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• African Grey Parrots are a species of parrot native to West and Central Africa. Of the two main varieties of African Grey, the Congo African Grey Parrot has a stronger ability to imitate speech, and is thus a more popular pet. The Timneh African Grey is similar in appearance, but has a horn-colored beak, maroon tail, and is slightly smaller.

  Despite their popularity as pets, they have a powerful bite and sharp nails. Anyone looking to keep a parrot as a pet should get hands-on experience with the African Grey before acquiring one. In the wild, they eat a varied diet consisting primarily of nuts, fruits, and leaves. Pet African Greys should be fed a varied diet including pellets, fruits, vegetables, and a few nuts. Avoid feeding chocolate, dairy, salty foods, avocado rhubarb, as these are toxic to birds.

  Though not independently confirmed, Birdlife International estimates that 21% of the African Grey population is eliminated from the wild each year. They are listed as "near-threatened" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. This level is above the "least concern" listing, but is not dire enough to be considered "threatened".

• Fast Facts:

  1. Lifespan: 60 years
  2. African Greys are noted for their intelligence
  3. People have been keeping African Greys as pets for over 4,000 years
  4. Greys can have a vocabulary of over 2000 words and can mimic various sounds with amazing accuracy
  5. African Greys have the intellectual capacity of a 5 year old child
  6. Like all parrots, African Greys require frequent attention, various toys, a large cage and a stimulating environment

• Related Mahalo Pages

  How to Care for a Parakeet | Parrots | Parakeet | Macaw | Budgerigar | Cockatoo | Cockatiel | Poicephalus Parrot

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