Share the Fun with African Grey Parrots Quiz

Answer: through the hole under their jaw

African grey parrots can make an amazing range of sounds, including mimicking animal sounds, sounds such as doorbells and telephones, and mimicking individual voices. Their own natural "voice" has a somewhat mechanical sound to it.
When I come to visit, Emma says, "Hi, Em" and "Hi, Emma" in my voice, and makes a clicking sound that I make to her when I ask her if she wants a kiss. She only does this when I'm there.

Answer: child in kindergarten

African grey parrots have the intelligence of children who are 5 years old. The emotional age of African grey parrots, however, is that of two-year old children.
Emma is constantly doing things that amaze me. For instance, if my brother gets up in the middle of the night, when he should normally be sleeping, Emma tells him, "Time for bed now. Time for bed."

Answer: all of these

Emma also loves shiny toys, and perches covered with different types of cloth and rope. African grey parrots are wary of new things, so introduce new toys gradually. It is important, however, to periodically vary toys and cage decorations, to stimulate your pet.

Answer: all of these

Although giving calcium supplements is not always enough to control the seizures, the following methods of supplementing calcium in the diet of the African grey parrot are acceptable to try: Tums, cheese, cottage cheese, almonds and yogurt. Always consult with a vet or other experts on African grey parrot health before doing anything, however.

Answer: colour

The cage should be in the busiest room of the house, because African grey parrots are very curious, and need the stimulation of watching the activity of family members. Having a wall on one or two sides of the cage is important for a feeling of security. Castors are an important feature, because having the same view all the time would be too boring.

Answer: hide behind the big fuzzy perch in her cage

African grey parrots are wary of strangers. They have close relationships with the people who care for them, but they take a long time to become comfortable around other people.
When I come to visit, Emma will say things in my voice, and make certain sounds that she only makes when I'm around, to let me know that she's aware of me and happy to see me. However, although she'll stay with me when my brother puts her on my arm or my lap, and she'll play with toys that I hold for her, she won't come to me on her own, or let me approach her closely.

Answer: showing affection

This is a sign of affection from African grey parrots. Some other signs of affection from Emma include resting her head upside down on my brother's shoulder, burrowing her head into his neck, and constantly trying to get kisses. Emma is like an "only child" to my brother, so in some cases she may be unique, such as with all of the kissing.

Answer: bright red

The Congo, which is the type or sub-species of African grey parrot to which Emma belongs, have bright red tail feathers and black beaks. The Timneh, which is the other main type or sub-species of African grey parrot, has tails which are a mixture of maroon and grey, and their beaks have bits of reddish-beige colour.

Answer: all of these

African grey parrots have been found in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Ancient Greeks also kept them as pets, as did wealthy Romans, who kept their African grey parrots in very fancy cages. Portuguese sailors took parrots with them on sea voyages. Even King Henry VIII kept an African grey parrot.

Answer: nothing

When giving your African grey parrot a bath, use only lukewarm water. Actually, some birds, including Emma, prefer to have a shower.
As a health note, it's better to bathe your African grey parrot in the morning or in the early afternoon, so that the feathers have lots of time to dry. Going to bed when the feathers are still wet can cause illness.