African Grey Timneh

Scientific Name: Psittacus timneh

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), and the Timneh (with no red tail feathers). Gandalf is a Timneh. They make a nice "jungle" sound when relaxed. When threatened or frightened they make a growling sound.

Care and feeding:      A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. They eat a variety of sprouts, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, commercial pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat. 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.

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

Size - Weight:      African grey Timnehs grow to a length of 11 to 13 inches (27.5 - 32.5 cm).

Social Behaviors:      They birds tame very easily and are very sociable. They can sometimes be a "one person" bird.

Breeding/Reproduction:      Easily bred under normal conditions. Actually the price is coming down on these birds probably because there are so many being bred nowadays. See the main page for breeding techniques.

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

Availability:    This bird is readily available.