Well, your bird might talk if it's an African Grey parrot. They are known as one of the world's finest talking birds and not only mimic a wide selection of words and sounds but often know exactly what they represent.
They're exceptionally intelligent parrots and can do well in a home where they are respected and accepted....where their owners take time to educate themselves.
Buying a parrot 'because it talks' is a poor reason to add a feathered companion into your family. There are no guarantees they will talk and there is so much more you need to know about how to properly care for your pet - or you may both end up miserable.
African greys are generally not known as 'cuddly' birds. There are exceptions to the rules but many African Grey parrots bond well with one person (often the caregiver) and reject handling by others - especially strangers. If you have small children in the home you need to be aware that your bird may not tolerate their affections...and may bite.
Selecting a well-socialized and very tame bird will help make the situation easier....but may not eliminate the concern. It is part of their nature. Many older parrots need good homes and may be suitable - not all hand-raised babies will be perfect and not all older birds are 'ruined.' An older pet may be wonderful, tame and happy to have a loving home.
"Do you recommend African Grey Parrots for Children?" is a question that I have heard a few times and each time I answer a very clear, "No, an African Grey Parrot is not a child’s toy." All young children need to be strictly supervised when handling parrots of any kind for the child's safety as well as the safety of the bird. I recommend older children start with a smaller parrot i.e. parrotlet, lovebird, cockatiel, conure etc. and once they've learned some basic bird-skills they may wish to ‘move up’ to larger species. This same rule may also apply to adults looking to gain experience. Parrots are quite different from dogs and cats and require their keepers to have an extra amount of respect and education to properly enjoy them and keep them happy and healthy.
In order to provide the proper care you need to start with a proper environment. A large cage with safe natural perches and a variety of safe toys is a good start. Beyond that, there are many other factors needed to keep your pet happy and healthy such as a play-gym or other daily exercise area, adequate light/sunshine, proper diet, stimulation and interaction, spray baths, foraging toys/treats, chewing toys, shredding toys, puzzle toys.
Regular grooming also needs to be considered - besides bathing, your birds nails will need to be trimmed. I prefer not to trim my birds' wings but it is a personal choice you should discuss with your Avian Veterinarian. Beak trimming is rarely needed and should only be attempted by an experienced Avian Vet.
DIET: Fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked rice, grains, sprouted seeds, seeds, nuts, calcium supplement.
LIFESPAN: 40 - 50 years.
HOUSING: 30" x 30" x 30" MINIMUM cage with daily exercise or larger cage/aviary.
PET QUALITY: Moderate to very good.
SIZE: Medium size parrot approx 12" x 14" 400 - 650 grams.
NOISE LEVEL: Excellent talking ability - generally quiet but can be very loud.
EXTRA COMMENT: African Grey Parrots have excellent talking ability - but there is no guarantee they will talk. With education, time and patience you may enjoy a wonderful lifetime companion. African Greys often become bonded with one person and may bite strangers who attempt to handle the bird. Some experience with parrots is recommended before bringing an African Grey into your home.
~ AFRICAN GREY PARROTS ~ GOFFIN'S COCKATOOS ~ UMBRELLA COCKATOOS ~
~ BLUE & GOLD MACAWS ~
