African Grey Parrot

Provide a large, strong cage of at least 90 x 60 x 120 cm, and bigger is strongly preferred given their size, intelligence and long lifespan. Bar spacing should be about 2 to 2.5 cm (three-quarters to one inch) and bars must be robust, as greys are powerful chewers. Include thick natural-wood perches of varying diameters, sturdy toys, foraging stations and climbing structures. Place the cage where the bird is part of family life but also has a calmer retreat, since greys value both company and security.

Feed a high-quality pelleted diet (about 70 percent) with limited seed and a generous daily variety of fresh vegetables, dark leafy greens and some fruit. African greys have a notably high calcium requirement and are prone to hypocalcaemia, so provide calcium-rich vegetables, a cuttlebone, and vitamin D3 through pellets or safe UVB exposure to help absorption. Avoid all-seed diets, which are dangerously deficient. Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onion and salty foods are toxic and must never be offered.

Keep at a stable 18 to 28 C, away from draughts, direct sun and every source of kitchen fumes. Provide access to natural light or full-spectrum UVB lighting to support calcium metabolism, and ensure 10 to 12 hours of quiet, dark, undisturbed sleep, as greys are prone to stress and night anxiety. They benefit from regular bathing or misting, which is especially important in dry indoor air to keep skin and feathers healthy. Several hours of supervised out-of-cage time and mental engagement daily are essential.

African greys are highly social and form deep bonds, but they are also famously sensitive and can become stressed, phobic or feather-destructive with change, boredom or too little interaction. They need substantial daily attention and mental stimulation from an experienced owner. Noise-wise they are moderate, tending to talk, whistle and mimic household sounds rather than scream constantly, but they can be loud at times. They do not adapt well to being rehomed, so their long life demands a stable, committed household.

Greys need intense mental enrichment: complex foraging toys, puzzle feeders, food hidden in wrapped or layered containers, and a constant rotation of destructible chew items. Teaching words, sounds, tricks and problem-solving tasks channels their formidable intelligence and prevents the boredom that drives plucking. Regular novelty, training sessions and social interaction are as important as physical toys. Flight or wing exercise and daily out-of-cage time round out their needs.