PROFILE

Size:

approx. 33 cm

Weight:

0,4 – 0,5 kg

Origin:

Central and West Africa

Lifespan:

40 – 60 years

Color:

gray basic plumage, bright red tail

Suitable as:

!-suitable-as-!

Character:

FCI groups:

!-fci groups-!

Character

communicative, intelligent, linguistic, sociable, curious

Keeping

large aviary, keep in pairs, higher humidity, bathing possibilities

Price

500 – 2000 €

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Maintenance

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Employment

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Noise

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Suitability for beginners

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Language talent

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Intelligence

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Playfulness

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Sociability

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tame

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Breed History And Origin

Gray parrots originate from Africa. They are among the largest parrots and are found primarily in the mangrove forests, tropical rainforests, and to some extent in the wet savannas of Central and West Africa.

Appearance Of The Gray Parrot

With a body length of 33 cm and a weight of about 490g, the gray parrot is one of the larger parrots in Africa.

Gray parrots occur in two subspecies, Congo and Timneh gray parrots. Both species are gray, with feathers missing only around the eyes. On the head the plumage is slightly lighter, the wax skin above the beak is white. The short, red tail plumage stands out as a bright color accent.

The gray parrot is also visually distinguished by its gray plumage. The beak and the legs are black, the eyes shine in a bright yellow.

The strikingly thick beak makes it possible to break open even particularly robust nuts. It also serves as a “third foot” when climbing. Two toes each are pointed towards each other, so climbing is easier and the parrot can easily hold onto found food.

Character And Nature

Gray parrots are very social, bright and lively. They are intelligent and like to talk. They are also able to communicate with humans, for example, by demanding a different food.

Gray parrots are considered the language talents among parrots. They can imitate not only human voices, but also sounds. However, not all specimens have this talent, it can also happen that a gray parrot does not learn to speak at all.

Large, or unfamiliar objects and people, the birds can be fearful, or at least skeptical. Gently accustom them to novelties.

If posture mistakes are made or if the sensitive animals get too little attention, then it also comes quickly to aggression and also to feather plucking.

Habitats Of The Gray Parrot

The habitats of the gray parrot are in the mangrove forests, the tropical rain forests and partly also in the wet savannas of Central and West Africa.

Keeping The Gray Parrot

As with all parrots, single keeping is out of the question. Gray parrots should be kept at least in pairs, better still in a larger group.

Since they are large birds, the aviary must also be sized accordingly. One animal needs minimum dimensions of 2 x 1 x 1 m (W x D x H) and each additional animal then needs at least half of this space volume again.

The cage serves only as a sleeping and feeding place. Otherwise, the birds need lots of free flight. Because all parrots, thus also the grey parrot, gnaw in nature everything wood, paper and wickerwork, also the dwelling should be furnished in such a way surely.

Nutrition

For feeding the beautiful birds is suitable mixture of grains with a particularly high proportion of tasty sunflower seeds. Uncooked rice, oats, wheat, corn, seeds, pumpkin seeds and various nuts should also be part of the daily meals.

In any case, this mixture should be dust-free and not contaminated. Also note that nuts are always offered shelled.

Gray parrots also love fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as tasty dried fruits. These include figs, apples, bananas, grapes, lettuce, chickweed, carrots, peppers and exotic fruits and more. Also suitable are meal berries, rose hips, rowan berries or almost ripe corn on the cob.

In addition, to satisfy the nail needs of the little roommates, you should consider fresh fruit tree branches. In addition, fresh water must be provided daily.

Life Expectancy Of The Gray Parrot

The gray parrot has a high life expectancy with an age of up to 60 years. In addition, health and good housing conditions are required.

Decision Support

Gray parrots are among the most popular parrots of all. Their closeness to humans makes them exceptional pets. However, gray parrots are by no means beginner birds. They are only suitable for people who have previous experience with parrot keeping.

In addition, the linguistically gifted gray parrots require a lot of attention and do not like to be alone. Therefore, the acquisition of a second conspecific is essential when keeping them.

In addition, keeping gray parrots is very time-consuming. With a gray parrot you have a friend for life, which is not submissive, but still educable for a common togetherness and because of the talking, whistling and singing brings a lot of joy.

Gray parrots are listed in the European Species Protection Ordinance of the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. There is therefore identification and notification obligation.

The keeping of gray parrots must therefore be reported. In addition, a proof of origin is required. Every legally acquired bird must have the CITES certificate.

FAQ About Gray Parrot

Sources

https://www.fressnapf.de/ratgeber/vogel/beitrag/graupapagei

https://www.zooroyal.de/magazin/vogel/graupapageien-intelligent-und-sozial/

https://www.petsexpert.de/blog/graupapagei-als-haustier

https://www.markt.de/ratgeber/voegel/graupapageien-im-portrait-charakter-haltung-zucht/