E-Mail kim1960@blueyonder.co.uk |
If it fits in my beak i want it!! iIf it dosn't fit in my beak i still want it!!! |
E-Mail kim1960@blueyonder.co.uk |
Parrotmania UK |
The African Grey Comes from Central Africa. There are two most commonly known strains, The Congo African Grey (Pictured), which is larger than the Timneh . When supplied with the nessasary nutritional requirements, exercise, correct handling and medical attention when nessasary, African Grey's can have a lifespan of 50-70 years. The Congo is a medium grey bird with shades of light grey on the body. The feathers on the head have brushed white edging. The eye area has bare white skin, a solid black beak, and bright red tail. Young CAG's have dark grey tips on their tail feathers. They vary in size from 12-14" from beak to tail, the weight can vary between 400-650 grams depending on the frame of the individual bird. The Timneh African Grey Parrot is dark grey with shades of light grey on the body. Around the eyes, like the Congo, has bare white skin. They have a horn colored upper beak and a dark maroon tail. The Timneh is smaller ranging from 9-11 inches beak to tail. The Timeneh can vary in weight from 275-400 grams. Both the Congo and the Timeneh as babies have dark grey to black eyes up until they are roughly 6 months old, then their eyes starts to lighten. By the time they are a year old, their eyes are pale grey . Around 18 months to 2 years their eyes will change to a pale straw color. And at about 3 years of age (when they approach maturity), the iris will turn a light yellow.. This is one way to estimate how old a baby is when visiting bird stores or breeders. Grey's usually reach maturity at about 3-4 years of age. African Grey's have it has been claimed, the best talking ability of all the parrots. But they are not limited to speech only! They can mimic almost any sound in your home. Some greys don't start speaking until 2 years, but they can often start talking earlier. Greys can have an almost unlimited vocalbulary and can mimic most household sounds. But, there is no guarantee that a Grey will speak. The talking ability should never be the sole reason for buying a Grey or any other parrot. Greys are more like humans than some will admit. They feel our emotions and react accordingly. They mimic, they learn, and learn language from us. Speaking in sentences, responding appropriately to questions. The physical motions to comfort us when we are sad are present in Greys. African Grey's are on a par with a 5 year old child intulectually with the emotions of a 2 year old. Because of this higher intelligence, they can be demanding and easily bored. A good variety of toys are nessasary and essential, in paticular ones that can be destroyed! They require constant attention along with a stimulating environment that includes various types of toys, a large cage and a play-stand. Greys tend to be very cautious towards strangers, and it is always best to approach them in a calm way. Once you win the trust of an African Grey, he/she will be your best friend for life. They are very dedicated and loyal birds. Greys are very outgoing and playful in an enviroment they feel safe in. Greys love to boisterously and acrobatically attack their toys, quite often whilst hanging upside down and screaming at them. Although African Grey's are the most popular pet parrot, they are not for everyone. they do need a lot of attention, cage free time every day and a lot of interaction with the family that they live with. |
DESCRIPTION 13 to 14 inches (33 to 36cm). Body dove-grey with lighter grey unfeathered face, Red tail and under coverts, Yellow eyes (round in male, oblong in female), Black beak, Charcoal legs. Female smaller in head, beak and body, and lighter on underside. Immature iris black, changes to grey. DIET High quality Parrotmix Nuts, Grains, Fruit and veg SPECIAL NEEDS Check newly imported for bacterial infections, especially salmonella. CAGE LIFE A renowned cage bird, affectionate. Probably the best talking parrot, with remarkable talent for mimicry, but not noisy. May be a 'growler'. An agitated bird will oscillate pupils and raise nape feathers. Intelligent and sensitive nature makes it susceptible to vice of feather plucking, which can become a habit. BREEDING Males won't breed until second or third year, Females fifth or sixth. Lays around 4-5 white eggs Incubation 27 days Both male and female sit eggs and feed chicks |
