African Grey Parrots

African Grey Parrots.
The African Grey - The World's Best Talker.
African Grey Parrots are known as the best talkers of all the parrots. Prices of African Greys run between $650 and $2200 - With the higher prices being paid for Greys that are already talking and have large vocabularies.

African Grey parrots can imitate almost any sound with complete clarity. But with all this talent comes some trade-offs that you should be aware of. African Greys generate their own "dust" also known as pet dander. Many people are allergic to this type of pet dander and it can really make an unbelievably large dusty mess over time. Additionally African Grey's are very demanding and will imitate the most irritating noises they have heard if they are upset or want attention.

There are two distinct varieties of African Grey Parrots. They are the: Congo African Grey and the Timneh African Grey.

The Congo African Grey has a completely black beak and a bright red tail. the Timneh African Grey is slightly smaller, has a mostly bone-colored upper beak and a dark maroon or grayish tail.

Which is better? That depends on your point of view. Congo's typically cost 20 to 40% more than Timneh's - probably because they are more colorful and are mostly are pictured when African Grey Parrots are the topic. But, the Timneh is smaller, more gentle, and less demanding than the Congo. Yet the Timneh's speaking ability is just as good as the Congo.

Keeping in mind my strong statement about their "dust" or pet dander, both types of African Greys can and do make wonderful pets. If you have your heart set on owning an African Grey - then you are the only one that can decide, whether a Congo or a Timneh is best for you.