The African Grey parrot is the most popular pet parrot kept today. They are extraordinary speakers and are also very lovable and sweet. However, they do require lots of love, patience and time. Make sure they are the right bird for you.

The African Grey parrot originates from Central Africa. It is medium grey in color and the feathers on the head have white edging. It also has a bright red tail and a solid black beak.

One of the things African Greys are most well known for is how well they speak. Their speech is very clear and easy to understand. They can even learn over 2000 words and can mimic any sound! However, don't buy an African Grey just for this reason. Some of them never speak at all.

African Greys are extremely intelligent. It is said that they have the intellectual capacity of a five year old child and are probably the most intelligent of the parrot species. Some have even been known to understand concepts like color and shape. This also makes them very demanding pets. They require constant attention and many toys to keep them busy.

African Greys form very strong bonds with their owners and can even respond to our different emotions. When you are sad, a bonded African Grey will comfort you. They learn so much from their owners! Once you win the trust of an African Grey, they will be your best friend. They are not very outgoing with strangers though. They are very loyal and dedicated birds.

The minimum cage size for African Greys is 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 30 inches tall. Try to get the largest cage you can. Place the cage in a well lit area that is free from any drafts. You will need to get plenty of toys for your bird so they can get the mental stimulation they need.

A good diet is very important for any bird. Seeds should not be the only thing you feed. African Greys need a good pellet diet as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Some fruits and vegetables that are good for them include broccoli, green peas, black eyes peas, brussel sprouts, banana and cantaloupe.

A major problem that many African Greys develop is feather plucking. This is actually a form of self mutilation. It can be caused by many things such as medical problems, behavioral problems, or stress. If you see your bird doing this, take him to the vet as soon as possible before it becomes really bad.

The hardest thing about keeping African Greys is the amount of time you must spend with them. Once your bird bonds with you, it will not want to be without you. Your bird will demand attention from you all the time. If this bird doesn't get enough attention or mental stimulation, it will likely form behavioral problems. Make sure you aren't going to be too busy to spend time with this bird before you purchase one. This bird is not right for everyone.

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