Psittacus erithacus
African Grey Parrot
African greys are among the most cognitively advanced companion animals kept in homes — and among the most frequently rehomed when owners underestimate their needs.
PsittacidaeLifespan 40–60 yearsCare complexity 5/5Not a beginner animal
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Psittacus erithacus
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Origin
- Rainforests of West and Central Africa
- Lifespan
- 40–60 years
- Adult size
- 33 cm
- Weight
- 400–550 g
- Temperament
- Highly intelligent, sensitive and prone to anxiety
- Activity level
- High
- Social needs
- Very high; a lonely grey deteriorates quickly
- Intelligence
- Exceptional — capable of referential language use and counting in research settings
- Noise
- Moderate but piercing; mimics household sounds accurately
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Minimum 90 x 90 x 120 cm with a large play stand outside the cage
- Space requirement
- A social area of the home, not an isolated room
- Temperature
- 18–27°C
- Humidity
- 50–70% — this is a rainforest species
- Exercise
- Several hours daily of flight, foraging and problem-solving
- Grooming
- Self-preening plus frequent showers; produces feather dust
Diet and feeding
Formulated pellets, fresh vegetables, some fruit, nuts in strict moderation
Behaviour and compatibility
Complex vocal mimicry, intricate foraging and strong routine preference
- With children
- Better suited to adult households; a powerful beak can injure
- With other animals
- Supervise at all times
- Training difficulty
- Moderate — highly trainable but easily frustrated
Health
- Feather-damaging behaviour
- Hypocalcaemia
- Aspergillosis
- Psittacine beak and feather disease
- Atherosclerosis
Requires an experienced avian vet and regular bloodwork
Special care requirements
Plan for a bird that may outlive you and name a guardian in your will