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The Timneh African Grey
Gus, one of our
pets.
****Check this out:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7rfGEtALHYs
"The
African Grey is considered by many to be the "King of Parrots". This
position of honor is probably afforded them, in large part, because
to the incredible intellect this species can possess. Although, all
parrots are extremely intelligent animals, the mental capacity of
the African Grey places it in the upper echelons of avian
intelligence. Recent research places their mental capacity on an
equal level with that of a three to five year old
child!
African grey
parrots are highly playful and highly intelligent birds – and are
among the best talkers. Those qualities make them attractive pets,
but they also make the African grey a bird that needs more attentive
care than some other species. They are easily bored, so they should
always be provided with toys, especially wooden blocks or other
objects that can be chewed, and branches from non-toxic trees.
Young African Grey adapts readily to new surroundings, but adult
birds are less adaptable and may resort to feather picking in
response to changes in routine. In fact, these birds have a higher
incidence of feather picking and feather chewing than most parrots.
It should also be noted that the African Grey produce a powder that
helps clean and protect their feathers. This powder may be
allergenic.
Timneh African Greys are one variation of the African grey parrot.
This species scientific name is Pisittacus erithacus timneh.
They are originally from western equatorial Africa – from the Ivory
Coast to Western Kenya, Angola, Tanzania and South Zaire. They
inhabit primary and secondary rainforest, forest edges and
clearings, mostly in lowland areas. Timnehs grow to 10 to 11 inches
in length with a weight of 280 to 360 grams. Their weaning or
fledging age is 10 to 16 weeks; their age at maturity is three to
five years; and their life span ranges possible up to 40 to 50 years
but probably averages 15 to 25 years.
Appearance and Personality
African Grey’s exhibit varying shades of grey and have a powdery
white facial patch extending from the beak to around the eye.
Timneh's are stocky, short-tailed birds with maroon-colored tail
feathers. Their upper beak is a dark horn color with a black tip.
Immature birds have dark brown eyes, which change over time to gray
and to yellow-gray in adults.
In the wild, African Grey’s are gregarious, roosting in colonies of
up to 10,000 individuals and feeding on seeds, nuts, palm nuts,
fruits and berries. Birds caught in the wild have an extraordinary
repertoire of whistles, clicks and calls. They often sing and
whistle during the night – especially on nights with a full moon. At
home, the African Grey’s verbal talents are rivaled only by those of
some Amazons – although they don’t usually speak well until they are
approximately one year old. Typically, they learn to mimic sounds
first and are amazingly good at it, reproducing sounds such as the
telephone, microwave, car horns – even individual voices.
Feeding
African parrots should be fed approximately 1/4 cup of a
formulated (pelleted or extruded) diet. The diet should be
supplemented with approximately 1/4 cup of fresh fruits and
vegetables (mostly vegetables) daily. Seeds and other treats may be
given in small amounts especially as rewards for good behavior.
Fresh, clean water must be provided every day.
Birds kept as indoor pets especially tend to develop signs of
calcium deficiency, which can be a serious health threat. Natural or
full spectrum light seems to be important in helping them maintain
calcium balance. Vitamin supplements are not needed for birds that
are eating a formulated diet. Pretty Bird manufactures a special
diet for African parrots with a more readily utilizable calcium
source to help prevent calcium deficiency. African Grey’s love
peanuts, but they should be shelled prior to feeding as they are
often contaminated with Aspergillus’s fungus, which can lead to
aspergillus’s, a respiratory disease.
Grooming
Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage
and skin condition. Routine bathing will also reduce feather dust.
Birds can be misted and allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun,
or dried with a blow drier. Care should be taken not to clip the
wing feathers excessively as African Grey’s often fall and injure
themselves, sometimes requiring surgery. Clip only enough so the
bird will glide to the floor.
Housing
African parrots are very active and should be provided with as
large a cage as possible. The cage should have two perches so the
birds can move between them. Toys and activities should be
provided." |
