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Care in Captivity

Pet Suitability:
Hand-reared and parent-raised birds can make good pets; they are however sensitive and need a lot of attention; excellent mimickers. Due to their sensitive natures they may develop behavioural problems.

Captive Status:
Common, but heavily imported with high mortality. From 1994-2003 over 359,000 individuals were traded on the international market.

Longevity:
50-60 yrs

Housing:
Aviary or suspended cage, minimum length 3m (9.8 ft).

Diet:
Cooked beans and pulses, boiled corn, sunflower seed - dry, soaked or sprouted but limited; fruit such as: apple, orange, banana, pomegranate, pear; rearing food (hard boiled egg, wholegrain bread, low-fat cheese and carrot); vegetables such as: carrot, celery, green beans and peas in the pod; spray millet; complete kibble.

Enrichment:
Provide overhead misters or shallow water bowls for bathing; foot toys, destructible (non-toxic) toys, non-destructible (non-toxic plastic) toys, food-finder toys, preening toys, different texture and size hanging perch toys; fir, pine, elder or willow branches, push-and-pull toys (sliding up and down), vegetable tanned leather toys. Introduce with care, as Greys are sensitive to novel things.

Nest Box Size:
Vertical box 12" x 12" x 24" (30.5cm x 30.5cm x 61cm).

Clutch Size:
2 to 3

Incubation Time:
28-30 days

Fledging Age:
11-12 weeks

Hatch Weight:
12-14g (0.4-0.5 oz)

Peak Weight:
418-526g (14.6-18.4 oz)

Weaning Weight:
372-493g (13-17.2 oz)

Link to Specialist Club:
http://www.africanbirdclub.org/club/consfund_projects.html

More Info Sites:
http://www.avianweb.com/africangreys.htm