I usually like to get things that most people do not have, like a funky pair of tights or a limited exclusive edition of a Jordan shoe. In this case it seems I went the opposite way and followed the crowd. The most popular medium-sized hookbill in today’s society seems to be the…. (Drumroll please!)
African Grey Parrot
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My Galah cockatoo would have kept me in the “rare” category but unfortunately she isn’t with us anymore (R.I.P LOLA). Grayson, my Congo African Grey is extremely popular and although I think it’s great because having a CAG (Congo African grey) will definitely have an impact on a person’s life, I can’t help but be a little disappointed that I fell in the crowd with obtaining a popular parrot that everyone seems to have. Everywhere I go, I meet someone who has a grey parrot.
After I obtained Grayson and my dad was showing him off to his family in the states, we came to find out that 2 of his sisters owned African Grey Parrots. An African grey lives across the street from my son’s elementary school. About a month ago I was at a car wash and a man pulled up with his grey in the back seat. POPULAR!!! I could probably start an African Grey club in my neighborhood and have a great turn out.
Besides being the most popular, they are also considered to be the smartest. They are not only known for their talking ability but for the capability of using words with understanding. This is shown through Alex, Dr. Pepperberg’s grey. Greys can talk in front of strangers but it has to be trained to. My African Grey will not but I’m hoping to change that soon. Greys’ need to be treated like a child vs. as a pet because of their intellectual level.
The best way to teach a grey is through modelling, reinforcement and repetition. Physical punishment should not be used as they can hold a grudge. I felt the need to share this information because these parrots are very popular and I want them all to strive like Alex did.
