African Grey Parrot Care: Social Needs & Lifespan

Today is World Parrot Day! In honor of the occasion, let us examine African grey parrots in further detail and their intricate social interactions in the wild. Learn about their dynamic personalities and why they’re so remarkable!

African grey parrots are magnificent, exquisite wild creatures. Because of their long lifespan, capacity to mimic human speech, and general intelligence, they are also among the most popular bird species kept as pets in Europe, the USA, and the Middle East.

Regretfully, the demand for “exotic pets” drives up to 21 percent of the wild African grey parrot population to be poached annually to feed the illicit wildlife trade. Native to west and central Africa, African grey parrots are happiest when left in their natural environment as opposed to a cage.

We want to share some of our favourite facts about these genuinely astonishing species and where they belong—where they truly are—in order to bring attention to these beautiful birds and the amazing behaviours they demonstrate in their natural home.

African grey parrots live a very long time—60 years on average, and some birds live up to 80 years old! They may have to endure painful rehoming multiple times in their lives because they have such long lives and frequently outlive their human owners.

These parrots are some of the smartest creatures on the planet. Some research samples have revealed that fully grown African greys possess the same degree of intelligence as a toddler. Additionally, studies have shown that they are able to recognize, ask for, decline, and classify. And quantify over 80 distinct objects in addition to answering queries about color and shape concepts.

African grey parrots can cover up to 10 kilometres each day in their natural habitat. There is nothing like soaring through a lush African forest in a residential setting!

Because they are monogamous, this type of parrot only mates with one partner at a time. In the wild, they also exhibit altruistic traits, including grooming one another. And regurgitating food to feed others (which may seem a little nasty, but is still a kind act). They also exhibit bi-parental care.

The African grey parrot in the wild is a highly gregarious bird. That builds nests with thousands of members, mostly tiny family groupings. This species collaborates with other group members and maintains intricate social interactions. When maintained as pets, the birds’ demand for social interaction isn’t satisfied. Which leads to stress and behaviors such as plucking out their own feathers.