TEMPERAMENT/BEHAVIOUR
These parrots are extremely social creatures. They form communal nesting grounds for several hundred. The fact that they are very social does not mean that they will associate with other parrots, they are a single species bird and do not socialize with other parrots. during the day, they can be witnessed forming large flocks and flying long distances to forage. During their feeding process, they will fly down to the ground and spend approximately 40 minutes digesting soil and grass. This process is hypothesized to be a step in evolution that these birds have developed to compensate for increased pesticides and toxic levels in their food. This behaviour is predictable and has led to many African Greys being captured.
There are certain characteristics of the African Grey that are important for us to understand. Firstly, they produce a natural powder from their feathers that helps to clean, protect, and waterproof their feathers, which is needed to survive in a tropical habitat.
We will be taking a closer look at how they communicate using different parts of their body.
Eyes: This parrot can control its iris and rapidly enlarge or contract it. This is called pinning. If you know what to look for, this sign can help in finding out what is going on with your bird. When the body is relaxed and their eyes are pinning, they are showing interest in something. However, if this pinning occurs when their feathers are puffed out, this can mean that they are angry or frightened.
Head and Beak: as a sign of contentment, the African grey will grind its beak. This action can normally be heard before they go to sleep and is believed to keep the beak in good condition.
Chewing: This action is to keep the bird from being bored and is generally observed as being enjoyable. This behaviour should be taken into account when purchasing toys.
Growling: This is observed when the parrot is afraid or bothered.
Regurgitation: In most cases, regurgitation should not be taken as a bad sign. if your parrot pins its eyes, bobs its head, stretches its neck and then regurgitates, it is them showing love and affection. It is trying to bond with you. This behaviour can be traced back to its roots in the wild where they would regurgitate to feed their young and bond with other parrots.
Fluffing Feathers: This can be seen to relieve tension if it is cold out or during the pruning process. This should only be seen as a bad sign if the fluffing occurs for a prolonged period of time.
Flattened Feathers: This is a sign of fear.
Body Quivering: This behaviour can be taken as a sign of fear, but, if focused to the chest region, it is believed to be a sign of happiness.
Bowing: This is the parrot's way of asking to be petted or scratched.
Standing on one foot: The parrot is showing that it is relaxed.
Hanging upside down: This is an indication of cheerfulness and playfulness.
Wing Flapping: This is used as a source of exercise, or simply a method to get your attention.
Biting: This is normally due to negative effects on the bird. This can be contributed to fear, territorial dominance, hormones, lack of attention, or medical issues. On rare occasions, the bird may accidently bite you while playing if they are loosing their balance.
There are certain characteristics of the African Grey that are important for us to understand. Firstly, they produce a natural powder from their feathers that helps to clean, protect, and waterproof their feathers, which is needed to survive in a tropical habitat.
We will be taking a closer look at how they communicate using different parts of their body.
Eyes: This parrot can control its iris and rapidly enlarge or contract it. This is called pinning. If you know what to look for, this sign can help in finding out what is going on with your bird. When the body is relaxed and their eyes are pinning, they are showing interest in something. However, if this pinning occurs when their feathers are puffed out, this can mean that they are angry or frightened.
Head and Beak: as a sign of contentment, the African grey will grind its beak. This action can normally be heard before they go to sleep and is believed to keep the beak in good condition.
Chewing: This action is to keep the bird from being bored and is generally observed as being enjoyable. This behaviour should be taken into account when purchasing toys.
Growling: This is observed when the parrot is afraid or bothered.
Regurgitation: In most cases, regurgitation should not be taken as a bad sign. if your parrot pins its eyes, bobs its head, stretches its neck and then regurgitates, it is them showing love and affection. It is trying to bond with you. This behaviour can be traced back to its roots in the wild where they would regurgitate to feed their young and bond with other parrots.
Fluffing Feathers: This can be seen to relieve tension if it is cold out or during the pruning process. This should only be seen as a bad sign if the fluffing occurs for a prolonged period of time.
Flattened Feathers: This is a sign of fear.
Body Quivering: This behaviour can be taken as a sign of fear, but, if focused to the chest region, it is believed to be a sign of happiness.
Bowing: This is the parrot's way of asking to be petted or scratched.
Standing on one foot: The parrot is showing that it is relaxed.
Hanging upside down: This is an indication of cheerfulness and playfulness.
Wing Flapping: This is used as a source of exercise, or simply a method to get your attention.
Biting: This is normally due to negative effects on the bird. This can be contributed to fear, territorial dominance, hormones, lack of attention, or medical issues. On rare occasions, the bird may accidently bite you while playing if they are loosing their balance.