The African Grey is also called Congo African Grey or Timneh African Grey.
The Congo or Cag as it has come to be known is the larger of the two, about 12ins. It has a dark coloured beak and a bright red tail. The Timneh or Tag is slightly smaller 10ins darker grey feather with a horn coloured beak and a maroon tail but apart from that there Is not much difference in them.
The African Grey is said to be the best talker of the parrot species and is reputed to have the ability of a five year old child.
African Greys can live up to or over 50 years old so a lot of thought must go into the purchase of these birds. Once you have decided to have one there are a few things you need to do to make life for your new friend and you a bit easier.
Firstly placing his cage.
The best place to put your Cag,: as I will refer to them for quickness, Is where the most people are. This will stop boredom which can cause your Cag to feather pluck and it gives him something to do, watching you helps him to learn quickly, but try to give him or her a corner position as they tend to be quite shy and don’t like sudden movement. They are very social creatures and need to be with the flock, so to speak, that’s you.
Food
Apart form the seed and nutrient food supplied with the wide variety in the stores, your parrot will need calcium and protein. These can be found in a wide variety of fruit, veg . Broccoli and spinach is a great source of calcium, with apple orange banana, a little meat and egg and a small amount of the egg shell crushed in with their meal.
Chocolate, coffee, avacados or salt should never be given to your Cag as they contain toxins which are very harmful to them.
Stimulation
Your Cag needs to be stimulated or he will get bored. Try to talk to it as often as possible.
Give him five or six toys to play with at any one time to keep him occupied and change the toys as often as possible so he does not get bored. They don’t have to be expensive toys they love ripping and tearing paper or toilet roll tubes - try to tie them to a piece of string and hang them from his perch, they willl learn dexterity from that - and its free!
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