Contents taken from 'Keeping Pet Birds - A Practical Encyclopaedia' by Don Harper

Edited by Geoff Rogers

'The Grey Parrot has been a cherished pet in Europe since the reign of Henry VIII during the sixteenth Century and possibly even earlier than this time. Young birds, easily distinguished by their grey irises become tame and can develop an unparalleled vocabulary, although adult Greys have nervous natures and will neither talk nor settle well in the home. They are sometimes described as 'growlers' because of the characteristic noise that they make when approached closely. The irises start to change from grey to yellow when the bird is about five months old.

There can be considerable variation in the depth of the grey coloration. Lighter birds, often advertised as 'Silvers', are generally most expensive whereas the duller Timneh sub-species (P. e. timneh) from the western part of the Grey's range, is often significantly cheaper. It is slightly smaller than the nominate form, with a pinkish upper mandible and a black tip. Instead of bright red tail feathers, those of the Timneh are almost maroon in appearance. Nevertheless, such birds can become as tame as any other Grey Parrot and can be taught to talk successfully. Occasionally, Grey Parrots with scattered areas of red in their grey plumage can be seen. This often occurs in older birds and the coloration may be transitory, disappearing at the next moult or conversely, sometimes increasing in area. There is even a report of a Grey Parrot that was predominantly pinkish in colour, being reminiscent of a flamingo in its overall coloration.

Grey Parrots need a considerable amount of attention if they are kept on their own indoors. They are extremely intelligent birds, as studies have shown and need constant stimulation if they are not to become bored. This fact, coupled with their sensitive natures is probably why many Greys become notorious feather-pluckers denuding much of their body starting on the breast and even moving to the back of the head and wings. New feathers are removed as they start to emerge through the skin. Rapid action is necessary to prevent the condition becoming habitual.

It is not unusual for a single Grey Parrot hen to lay a clutch of eggs in its cage although of course, these will not be fertile. If a cock bird is acquired, the parrots may well next successfully in the home. Unfortunately, many pairs do not prove reliable parents once their chicks hatch, after the incubation period of approximately four weeks. Hopefully, the young parrots should leave the nest when approximately three months old. Like other parrots of similar size, Grey Parrots may not attempt to breed until at least their fourth year but once they start breeding, they have a long reproductive life. There are reliable records of birds breeding well into their thirties. Again, tame individuals may display some signs of aggression at this time of year. Not all pairs prove compatible however and thus make no attempt to nest, even thought they are mature.

Grey parrots appear to have a natural ability to mimic the human voice and can be taught new words and even phrases throughout their lives. They are talented whistler and imitators of household sounds, with whistling notes featuring prominently in their natural calls. Unfortunately however, even the most talented talking Grey is often reluctant to perform on demand in front of strangers. They are introverted birds in this respect; once they feel that they are no longer the centre of attention, they are likely to start talking without any prompting'.