Training Your African Grey Parrot
Native to Africa, the African Grey Parrot is a highly intelligent species of parrot. Known for its charm and mimicry abilities, the African Grey draws attention not with its colorful wings or beautiful singing voice, but with its large vocabulary range. In a loving, caring, and patient environment, the African Grey Parrot will flourish, making an entertaining and rewarding pet companion.
They are a medium-sized parrot growing to be about 10 to 14 inches in length. There are two different types of African Grey parrots. The Congo African Grey is light grey and has a red tail. The Timneh African Grey is a darker charcoal grey with a maroon tail. Typically the males are larger then the females. The males can be 12 to 14 inches in length. Although the appearances of both sexes are the same, Female African Grey parrots normally have a narrower head and a more slender neck.
It is good to note, there has been some debate in regards to a third subspecies of African Gray Parrot known as the Princeps. The Princeps Gray Parrot, named so because of it is usually only found on the Principe Island in the Gulf of Guinea, is in all ways identical to the Congo Gray Parrot except for it being slightly darker in color. Many believe this is, in fact, a third subspecies, while others disagree believing the Princep Gray Parrot to be the same as the Congo Gray subspecies. Some may also refer to the African Gray Parrot as Silver Grays or Camaroon Greys.
These parrots also need an owner who can make a long term commitment to them. African Greys have a long lifespan and can live up to 60 years. Because of their high intelligence, African Greys require an owner that is experienced and who can understand their needs. They can easily become bored so, a stimulating and interactive environment is a must. Without their intellectual needs met African Greys might turn their boredom into behavioral problems like feather picking. Since they are such sensitive birds they can also behavioral problems. It’s possible that even a small change in their daily routine or in their surroundings can lead an African Grey parrot to become cranky or show signs of self mutilation. Although they are typically well behaved and a great pet these birds do not come without a few challenges. African Greys that are undisciplined can get into trouble. They might chew wires or bite. They pick up behaviors very quickly so if you inadvertently reinforce bad habits in your African Grey, you can also easily teach them good ones.
African Grey parrots are full of personality and human like qualities. Those who are lucky enough to own one are able to see intelligence not equaled in many other animals.