African Grey Parrot — breed guide
The professor of the bird world — a decades-long commitment to a genius toddler.
At a glance
- Group
- large parrot
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 0.4–0.55 kg (1–1 lb)
- Life span
- 40–60 years
- Coat
- Silver-grey feathers with a scarlet tail
Living with a African Grey Parrot
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Light shedding.
- Exceptionally trainable — among the easiest to teach.
- Barks readily.
- Better in a home without young children.
- Not always easy with other dogs — introduce carefully.
- Only with secure housing and no unsupervised contact with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Feels the cold.
Temperament
Brilliant · Sensitive · One-person
Health to watch
- Feather plucking
- Calcium deficiency
- Aspergillosis
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Alex the African Grey learned over 100 words and understood concepts like "same" and "zero".
Questions people ask
Is a African Grey Parrot good with kids?
Usually not the first pick for a home with small children. Older, calmer households suit this breed better.
Can a African Grey Parrot live in a house with a cat?
Only with care. Secure housing, separate space and no unsupervised contact — a cat's hunting instinct is not something training removes.
How much exercise does a African Grey Parrot need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a African Grey Parrot handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a African Grey Parrot's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.