Feathered Family Inc.

The African Grey parrot is indisputably the best talker of the parrot world. That fact alone means that they are one of the most popular companion parrots on the market today. But does that make them a suitable companion parrot? Unfortunately, in most cases the answer is no. While these wonderful birds can be excellent companions for many, they are prone to self abuse, feather mutilation, depression, and other harmful behaviors. For a first time parrot owner these things can be hard to deal with, but with the proper understanding and education most of them can be avoided.
Both the Congo African Grey and the smaller Timneh can be excellent companions. With the ability to learn up to a seven-year-old vocabulary and the emotional level of a two year old they are fantastic at getting into your hearts and lives. Although sometimes cautious these parrots will bond deeply with the right person. Not known to be "Velcro Birds" like their Cockatoo cousins the African Grey will sit back and enjoy its life by your side instead of on your shoulder. Their high intelligence demands social interactions, without these they can become self-destructive. A bored Grey will self-destruct rapidly. These wonderful creatures need to be kept challenged, toys that they cannot figure out in minutes and destroy can be hard to find. Training with the Grey can be a great way to keep their active minds busy and the parrots happy.


 
While I believe that African Grey parrots are excellent companions for the right people, I do not believe that they make good first time birds. Those people who live with these wily wonderful creatures know that a lot of time and effort goes into finding ways to sustain a healthy happy relationship with them. Greys tend to be solitary parrots, not socializing with other birds much. They tend to sit back and watch the world rather than interact with it much.
 
I have heard the African Grey parrot referred to as "Vulture Like" to which I respond that those who say that have obviously never lived with one. With a majestic beauty all their own the Greys overshadow many other species of parrot, and those of us who share our lives with one tend to think of them in terms like Handsome, Regal, and Gentlemanly. The tightly knit feathers and the bare eye patches tend to give them a look of deep introspection that can sometimes be nearly spooky for those who are being studied. The African Grey Parrot may not be for everyone, but for those who love them they are objects of devotion and adoration. Are you ready to see your life in Shades of Greys?