Some people are attracted to traditional pets and do not hesitate to welcome a dog or a cat in order to build, together, a faithful and lasting friendship. But you, your love goes to the NACs and more particularly for the Gray of Gabon, superb talkative and very sociable parrot! To help you take the adoption step, Zoomalia tells you everything you need to know about this fascinating bird!

Summary:

• Getting to know the African Grey
• General information
• The character of the African Grey
• The essentials to plan before the arrival of the parrot
• The ideal cage for the African Grey
• The importance of the toy
• The food of the African Grey

Getting to know the African Grey Parrot   

Important information

As its name suggests, the Gray of Gabon is an animal native to Africa. It is part of the African Gray species grouping two birds: the Gray of Gabon and the Gray of Timneh, a smaller parrot with a darker robe. It is a threatened and protected species, therefore prohibited for import.

The Gray of Gabon, considered as the most talkative parrot, is also the most acclaimed in France as a domestic animal thanks to its ease of expression, its great intelligence, and its curiosity.

Regarding its acquisition, the parrot must be over 4 months old and purchased from a breeder or pet store. The bird must wear a ring on its paw indicating information about its identity: year of birth, the identifier of the breeder … Finally, the papers indicating its origin as well as proof of purchase must be given to you. As indicated above, it is a protected species so the regulations concerning the traceability of each individual are strict.

Namely, this parrot has a life expectancy comparable to that of a human! Birds of 50 or even 60 years old are therefore not uncommon! As with any adoption of an animal, it must be a well thought out activities, especially when taking into account this exceptional longevity.

The character of the African Grey

It is a hyper sociable and fascinating parrot. Take the time to educate him on a daily basis, to interact with him and he will make you feel good by always surprising you more day after day!

He indeed has an extraordinary ability to learn about words or even noises. The repeatability is all the more encouraging to make him memorize a sound! So do not be surprised that a Gray perfectly imitates the ringing of the telephone, the barking of a dog, or even knows how to whistle the Marseillaise! The term “intelligence” is used to characterize it and not just “imitation” or “repetition”. The peculiarity of this bird is that it knows how to place sounds, words in their precise context, and not only by imitation. Thus, his intelligence is recognized similarly to that of a 5-year-old child.

Very affectionate towards his master, the African parrot does not tolerate loneliness. It indeed requires a lot of care and attention, particularly regarding its socialization and training. A stimulating environment as well as daily interactions are essential. Very sensitive, imperatively offer him a stable and calm environment and watch out for sources of stress. In your absence, you can completely leave the radio or television on to ensure a presence.

The essentials to plan before your arrival

The ideal cage for the African Grey Parrot

First of all, the essential and vital accessory for the parrot is the cage. Given the stature of the bird, it is mandatory to provide a large cage, the larger it is, the better! At a bare minimum, the parrot should be able to spread its wings. Know that this species on the move and must be able to move as it pleases in its “home”.

Favor a cage with robust bars and a resistant closure system, the Gray of Gabon is a small skillful being with a formidable beak! Also, the cage must offer at least one side with horizontal bars allowing the bird to climb.

Ideally, the cage should be placed in a room where the bird can benefit from a lot of social contacts, but without much agitation. The Gray of Gabon needs to sleep about 10 hours a night in addition to taking naps during the day! Forget the too isolated rooms like the rooms which could depress him for lack of interaction, or the kitchen because of the smoke. This bird has fragile lungs so no question of a cigarette nearby either! In conclusion, the perfect place for your new companion seems to be the living room, a place where the whole family meets and shares moments of conviviality. In the room, the cage can be placed near a window in order to offer your Gray to view the outside agitation, but be careful, above all, it must not be in direct sunlight. Also, it must be protected from drafts and not in direct proximity to heat sources.

Regarding the arrangement of the cage, provide a wooden or rope perch whose diameter is to be appreciated depending on the size of the bird.

Also, your Gray needs to gnaw on natural wood in order to use his beak. A branch of hazel, oak or willow are good choices.

Regarding the feeders, prefer solid materials such as stainless steel and terracotta to be fixed to the bars or placed on the floor of the cage, but be careful not under the perches.

Plastic utensils will not long survive your bird’s beak!

The water is present in a drinking trough to be fixed to the edges of the cage and the size of which is to be selected according to the bird, thus determining its daily need for water.

Finally, ensure perfect hygiene of the cage by cleaning it regularly, and daily with regard to water and food containers.

The importance of the toy for African Grey

The Gray of Gabon needs to be constantly distracted, so he must have the opportunity to be entertained when he wishes, in particular through.

For this, it is advisable to offer him a lot of toys within his cage: pearls, fibers, bell, or mirror. To avoid boredom, we advise you to regularly renew the toys or to set up a bearing system with the different references that you have in order to avoid routine and weariness!

Also, the ranges of freedom outside the cage must also be provided, the Gray of Gabon needs exercise! Provide perches around the room to invite him to land near you.

Finally, for perfect hygiene, your bird needs a toilet to remove dust and impurities lodged in the plumage! To perform once or twice a week, just fill a sink or a bathtub with a few centimeters of water and moisten the bird with a showerhead or a spray bottle. The water flow should be very gentle.

The food of the African Grey

The Gray of Gabon has a powerful beak as well as a large tongue allowing it to shell and skillfully grind solid food.

Offer your animal a varied and balanced food to renew daily. The ideal diet consists of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and granules. Many brands offer complete and healthy mixes to distribute to your pet. You can absolutely offer him little extras, but be careful, ask well before, because some foods are toxic.

If the food is not to his liking, he will let you know by dropping the unwanted food on the ground!

Finally, to ensure his need for calcium, offer him cuttlefish bones.
In conclusion, you will understand, the Gray of Gabon is an amazing and exciting animal with which it is extremely enriching to share a maximum of connections. If your decision regarding adoption is finally made, don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it!
Marine D.

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