🦜 Birds

African Grey Parrot

One of the most intelligent animals on Earth.

African Greys are brilliant talkers with emotional depth. They need daily mental challenges, a consistent routine and a lifetime commitment — many outlive their owners.

Lifespan40–60 years
SizeMedium · 14–19 oz
Care levelExpert
Typical cost$50–100 / month
Great for
Experienced bird keepersHomes with someone around most of the dayIntelligentSensitiveTalkative
African Grey Parrot

Photo: Florettesokeng · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Large cage (at least 36″ × 24″) plus a play stand; lots of foraging toys.

Pellets, vegetables and calcium-rich foods; they’re prone to calcium deficiency.

3–4+ hours out of cage with interaction and training.

Regular baths or showers; nail trims.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Feather destructive behavior
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Aspergillosis
  • Psittacine beak and feather disease
  • Atherosclerosis
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual avian exams with bloodwork.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.