Did you know that African grey parrots are some of the smartest birds in the world? They are known for their amazing sounds and interesting social behaviors that people love to admire.
However, they aren’t the type of pet that a novice owner can keep due to their special needs and unique challenges. Here, we explore why African grey parrots probably aren’t the best first bird for beginners. Yet, we will suggest some different bird species for first-time owners, so don’t be discouraged!
They Have High Intelligence and Unique Social Needs
African greys are super intelligent animals. Their cognitive ability is on par with that of a five- to seven-year-old child. This intelligence, while amazing, means that they have very complex social needs. These birds thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. They need owners who can dedicate a lot of time to meeting their needs. Needless to say, they get bored easily.
A lack of social interaction can often lead to anxiety, boredom, and behavioral issues, such as screaming and feather plucking. For a first-time pet owner, managing the social and intellectual demands of these birds can be really overwhelming. Novice owners sometimes find it hard to recognize the signs of stress or boredom, which can lead to worse behavioral issues. Smaller birds, like parakeets, require less socialization and facetime with their owners.
They Have Complex Care Requirements
Caring for an African grey certainly isn’t easy. Ownership is more than feeding them and buying a cage. These birds require a much more intricate diet, full of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and specialized pellets to meet all of their nutritional needs. Because of this, first-time owners can sometimes find it hard to create a balanced diet, which is crucial for preventing common health issues that affect birds, such as vitamin deficiencies and obesity.
On top of this, these big guys need lots of space and mental stimulation. A suitable cage should be spacious and equipped with a large variety of toys that encourage natural foraging and exploration. First-time owners may also find it hard to set up an environment that meets the needs of these birds. For both the owner and the bird, this can lead to a lot of frustration. These complex care requirements are better suited to experienced owners.
These Birds Can Outlive Their Owners
African grey parrots have very long lifespans. In fact, they can often live for 40 to 60 years or more with the correct care. This long-term commitment can often be quite daunting for new pet owners––especially those already in middle age.
Many times, new pet owners do not consider the long-term implications of pet ownership such as changes in lifestyle, relocation, or even the need for a future caretaker. Finding someone you trust to care for your bird when you’re gone can be a big deal and hard to think about.
In contrast, smaller birds (such as budgies) have much shorter lifespans. Usually, they live for around five to 10 years. This makes them a more manageable option for those people who are a little unsure about a long-term commitment to bird ownership.
Owners May Face Behavioral Challenges
African grey parrots can be prone to behavioral issues if they’re not given the right amount of stimulation and socialization. They can sometimes become nippy, aggressive, or develop some undesirable habits if they start to feel neglected or under-stimulated. Being able to understand bird behavior and addressing issues such as aggression or fear requires very experienced and knowledgeable owners. Sometimes, first-time owners just don’t have this knowledge.
On top of this, these parrots can become insanely attached to their owners and can actually deal with separation anxiety. So, if a new owner doesn’t know how to recognize these behaviors and address them straight away, it can lead to a lot of other complications, making the bird’s behavior unmanageable.
Stressed African Grey Parrots Can Be Very Loud
While many people are drawn to these birds because of their ability to mimic human speech, their vocalizations can sometimes be a double-edged sword. While these parrots generally don’t exceed 70 decibels (the sound of normal conversation), they can be extremely loud when stressed.
This can be unsuitable for a lot of living situations, especially in shared spaces or apartments. First-time bird owners can often underestimate the volume and frequency of the noise that comes with these interesting birds. This can lead to a lot of complaints from both neighbors and family members.
Budgies, on the other hand, are just one of many pet birds that don’t make a lot of noise, usually emitting soft chirps. This makes them a much more suitable option for those who are living in close quarters. Their playful nature and ability to mimic sound levels, though definitely not as loud as African greys, can bring owners a lot of joy.
Alternative Bird Options for New Owners
If you’re considering a pet bird but are unsure about how an African grey could fit into your life, there are plenty of other species that may suit your needs. Some birds for beginners include:
- Budgerigars: As noted, these small, colorful birds are friendly, social, and easy to care for. They don’t need a lot of space, have very simple dietary needs, and are fine with environmental changes.
- Cockatiels: Yet another popular choice, cockatiels are affectionate and manageable. They love social interaction and can be quite vocal, but still quieter than African greys. They have charming personalities and bond with their owners.
- Lovebirds: Lovebirds are small parrots that are full of energy. They can be kept alone or in pairs, making them flexible for those wanting to start their bird-keeping journey. They have a lovely nature and moderate social needs.
