African Grey Parrot — Breed Feeding & Safety Guide

African Grey parrots are considered the most intelligent of all companion bird species and are renowned for their ability to mimic human speech and understand contextual meaning. They are sensitive, emotionally complex birds that form strong pair bonds with their primary caregiver and can develop feather-destructive behaviour and psychological distress if insufficiently stimulated or if their social environment is disrupted. African Greys require substantial daily interaction, puzzle feeding, foraging enrichment, and consistent routine. They are long-lived birds — acquiring one is a decades-long commitment. African Greys have specific calcium requirements, as calcium deficiency is a well-documented problem in this species and can cause hypocalcaemia — a serious condition producing tremors and seizures. Dietary calcium sources include dark leafy greens, cooked egg with shell, and safe seeds. Many avian vets recommend a formulated pellet as the dietary base (50–60% of intake) for African Greys because seeds alone are nutritionally incomplete. Fresh vegetables and some fruit should supplement pellets daily. Foraging activities using food hidden in enrichment devices support psychological wellbeing.