The African grey parrots are regarded as one of the most intelligent species of birds in the world. They are primarily found in the west and central Africa. These parrots play an important role in propagating the forest. Because not all seeds they consume are digested, many are passed through their excreta to different parts of the forest. Recently, these parrots have become popular as pets, because they live long and have an amazing ability to mime sounds and words. An African parrot named Alex had a vocabulary of 150 words, could differentiate between colors and shape and knew 50 different things. What follows next is a detailed information on the African parrot. Keep reading. African Grey Parrot Profile Name: African Grey Parrot Common Names: Grey Parrot, Timneh African Grey Parrot and Congo African Grey Parrot Origin: Central and west Africa. Price: African grey parrot's price ranges between $800 - $1100. Appearance: As the name suggests, these parrots have an ash-greyish color, with white edgings all over the body that are most distinctive on the head. They have a small and short tail with a ting of intense red in them. African grey parrots have a short, strong and black beak. Their eyes can be light yellow or red in color. They have dark grey colored feet with black nails. The sex of these species are not easily determinable, unless an expert is consulted. Diet: The Grey African parrots are high maintenance in general, and more when it comes to their food. The baby parrot (2 - 3 months old) has to be fed with a special bird food costing a whopping $100, but that is only in the younger stage until it turns two - three years old. The result of giving your parrot upsetting and unpleasant food can lead to its bad behavior. Once the parrot starts growing, it can be fed with variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Their favorites being sunflower seeds, peanuts and pine seeds. It can be difficult to persuade your grey parrot to try new foodstuff, hence, inculcating new food habits since an early age can prove beneficial. Care, Keeping and Behavior: African parrots are charming and the most intelligent amongst all other birds. They are extremely adorable. These grey parrots mime and can distinguish between different voices. They normally whistle, squeak, shriek, etc. In fact, the owner has to familiarize himself to the parrot's renditions of the microwave, telephone, door bell, dripping water and other sounds around it. Overall, the African grey parrot behavior is gentle and are very loyal to their masters. Cases of profanity have been witnessed in case of change in master. Now, these species can live up to 70 years, if cared for properly. Tips on African Grey Parrot Care

• Getting him a cage is the priority, the bigger the cage the better it is. A cage measuring 4×5×6 should be correct if you are looking at it from a long term perspective.
• Providing the African grey parrot wit toys that are appropriate, that is, right size, so that they do not swallow parts and nontoxic, keeps them entertained, or else the parrots start to pluck their feathers (one of the signs of being unhappy).
• Handling, training, cuddling and pampering the African parrot ensures it is happy and safe, since they easily resort to bad habits like chewing, biting, feather picking, etc.,
• There are many aspects to the personality of this beautiful African grey parrot, to understand them the owner has to be dedicated, patient and loving.
• It's a known fact that birds clean themselves by preening and arranging their feathers, but you can wash the feet of this bird with warm water and glycerin to keep them soft and clean.
• During summer, sprinkling water or mopping them with a towel dipped in water works and the African parrots enjoy it.
• Washing their bill after every meal ensures hygiene. Providing them with clean water and cleaning their food bowl daily is very important.
• The cage should be cleaned and washed regularly as a dirty cage is prone to cause infection to the bird.
• In sickness, immediately see the vet and place the parrot in moderate degree of heat. Feed them with appropriate medicines as prescribed by the doctors.
• African grey parrots enjoy a sun bath, hence, allowing them out of the cage and placing them out in the sunlight would also allow them to stretch a little.
• Keeping two parrots in the same cage is safe unless they are quarrelsome and of the same species.
• The African grey parrots should be given required vaccinations and taken to the vet for a regular check up to ensure its good health and avoid further complications.

The ability of the African grey parrots to mime and its gentle nature, makes them the most popular and adorable pets. Love them, play with them, talk to them, and care for them. You are sure to find a true companion and loyal lifelong friendship in these African grey parrots!