History

• Evidence that parrots were kept as pets dates back over 4,000 years, most notably in Egyptian hieroglyphics. The ancient Greeks valued parrots as pets, and this custom was later adopted by wealthy Roman families, which kept parrots in ornate bird cages. King Henry VIII of England had an African Grey.
  
  

Physical Characteristics

• The African grey is a medium-sized parrot, usually measuring between 10 and 14 inches in length. The African grey is usually gray, though mutations exist, such as red or albino. It may have accents of white and a red tail, depending on the subspecies. The area around the eyes is usually white. Like all parrots, African greys have four toes on each foot, two in front and two in back. Males tend to be larger than females, and females have a more slender neck and a narrower head.
  
  

Personalities

• African greys are notable for their superior intelligence, as well as their ability to talk. Perhaps the most famous African Grey was Alex, owned by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, whose research proved that Alex possessed over 100 words for different objects, actions and colors. He could count to six and exhibited math skills considered advanced in animal intelligence. African greys frequently bond to only one person, and they are happiest when socializing with other African greys. They need stimulating toys, which are rotated often.
  
  

In the Wild

• African greys are indigenous to rain forests of Central and West Africa. The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has made the sale of all wild caught parrot species illegal. In the wild, African greys mate for life. They live and breed in large social groups of between 100 and 200 birds.
  
  

Care in Captivity

• Greys require a cage at least 36 inches wide and 24 inches in diameter with bars spaced 1/2 inch to 1 inch apart. Greys need plenty of out-of-cage time, at least three hours daily, and stimulating toys. Their diet should consist of a high-quality parrot pellet, supplemented with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and fruit, especially vitamin A and calcium-rich foods like mustard greens and broccoli. They may live for for 50 years or more in captivity.