Do African Grey Parrots Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.

A popular question pet lovers ask is, do African grey parrots make good pets?

If you are a first-time bird owner is to read this post to the end.

African grey parrots are known for their intelligence and talking ability.

While they are certainly entertaining pets, they require a lot of attention and care.

Do African Grey Parrots Make Good Pets?

Yes, African grey parrots can make great pets, but they require a lot of attention and care.

They are very intelligent birds and can learn to talk and do tricks.

However, they can also be very temperamental and may become bored easily.

If you’re prepared to put in the time and effort, an African Grey Parrot can be a great addition to your family.

Types Of African Grey Parrot

There are two types of African grey parrot you should know about:

The Congo African grey parrots are bigger, measuring up to 14 inches in length.

They have bright red tails.

Then their plumage is mainly grey with white highlights on their wings.

The second one is the Timneh African grey parrot is smaller, measuring up to 11 inches in length.

They have a dark maroon tail, and their plumage is darker than that of the Congo African grey parrot, ranging from dark grey to almost black.

Both types of African grey parrots are intelligent and make great pets.

Do African Grey Parrots Make Good Pets?

African Grey Parrots can be great pets but they need much attention.

If you’re not going to be home a lot, they might get bored and start tearing up your house.

But if you can give them the time and attention they need, they will be a lot of fun.

Why Africa Grey Parrots Make Good Pets

Here are some reasons why African grey parrots make good pets.

They’re Intelligent Birds

African grey parrots are known for their intelligence.

They can learn to mimic human speech and even understand some words.

This makes them interesting and entertaining pets.

They’re Good Companions

African grey parrots make good companions because they enjoy being around people.

They’ll often bond with one person in particular and enjoy spending time with them.

This makes them ideal pets for those who live alone or who spend a lot of time by themselves.

They’re Easy to Care For

African grey parrots are relatively easy to care for.

They need plenty of water and a clean cage.

As long as their basic needs are met, they’ll be happy and healthy pets.

They Make Great Pets for Families

African grey parrots make great pets for families because they’re good with children.

They can be playful and enjoy being around people of all ages.

This makes them an ideal pet for households with young children.

Related: Do Kakarikis Make Good Pets?

What Do African Grey Parrots Eat?

African grey parrots are not picky eaters and will try just about anything.

Their diet in the wild consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and insects.

In captivity, they can be fed a variety of pellets and other commercial foods designed specifically for them.

It is important to supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as offer them a variety of toys and enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated.

Here are some of the best foods to feed your African grey parrot:

Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, berries, melon, mango

Vegetables: carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas

Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds

Insects: mealworms, crickets

Commercial foods: pellets, extruded foods, nutritionally balanced diets

Toys and enrichment activities: foraging toys, puzzle toys, swing

What Size Cage Does An African Grey Parrot Need?

do african grey parrots make good pets

How big should your African Grey’s cage be? The answer depends on the size of your bird.

A general rule of thumb is that your bird’s cage should be at least 3 times the size of your bird, but bigger is always better.

If you can’t provide a large enough cage, then you should consider another pet.

African Greys like to have lots of room to move around, play, and explore.

They also need plenty of perches and toys to keep them entertained.

So, if you’re thinking about getting an African Grey, make sure you have a cage that is big enough for them to be happy and healthy.

Sleep Requirement

Most experts agree that African greys should get between 10 and 12 hours of sleep per day.

This can be difficult to achieve when you have a busy household, but it’s important to make sure your bird gets as much rest as possible.

There are a few things you can do to help your bird get some shut-eye:

1) Provide a quiet, dark room for them to sleep in.

2) Make sure their cage is big enough for them to stretch out and move around in.

3) Keep the noise level down in your home during the evening and night hours.

4) Avoid handling or playing with your bird too close to bedtime.

5) Put some soft music on before you turn in for the night – this can help them relax and drift off to sleep.

Creating a peaceful environment for your bird to sleep in will go a long way in helping them get the rest they need.

How Much Does An African Grey Parrot Cost?

African grey parrots are one of the most popular types of pet birds and for good reason.

They are intelligent, social creatures that can bond with their owners and provide years of enjoyment.

But before you bring home your African grey parrot, it’s important to know how much they typically cost.

The price of an African grey parrot can vary depending on several factors, including the bird’s age, sex, and coloration.

In general, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 for a healthy African grey parrot.

Of course, the initial purchase price is just the start when it comes to owning an African grey parrot.

These birds require a lifetime of care, which includes a nutritious diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and plenty of toys and enrichment to keep them stimulated.

When all of these factors are taken into account, the total cost of ownership can easily reach $3,000 or more throughout a parrot’s lifetime.

Conclusion

In short, African grey parrots do make great pets, and you should only get one if you’re prepared to provide them with a lifetime of care.

While they are relatively low-maintenance as far as pets go, they still require a significant investment of time and money.

So, if you’re looking for a companion animal that will provide years of companionship and amusement, an African grey parrot might be the perfect pet for you.

Just make sure you’re prepared to meet their needs before you make the commitment.