There are only three distinct birds in this genus. Whether or not they are different species, subspecies or simply variants of the main species, Psittacus erithacus, is still not certain
The African Grey Congo, is found in the west-central part of Africa mainly within 10 degrees north and south of the equator.
The African Grey Timneh, differs from the Congo in its size, being noticeably smaller, it has a maroon tail, and the pink colour of the upper third of the upper mandible . The Timneh naturally occurs in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the westernmost parts of the Ivory Coast.
Another seldom seen African Grey, Psittacus erithacus princeps, can only be found on the islands in the Gulf of Guinea. This bird is darker than the regular African grey.
Life Span
African greys have the potential to live very long, so be prepared for a commitment of at least 50 years or more.
Talking
African Greys are excellent mimics, and many (though not all) are excellent talkers, with a capacity of over 2000 words. Even birds that don’t repeat words are very adept at repeating household noises such as the telephone or doorbell, often well enough to confuse people Most greys have a large collection of sounds they repeat. As the studies have shown, greys have a unique capacity for putting their words and sounds into the right context as opposed to simply repeating them, showing their intelligence.
Biting
African Greys have a reputation for biting, but this largely relates to the socialization issue. Like other parrots they will bite, especially if they feel threatened in any way. However, the trust of an African grey must be earned through patience and respect, and pushing interaction with a grey that doesn’t trust you fully may result in a bite. They are also perceptive to the moods of the people around them, so they should be approached in a calm and relaxed manner, or the bird may become agitated or excited. Also, a bored or stressed parrot is more likely to exhibit behavioural problems including biting. Making sure the emotional, mental, and physical needs of the bird are being met will help avoid problems.
Cage
The bigger the better. You’ll need a large cage for these birds. It is recommended that the size of the cage is at least 3 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet tall, but bigger is definitely better when it comes to housing parrots. The bar spacing should be 3/4 to 1 inch (best to get 3/4 inch spacing for a Timneh). At least part of the cage should have horizontally oriented bars to allow the parrot to climb on the sides of the cage. The cage should be placed in a part of the house where the bird will have lots of contact with people, but ideally not in the most hectic area of the home. Keep the cage away from windows where they would receive direct sunlight as they may overheat. Also keep the cage away from draughts, and not too close to heat vents or air conditioning ducts. A selection of perches should be provided and be varied in size, smooth and slippery perches should not be used, neither should sandpaper covered perches. Provide a good selection of appropriate, don’t choose toys having small parts of that could be swallowed. Having a good selection of toys on hand and rotating them through the cage a few at a time can help to provide entertainment and stimulation. You should also plan on having your African grey spend a significant amount of time outside of his or her cage daily.
Food and Diet
Variety is the key for any type of parrot. Pelletted diets should form the foundation of the diet, but should be supplemented with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as grains and proteins. A small amount of seed mix can be fed as well, keeping in mind that seeds have some nutritional value and place in the diet but are largely fattening and poorly balanced as a main part of the diet. African greys are somewhat prone to calcium deficiency, so calcium levels should be monitored at a yearly vet check. Calcium supplements should not be used except under the advice of a veterinarian, but it can be beneficial to feed a variety of calcium rich foods such as leafy green vegetables (kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard, spinach). Fresh clean water should be available at all times. Food and water dishes should be washed daily
Potential Problems
An African grey that is well cared for will seldom become ill. Like most birds classified as parrots, some visible signs of illness to be aware of are: • ruffled plumage • listlessness • drooping wings • sagging body • extreme mood changes • having no appetite • bulges in feathering • partially closed or watery eyes • swelling of the eyelids • rasping • difficulty breathing • excessive saliva • dirty vent • and any change in the faeces not apparently diet related.
Some of the more common illnesses are: bacterial, viral, or fungal infections; feather picking (results of boredom, poor diet, sexual frustration, lack of bathing); • allergies • beak malformations in chicks • kidney disease • toxicity
Immediately provide a warm, draft free, secure environment kept at about 86 °F (30 °C) for any bird that shows any of these symptoms. Place food and water close to the perch where it is easily accessible. The parrot should then be taken to a avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Behaviour problems can also occur and usually stem from something missing in the bird’s environment. Boredom, lack of trust, lack of interaction with other birds or people can lead to problems such as biting, feather plucking, and screaming. Try to develop a bond of trust and spend time with your bird to help avoid these problems.