Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
| Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Grey Parrot |
| Name Lat. | Psittacus erithacus |
| Family | Parrots |
| Family lat. | Psittacidae |
| Order | Parrots |
| Order lat. | Psittaciformes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Diet | Grey Parrot seed, sprouts, veggies, fruits |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cavity nest |
| Life Span | 50-60 years |
| Protection | CITES Appendix I; EC Annex A |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 35 cm |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 200 x 100 x 100 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 14" |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 80" x 40" x 40" |
Distribution and habitat
The range of gray parrots extends from western to central Africa, where they live in savannahs with trees, fields, mangrove areas, and lowland and riverside forests.
Cage size
The minimum cage size is 200 x 100 x 100 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. The cage size must not be undercut even in case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, assuming species compatibility, the floor space must be increased by 50%. The cage must be placed at a height of at least 80 cm (except aviaries) in a bright, draught-free and quiet place and should have cross-wiring or netting. Keeping in an aviary with a floor area of at least 2 m² is preferable to keeping in a cage.
Maintenance
The floor must be covered with sand, shavings of untreated wood or similar material and cleaned once a week if possible. At least 2 perches made of wood or branches of different thickness and height shall be installed in such a way as to provide the longest possible flight path. A bathing facility should be available at all times, alternatively they can be sprayed with water at least once a week (e.g. sprinkler system). In addition to hiding places (burrows or half burrows), they need climbing and occupation material, such as rings, ropes and natural branches that are harmless to health. They should be kept at room temperature.
Diet
The species-specific food offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "gray parrot food" in premium quality, which should also be offered in germinated form, supplemented with cob millet, green fodder (dandelion, chickweed), oil palm fruit, rose hips, vegetables (peppers, carrots, etc.), fruit (apples, pears, grapes, etc.), fresh twigs and especially for raising young germinated corn and egg food. As digestive aids they need grit, sepia and vitamin lime. Water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers. Feed and water must be offered fresh daily, and the containers must be cleaned beforehand.
A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Reproduction and breeding
A reliable sex determination is only possible by endoscopy or better by genetic analysis (DNA).
They breed in nest cavities made of hardwood or in hollowed tree trunks. The clutch consists of 3-4 eggs, the incubation period is 26 days. During the breeding season they may be kept only in pairs (not in a group). Young birds should be raised so that they are species-specific.
Species protection
They must be identified in accordance with Appendix 6 of the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. The animal population must be reported to the responsible authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Species protection: WA Appendix I; EU Appendix A. You will receive a CITES document with the purchase, which confirms that this animal is an offspring. Please keep the CITES document in a safe place!
Important
In the case of outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter of at least 1 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 10 °C and the furnishings must correspond to those of cage housing
They may only be kept in pairs or in a group and not chained or on a hanger. Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight shall be provided in rooms, including shelters. The lighting duration shall be 8-12 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be observed. Adequate indoor climate should be provided. If caged, they should be allowed free flight. The health condition of the birds should be checked daily.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: Othmar Sieberer
Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Papageien; ARNDT (1997): Lexikon der Papageien, Arndt Verlag; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF