| To most breeders and pet lovers out there, the | | | | A lot of patience and attention should be given to |
| African Gray parrot has got to be one of the most | | | | these birds. These birds are also known for biting and |
| charming parrots out there. Known for its wonderful | | | | feather picking when they get bored or depressed. |
| character, the parrot is also one of the most | | | | Here are some dos and don'ts in taking care of your |
| preferred species for possessing an admirable | | | | parrot: |
| combination of high intelligence and extraordinary | | | | 1. Make sure that you know the specie of your |
| charm. | | | | parrot because having a good knowledge the will |
| If you are one of those who were instantly drawn | | | | provide you better guidelines in taking care of it. |
| to the beauty, it is a must that you supply yourself | | | | 2. Make sure that you provide it with the basics it |
| with enough information about these wonderful birds. | | | | needs like large and safe cage, good and healthy diet, |
| According to taxonomy, there are basically two | | | | a wide range of toys, a dependable T-stand, as well |
| subspecies or types that can be found in today's pet | | | | as a gym or play stand, scale, and a commercial |
| trade: the Congo and the Timneh. The former type is | | | | carrier. |
| characterized for being slightly larger than latter with | | | | 3. If possible, take time off to talk to the breeder |
| bright, red tail feathers. The Timneh, on the other | | | | and pet shop assistants who have dealt with your |
| hand, is overall darker than the Congo African. | | | | parrot. Talking to them will give you an idea how the |
| When it comes to temperament, there are significant | | | | bird has been treated in the past. |
| differences between the two. Timnehs are believed | | | | 4. Make sure that you objectively assess if the |
| to be more laid back and less prone to feather | | | | African Grey Parrot is compatible to your living space |
| picking and other neurotic behaviors compared to the | | | | and lifestyle. Since these birds are quite demanding |
| Congo species. | | | | pets, attention and clean environment will keep them |
| Generally, these parrots live from 25 to 50 years | | | | healthy and happy. |
| depending on the history of the bird, lifestyle, stress | | | | 5. Because of its quite demanding nature, an African |
| factors, diseases, and other aspect that may affect | | | | Grey parrot is not suitable for everyone. Make sure |
| its lifespan. When it comes to intelligence, this parrot | | | | that you think a thousand times before purchasing it |
| specie is considered as an extremely intelligent bird | | | | and have a written guarantee of its age if possible. |
| because of its ability to talk or mimic different sounds | | | | 6. Never, ever buy on impulse because it can be |
| and noises and for having a unique capacity for | | | | quite stressful. |
| putting their words and sounds into the right context. | | | | 7. Don't keep questions to yourself if you want to |
| Despite its admirable traits, there are some behavior | | | | know something about the bird. |
| issues you have to deal with when you possess one | | | | 8. Don't forget to make a list before you go to the |
| such parrot. Because of their intelligence, this bird is | | | | breeder so you won't miss out on important |
| quite demanding because you need to spend a lot of | | | | information you need to know in taking care of your |
| time in giving social contact and for mental stimulation. | | | | pet. |