African Grey Parrot: Legal Papers, Talking, Food and Care

The African grey is a medium-sized parrot from the forests of West and Central Africa [1], and one of the most studied birds for its mind and voice [2][3]. It is also protected under CITES' strictest category [4]. So the first question isn't "does it talk?" but "where did this bird come from?"

African grey quick facts

Is the African grey a protected species?

Yes. In 2017 the African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) moved to CITES Appendix I, the Convention's strictest level, which tightly controls international trade [4][6]. The reason was a marked decline in wild birds, linked to capture for the pet trade and loss of forest [8].

Captive-bred birds can still be traded legally, but only under specific CITES conditions [9]. The welfare-first rule is simple:

• Only consider a captive-bred bird with clear, checkable paperwork proving its legal origin.
• Never take a bird without papers, or one described as wild-caught or of unclear origin.

Can I own an African grey in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, the authority for CITES permits is the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) [10]. Importing, exporting or keeping a CITES-listed bird is a regulated activity that usually needs official permits [10][11]. NCW has also run a public initiative to regularise wildlife kept without a licence [11].

Rules, deadlines and penalties can change, so check the current requirements directly with NCW before you buy. This is guidance only, not an endorsement by or partnership with NCW.

Does an African grey parrot really talk?

African greys are famous for vocal learning. Decades of published research showed that trained greys could use English words to label objects, colours, shapes and small numbers, not only mimic sounds [2][3]. That work involved individual birds and a special training method, though.

At home, every bird is different. Some greys talk a lot, some a little, and some prefer other sounds. Talking is never guaranteed, so choose a grey for the bird, not for the words.

What should an African grey eat?

Vet guidance puts a balanced pelleted diet at the centre of a parrot's menu, with a smaller share of fresh vegetables and fruit [12]. Keep in mind [12]:

• Seed-heavy diets are a risk. They can lead to low calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D, and to obesity.
• Mixed bowls backfire. Birds tend to pick the tasty seeds and leave the pellets.

This matters more for greys. The MSD Veterinary Manual notes that a sudden drop in blood calcium is more common in African greys fed all-seed diets [13]. Ask an avian vet which diet suits your bird.

What foods and home hazards are dangerous for African greys?

Never offer these [14]:

• Chocolate, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, and alcohol
• Avocado and onions
• Apple seeds
• Milk products
• Salty or sugary junk food

Around the home, watch for fumes from overheated non-stick pans, lead (in some blinds, jewellery and curtain weights), zinc-coated items and cigarette smoke [14].

What size cage does an African grey need?

At least about 102 × 76 × 152 cm (40 × 30 × 60 inches), with bars about 1.9 cm apart [7]. That is a minimum, not a goal. The cage should leave room to climb and play, with several perches, toys and places to forage [7][16].

Birds are built for flight, so supervised time out of the cage in a safe, bird-proofed room is part of good care [16].

African greys also shed a fine white "powder down" from their feathers. In a poorly ventilated room it can irritate the airways of other sensitive birds, so keep any shared bird space well ventilated [15].

Why does my African grey pluck its feathers?

Feather damage has many possible causes. Stress, boredom and sudden changes in routine are among them, but so is an underlying illness [5]. That's why new or worsening feather damage is something for an avian vet to assess, not a habit to fix at home.

Greys are intelligent, social birds, and a lone bird in a small, bare cage faces real physical and mental welfare problems [5]. Daily time together, foraging toys and a predictable routine all help.

How do I keep an African grey cool in the Saudi summer?

Birds can't sweat, and a parrot's normal body temperature is already high, about 39 to 41°C [16]. So:

• Keep the cage out of direct sun and away from hot windows.
• Use a cool, air-conditioned, well-ventilated room.
• Never leave a bird in a parked car [16].
• Always offer fresh water.

Panting or holding the wings away from the body is generally treated as a sign of heat stress in birds. Move your grey somewhere cooler. If it doesn't settle quickly, call an avian vet.

How can I tell if my African grey is sick?

Birds hide illness well, and delays reduce their chance of recovery [5][16]. Watch for small changes in:

• Appetite
• Behaviour or mood
• Posture
• Activity

Open-mouth breathing or struggling to breathe needs a vet promptly [16]. Any change is worth a licensed avian vet's opinion, rather than "wait and see".

Did you know? Wild African greys roost in large flocks in trees, often over water, and nest in tree hollows [1].

Before you buy or adopt an African grey

• Ask for CITES paperwork proving the bird is captive-bred and legally sourced [9].
• Check the permit requirements with the National Center for Wildlife first [10].
• Ask for its health record and any vet or identification documents.
• Set up a large cage, perches and foraging toys before it comes home [7][16].
• Plan a first check-up with a licensed avian vet.
• Plan for the long term: a grey often lives several decades [1].
• Plan for costs: pellets and fresh food, a large cage and toys, avian vet check-ups, and an emergency fund.

Can I travel with an African grey to or from Saudi Arabia?

Any cross-border move of a CITES-listed bird usually needs a CITES permit, issued in Saudi Arabia through the National Center for Wildlife [10]. The destination country's rules apply too.

Confirm every requirement with the official authorities before you plan a trip. This is guidance only, not an endorsement by or partnership with any authority, and rules can change.

African grey FAQ

How long do African grey parrots live?

Often several decades in captivity, and figures vary between sources [1]. Getting one is a long-term commitment.

What's the difference between a Congo and a Timneh grey?

The Timneh is a separate, smaller species [1]. Its exact CITES status may differ, so confirm it for the specific bird with the official CITES database or NCW.

Is the African grey really that intelligent?

It is one of the most studied parrots for learning and cognition [2][3]. Those results come from trained birds in research, so a pet's abilities will vary.

Does an African grey need another bird?

Greys are social flock birds [5]. If you keep one, plan for plenty of daily company, play and enrichment.

Is it legal to buy an African grey?

Trade in captive-bred greys is usually possible only with proper CITES paperwork and within local rules [9][10]. In Saudi Arabia, check with the National Center for Wildlife first.