Fascinating both young and old with their beauty, size and intelligence, large parrots are truly a sight to behold. Each of the larger birds has something unique to offer and give it all with love and trust to their owners.
African greys
Ask anyone with an interest in birds and they will have heard about African grey parrots. Known as the Einsteins’ of the bird world, African greys are highly intelligent and pick up on things at a rate that astounds their owners. While some might not be big on cuddling, many enjoy the occasional head scratch and observing what is going on around them. Many owners say their African greys are highly in tune with their emotions, responding appropriately when they are either sad or distressed.
There are two types of African greys: one just called the African grey (or sometimes referred to as the Congo grey) and the timneh African grey. Congo African greys are the larger of the two greys and are a lighter gray color with a red-colored tail. Timneh African greys are smaller, their feathers a dark gray with a maroon-colored tail.
A common medical issue found in African greys is calcium deficiency. Consult with your avian veterinarian about the proper diet for your African grey.
**For the full article, pick up the 2008 issue of Birds USA or click here to buy the issue.**