African Grey Parrot Care Guide
Psittacus erithacus
African greys are famously intelligent — which means boredom, not disease, is usually what causes their most common health problem: feather plucking.
Lifespan
40–60 years, with some individuals living longer in captivity
Adult size
About 33 cm (13 in) long, weighing 400–550 g
Diet
Formulated pellets (60–70% of diet) plus vegetables, limited fruit, and seeds/nuts as treats
Temperament
Highly intelligent, sensitive, can bond strongly to one person
Housing
Largest cage affordable, minimum roughly 90 x 60 x 90 cm, plus daily out-of-cage time
Legal notes
No federal exotic-pet permit typically required for captive-bred African greys in most of Canada, but check provincial/municipal exotic animal bylaws, and confirm any bird was legally captive-bred (wild-caught trade is restricted under CITES)
African grey parrots are among the most cognitively capable birds kept as pets, which makes them rewarding companions but also demanding ones — a bored, understimulated grey is prone to anxiety, screaming, and feather plucking. This is a 40+ year commitment, not a short-term pet.
Cage & enclosure setup
- Choose the largest cage you can accommodate — a minimum of roughly 90 x 60 x 90 cm (36 x 24 x 36 in) with bar spacing no more than 2 cm
- Provide multiple perches of varying diameters and textures to support foot health
- Include a play stand or aviary space outside the cage for daily supervised time
- Position the cage away from kitchen fumes — non-stick cookware fumes (PTFE/Teflon) are fatal to parrots
- Rotate toys weekly to keep the environment novel and mentally engaging
Diet & feeding
- Base the diet on a high-quality formulated pellet, roughly 60–70% of daily intake
- Offer a variety of vegetables daily — leafy greens, carrots, squash, and bell peppers are good options
- Limit fruit and nuts/seeds to treat-sized portions due to high sugar or fat content
- Never feed avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, or onion/garlic in quantity — all are toxic to parrots
- Provide fresh water daily and wash food/water dishes regularly
Enrichment & behaviour
- Rotate foraging toys that require the bird to work for food — this mimics natural foraging behaviour
- Provide at least 1–2 hours of dedicated interaction or supervised out-of-cage time daily
- Teach basic trained behaviours (target training, step-up) to build confidence and mental engagement
- Watch for early feather plucking or over-preening, which often signals boredom, stress, or an underlying medical issue
- Maintain a consistent daily routine — greys are sensitive to disruption and can develop anxiety-driven habits
Health & common problems
- Feather plucking is the most common behavioural/health issue and usually points to insufficient enrichment, stress, or a medical cause requiring an avian vet exam
- Schedule annual check-ups with an avian veterinarian, not a general small-animal vet
- Watch for signs of respiratory distress (tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing), which need urgent veterinary attention
- Calcium deficiency can occur without adequate diet variety and appropriate supplementation
- Keep the bird's environment free of fumes, drafts, and temperature swings
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Frequently asked questions
40–60 years is typical, with some individuals living even longer, so adopting one is a multi-decade commitment that may outlive the owner.
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