The African
Grey Parrot is an amazing bird which hails
from the wilds
of
Africa. Revered for their beauty, personality and
intelligence,
african greys have come to be a popular addition to any f
amily
that
wishes to co-exist with them.
Notice I didn't say "own" a grey as these birds can't be domesticated. Due to their long lifespan most greys available for purchase are only a generation or two from the wild. The very best you can do with a grey is honor the fact that they are extremely intelligent social creatures who will be happy to share your dwelling and your life, provided you give them the love and the respect they deserve.
There are two popular subspecies of african greys, the congo african grey parrot and the timneh african grey parrot. Timneh greys are smaller then congos and do not have the vibrant red-tail color of the congo. Timnehs are also much less expensive then congos, but still make fine companions.
Congo greys are various
shades of grey over most of
their body (wings being a bit darker grey), with a white leather-like
featherless mask around their eyes and a brilliant crimson-red tail
that is generally only a few inches long. They can grow to
12-14
inches in length and weigh around a pound or so.
Young greys will
have jet black eyes that turn to a yellowish-cream color when they have
reached about 2 yrs of age. A hand-fed young congo grey will
be priced
anywhere from $800 to $1500. Next >>
