Mary Allen
The home of the gray parrot is the mangrove and rain forests in Central and West Africa. There are two subspecies, Congo and Timneh gray parrots.
With a body length of just over 33cm and a weight of 400 to 500g, Psittacus erithacus is one of the largest parrot species. They owe their name to the gray basic plumage. This becomes lighter to white on the head and even more so around the eyes. Small feathers are missing around the eyes. The beak and legs are black, the eyes are light yellow and the cere over the beak is white. The beak is remarkably strong and can be used both for eating and for cracking nutshells and as a climbing aid. The feet are strong with two toes pointing towards each other. This allows the animals to hold on, grab food and climb. Their trademark is the short, bright red tail.
Gray parrots are sensitive birds. They are social, agile, curious, intelligent, and gifted in languages. They like to imitate voices and noises. And some specimens communicate with humans.
Acquisition and Maintenance
The following should be noted:
- Gray parrots are swarm animals. Single keeping is excluded! They need at least one, and preferably several, conspecifics with whom they can contact if necessary.
- They need attention and communication, also from the owner.
- You need a lot of variety and activity.
- You’re getting old.
- The aviary is mainly used as a place to eat, drink and sleep. Several exits or free flights a day are a must!
- The cage is large, clean, and varied. Fresh food and water must always be available.
In the case of incorrect posture and too little attention, the bird suffers from emotional problems up to and including aggression. Sometimes he tears his feathers out.
Posture Requirements
Gray parrots are large birds and need a large aviary. The bigger the better! A room volume of at least 2.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 m (W x D x H) should be planned for one animal. Each additional one additionally needs at least half of the volume of the room. The wire thickness of the grid is 3 mm.
Location of the cage: It is near the window and is bright, quiet, dry, and draft-free. An outdoor aviary has a shelter with a room temperature of at least 5 degrees.
Brightness and room temperature: The day/night cycle is 12 hours. On dark days, flicker-free artificial light, adapted to the sunlight spectrum, ensures sufficient brightness. The room temperature is between 18 – 20 °C. The ideal humidity is 60%. This can be easily achieved with a constant temperature and a sprinkler system.
Bottom substrate: It is absorbent and the parrots like to scratch in it. Beech granulate has proven itself.
Sitting, climbing, gnawing, playing: the perches should be made of natural wood, e.g. fruit trees, mountain ash, or beech. The thickness (about 15-20mm) must match the bird’s foot size. The climbing options consist of ropes, swings, ladders, ring games, etc. Branches, cardboard rolls, or a wet, twisted cloth serve as nibbles. Gray parrots like to look for hidden food in knotholes, containers, wire balls, or hollowed-out apples.
Trimming rods: Special trimming rods are used for claw care. They are attached to the lower third of the cage. The first bar serves as a climbing aid (stairs) next to the door.
Sharpening the beak: A cuttlebone is used to shape and clean the beak. At the same time, the birds absorb the lime they need.
Water and food: Food bowls and drinking water dispensers always contain fresh food and water. The place is where no dirt can fall in.
Bathing fun: Since gray parrots like to bathe, there should be a bath bowl in the cage. A careful bath under a pump spray bottle is also enjoyed.
Gender Differences
Gray parrots are monomorphic, which is why sex can hardly be distinguished externally. However, most males are slightly smaller than females.
Feed and Nutrition
The diet consists of grains and fruits. The grain blend contains 2/3 parts sunflower seeds and 1/3 part oats, wheat, raw rice, seeds, pumpkin seeds, and corn. Nuts should be offered shelled. However, not too many as they contain a lot of fat.
Fruit, vegetables, and dried fruit are available as supplements. These include coreless apples, figs, bananas, lettuce, carrots, peppers, grapes, chickweed, and exotic fruits. The birds also like rose hips, rowan berries, or almost ripe corn on the cob. Fresh branches of fruit trees are ready to be gnawed on. Avocados are poison!
Acclimatization and Handling
The gray parrots may only be transported in a larger transport box. Arrived in the new home, they should be placed immediately in the prepared cage. The move scares and stresses the animals, and they need rest and time to get used to the new environment and people.
As long as a bird reacts excitedly when approached, retreats hisses, or ruffles its feathers, it is still suspicious and needs a little more time. A cautious approach can only take place when he is calm and relaxed.
Gray parrots that are kept in a species-appropriate manner are also allowed to explore and inspect the home outside of the cage. They fly around unhindered as much as possible and also take up places outside. They can be taught to leave the droppings in the cage before leaving. To do this, the command must always be given to the animals when they defecate. They soon understand the context and the order can be given just before the trip. Later they will also fly back into the cage to defecate. Success is rewarded with a treat.
In addition to their own conspecifics, socialization is also possible with other large parrot species. However, the cage/aviary must be appropriately large and equipped.
Gray parrots fall under the highest CITES protection. When buying the papers must be in order. The dealer needs an EC marketing certificate (exception from the marketing ban). A proof of origin is also required. The ring or chip number must be the same as in the documentation.