Behavior and training

Intelligence and the "basic nature" of the Grey
African grey parrots are extremely intelligent creatures that need lots of attention and stimulation. The first thing to be aware of is that they are, in the wild, prey and not predators and their nature is as such. They can be very timid and uncertain when facing new and unknown situations and they need time to adapt, draw a "mental map" of new things and realize that there is no threat. There are positively no predators lurking behind that new sofa or inside your new hat!

Dr. Irene Pepperberg has conducted lots of research concerning the intelligence of the African Grey parrot and has found that their cognitive skills compare to that of a human toddler (approximately 3 years of age). They have an incredible ability to not only mimic human speech but also have a basic understanding of what it is they are saying, being able to link certain objects and actions to certain words and sentences. Here is a video of Alex the parrot, which was one of Dr. Pepperberg's subjects for study and training, which showcases the intelligence of the species very well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yGOgs_UlEc.

Due to their high intelligence it is very important that they receive daily stimulation from their owner(s) (cuddle time, word games, time out of the cage, free flying etc.), from their kin (if there is more than one Grey or parrot in the same household) and from toys (different shapes, colors, materials, foraging toys etc.) that are constantly rotated to keep the interest level up.

Training - words or tricks, or maybe both?
Aside from word training (not all African Grey's become talkers but a tip that can make them choose words over other sounds is to avoid whistling). African Grey's, like other parrots, can learn to wear a harness (for outdoor adventures) and all kinds of tricks, such as "wing stretch" or to hang "upside down." Something that I have noticed though is that African Grey's, probably mostly due to their high intelligence, can be quite stubborn and they are not the typical "trick birds." They can learn a lot but it often times is about them wanting to learn. Which makes positive reinforcement and motivational training the two key words, from what I have experienced. To force something on a Grey just doesn't usually work out too well and it is of the essence that your parrot trusts you. To force something on your Grey is a way to most certainly harm or completely impair that built up trust. So the very first step, when making a new acquaintance with a Grey, is to gain its trust (and to keep it). Also small steps at a time. Do not push it, wanting too much, too soon. It has to take the time it takes for your Grey to learn and be comfortable and willing to learn. The first thing you should ever teach your Grey is the command step up, enabling you to handle your Grey. Either teaching it to step up on your hand or on a stick (being careful to introduce the stick, and your hand of course, first in small steps).

For tips on how to harness train or teach your parrot tricks such as "stretch" or "upside down" (or at least how I taught Sarabi) take a read through previous blog posts (searching for the key words)!