been described as "the perfect mix of brains and beauty" and they certainly are a source of great amusement.   They are said to have the intelligence of a five year old and the temperament of a two year old.   The African Grey is subject to lengthy periods of sulking.

If ever you are unfortunate enough to have health problems with your African Grey you will need access to an avian vet.