Animal-World > Pet Birds > African Grey Parrots > African Grey Congo

African Grey Congo

Family: Psittacidae

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"Rico" Psittacus erithacus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   Rico is a hand-fed African Grey that is about 8 years old. African Greys are probably the smartest birds. They can learn upwards of 200 words and all kinds of tricks.

   African Greys are known to be the best talkers in the bird world and frequently imitate lots of other sounds including the doorbell, telephones, microwaves, beepers, dripping faucets, and more.

   Once we had an African Grey and a Blue-fronted Amazon at the store. Tthe African grey would ring the phone "ring-ring" and the Blue-fronted amazon would answer with a very cordial "Hello"!

Description:
   There are two species of African Grey generally kept as pets, the Congo (which has a red patch of feathers on the underside of the tail like Rico), and the Timneh (with maroon tail feathers). They make a nice "jungle" sound when relaxed. When threatened or frightened they make a growling sound.

Care and feeding:
See the main African Grey page for descriptions of minimum cage size and diet.

Distribution:
   These birds are native to various parts of Africa including Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, and islands off the west coast of Africa.

Size - Weight:
   Congos grow to a length of 13 to 16 inches (32.5 - 40.6 cm). They are usually somewhat larger than the Timneh.

Social Behaviors:
   African Grey Congos are tamed easily and are very sociable. However, they can sometimes become a "one person" bird. For an extensive parrot training system that potentially turns your bird into a fun, loving companion as well as learning lots of cool trickls, try Chet Womach's Parrot Training Course.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Congos are easily bred under normal conditions. The price of Congos has been coming down because there are so many being bred.

Sexual differences:
   There is no easily visible means of sexing these birds.

Availability:
  This bird is readily available.

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Latest Comments
We have had spooky, our african gray, for about 22 years, shes amazing. She lets you know when someone is outside because she makes a certain squak she lets out. She mimicks the microwave, which always makes out guests laugh, she calls my mothers name, along with my father and sisters names too, she just started to call my boyfreinds name when she sees him. Whenever we let her out of her cage, shes just perfect and relaxed, she always finds a way to amaze everyone. She is part of our family. Elizabeth 2009-05-25
I have a grey and her name is Ruffles. She is 1 1/2 years old and not the biggest talker, although she is the best noise recorder. Recently she has started copying the dogs squeaky toy, and she'll start squeaking away and the dogs will start running around the house trying in vain to find their toy. It's so funny the way she copy's the dogs barks too because it's a higher version of it. So if you want a lovable friend and family member I recommend an African Grey, but be warned they can have a temper. Tyler 2008-11-26
Just wanted to say I love my Grey. His name is Marty and he makes me smile everyday, no matter how my day is going. He definitely is loved. He's favorite thing to say is "I LOVE YOU". I wouldn't give him up for anything. He's my son... only death will part us. Robyn 2008-09-18
Amazing, loveable, so funny, cute, aloof, moody, and a bite that hurts! you can say all of these things about a grey and they are all very true. Ours has been with us for 4 months (although it seems like forever) and she is 8 months old. We can't imagine life without her and she makes me laugh and smile every day. She knows the sound of my car and my hubby's moped and starts whistling for us as soon as she hears them. She is out every night for the whole evening with us, and in good weather we take her cage outside which she really enjoys. Life is never dull with a grey and as long as you have time, patience and masses of love - a grey will fit into your family well. I have to say though the female prefers males line is a myth! Ours is a dna'd girl and I am the only one she is affectionate with. Anyone else can pick her up if she 'crashes' but no one but me can touch her. Think very very carefully before you get a grey, they really are a lifelong full time commitment and if you cannot give that then please think of the grey and don't get one. They are not a toy or a novelty. They are a highly intelligent, very sensitive member of the family. ems 2008-06-05
I have a Congo African Grey called Cleo, she is 19 weeks old and is absolutely adorable. She and I whistle to each other all the time, especially when my other half is hoovering. The first day we got her she was a bit scared of us and shy. The next morning she woke us up and was amazingly tame, she jumped straight up onto my shoulder and was enjoying a cuddle. Her new trick is to stand on the top of her cage and to fly onto either my shoulder or my girlfriends. She is also learning to talk, trying to say a raspy hello like she has a sore throat. Out of all the many pets I have had she is by far the greatest and most friendly. These are absolutely great animals with varying personalities. Pure brilliance Dave 2008-03-16
Some of the coolest comments:
I have three of these wonderful birds, two girls and one boy. I am their mom and they are my kids. They each have their own personality. Every morning I get the "good mornings" and we begin our morning ritual which involves cleaning their cages and preparing their meals. They are practically always outside of their cages while I am home. But when I leave the house, I put them back in their cages and the long good-bye begins. They start with "bye-bye" and "I love you" and it never fails to make me feel bad for leaving them, even for an hour. If you are thinking of getting a grey, please note that they are extremely intelligent and with that comes the need for lots of mental stimulation that you will always have to provide them with. In return, you will get the love and affection of a life-long friend. Claudia 2004-07-22
Williebird came to live with me about 3 years ago, after one of my best friends died. My life has not been the same since! She is a total chatterbox, which I love, I am mummy, the dog is called by her name, and the cat is called by her name. Intelligence is not enough of a discription about this species. I cannot imagine life without her now, and to think I was scared of birds before she came along! They are a lot of work, they need LOTS of attention, but worth every effort!!!!! Leanna 2004-01-07

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