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Congo African Grey

Congo African Grey Diet

The Congo African Grey is known to be an extremely social bird that is often described as having the intelligence of a five-year old child.

Too bad they can’t be sent to school during the day! In addition to their incredible intelligence they’re also known to have the emotional habits of a two-year old.

If you don’t mind dealing with the “terrible twos” on a regular basis, this parrot species may fit in your home quite nicely.

Congo African Grey
While the thought of having a bird that behaves like a two year old in your home may not sound like a great idea, African Greys are spectacular birds and anyone who has the pleasure of owning one is quite likely grateful for their amazing intelligence. That being said, proper care, feeding and trick training can go a long way toward ensuring the amazing African Congo Grey lives a long and happy life.

Congo African Grey Diet:

Your Congo African Grey will require feeding bowls, a bath area, perches, and a wire cage grate. The cage grate keeps him from walking in his own waste and soiling his tail feathers. Perches of different sizes and shapes exercise your bird’s feet. He could get arthritis from sitting on the same perch day in and day out. These birds like variety. After all, it is the spice of life.

Keep his cage in a high traffic area. Congo African Greys like to be included in all activities. Put away your video camera because they won’t be cooking dinner or folding the wash. However, they do like being wherever you are in the house. The kitchen and living room are usually the busiest rooms on a house.

African Greys are used to a variety of food sources in the wild. In captivity, their diets consist mainly of pellets which provide a good portion of their nutrition on a daily basis. A daily assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables will also add significant and necessary nutritional value to their meals. Cut some banana and cantaloupe up for them to enjoy. Green leafy veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are popular as well.

Seeds can be added to his diet as a snack. As a main meal source, seeds are high in fat and could cause health problems like obesity in the long run. Limit the seeds and give them pieces of egg, rice, nuts, and dried unsweetened cereal. With a good diet plan, Congo African Greys can live up to seventy years. You can find information our suggested organic pellet food at FeedYourFlock.com

Congo African Grey Cages:

The size of the cage housing for your new family member is important. Birds in cages don’t want to feel like they are in prison. The bars must be spaces wide enough (1/2” to 1”) for them to observe the hustle and bustle of family life but not so wide that they get their pretty heads stuck between the bars. He likes to spread his wings to full span without hitting the bars, or anything else, in the cage.

Height is not as important as width in a cage. Congos should be able to walk around and fly from perch to perch without touching the top of the cage. A square cage allows the Grey to find hiding places in corners if he feels anxiety or fear. An adequate cage will be around thirty-six inches wide and twenty-four inches high.

The cage will also be home to his accessories and toys. An African Grey Congo will want an abundance of toys. For a bird that is as smart as a five year old, toys will not only keep them engaged and entertained, they’ll help your Grey activate their problem solving skills.

Congo African Grey Toys:

The best toys will be durable. Your Congo, will become bored if they’re only provided with a few toys. Your best bet, keep a bucket full of toys at the ready and revolve them through your Congo African Grey’s cage every couple of weeks. Provide toys that are different colors, different materials, toys that make sounds, toys that have buttons, toys that ask them to climb, and toys that ask them to chew.