The African grey parrot is among the clever and social pets of the world. They have an exceptional capacity for aping human language, sounds, and even interpreting basic instructions, thus have the title of being the Einstein of birds. They have soft grey feathers, bright red tails, and expressive eyes, which make these parrots not only very appealing to the eye but also very interactive. They are playful and loving, and therefore the best pets to have around mature pet owners who will have time to dedicate to them, stimulate their minds, and play together. Such clever birds will not be properly cared for and engaged, thus they will either end up bored or stressed, which is likely to cause behavioral problems.
The African grey parrots are part of the most demanded pet birds in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, because they are intelligent, cute, and they create close relationships with human beings. They are also successful in a home where owners are aware of the effort to be put into their well-being, such as proper training, social life, and a challenging environment. To the person willing to take the time to give care, the African grey parrot will provide companionship, entertainment, and emotional bonds that no other pet bird will provide, and is, therefore, the best choice among bird lovers in the region.
African Grey Parrot Varieties
African Grey Parrot varieties in the UAE, Red African Grey is common and friendly, while the Blue African Grey is rare, exotic, and more expensive.
1. Red African Grey Parrot
The most common and popular form of the African grey parrot is the Red African grey. It has soft grey feathers and a bright red tail, and with expressive eyes, it looks very striking. With its friendly and social character, this type is very widespread in the UAE, such as in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, and tends to be cheaper than rarer varieties.
2. Blue African Grey Parrot
A more rare breed is the Blue African Grey that has a bluish-grey body and a slightly light tail, making it look unique and exotic. The Blue African grey parrot is more valued due to its rarity and unique appearance, making it a costly and significant demand among the collectionists and the expert bird owners in the UAE.
African Grey Parrot Age & Lifespan
African Grey Parrots live 40–60 years, sometimes up to 70. Proper diet, social interaction, mental stimulation, and care keep them healthy and happy.
African Grey Parrot Age Expectancy
The African grey parrots have been associated with a long life span as compared to most other pet birds. They have an average life span of 40 to 60 years, and some may go as high as 70 years under good care. This ensures that they become a lifetime investment to the pet owner, hence one should think about their lifetime requirements.
How Long Do African Grey Parrots Live?
The African Grey Parrot has a lifespan that is determined by a number of factors, among them diet, the environment, and frequent veterinary check-ups. With a nutritious diet, high in fruits and vegetables and good-quality pellets, a secure and enriching environment, and regular examination by an avian veterinarian, they can greatly increase their life span. Socialization, mental stimulation, and hygiene are also very important in ensuring that these intelligent birds grow healthy and happy in their long life span.
African Grey Parrot Diet Plan
Feed a balanced mix of pellets (50–60%), fruits and vegetables (30–40%), and seeds or nuts (5–10%). Always provide fresh water, and add calcium or vitamin D3 if recommended.
A balanced diet is crucial for a long and healthy life:
- Pellets (50–60%): High-quality formulated pellets provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables (30–40%): Apples, carrots, broccoli, spinach, and berries supply fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Avoid avocado, onion, and chocolate, which are toxic.
- Seeds & Nuts (5–10%): Sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts can be given occasionally as treats.
- Clean Water: Fresh water should be available at all times.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D3 support bone health and immunity if recommended by a vet.
Additionally, a safe, spacious cage, daily mental stimulation, and a stress-free environment are essential. Following this diet and care plan ensures your African Grey Parrot stays healthy, happy, and enjoys a long life.
African Grey Parrot Care Guide
African Grey Parrots need a balanced diet of pellets, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, with clean water and supplements to stay healthy and long-lived.
Diet & Nutrition
African Grey Parrots require a balanced diet to stay healthy and live a long life. Their diet should include:
- Pellets (50–60%): High-quality formulated pellets provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables (30–40%): Apples, carrots, broccoli, spinach, and berries provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Avoid avocado, onion, and chocolate, which are to
- Seeds & Nuts (5–10%): Sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts can be given occasionally as treats.
- Clean Water: Fresh water should always be available.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D3 may be added if recommended by a vet.
Housing & Environment
The African grey parrots require a big cage where they can flex their wings and move freely. Make several perches at varying levels, mentally stimulating toys, and chewable objects that are safe. It is best to spend time outside the cage on a daily basis and keep them active and happy.
Sounds & Talking Ability
African grey parrots are renowned for their mimicking and talking ability. They may learn words, phrases, and even mimic domestic sounds with patience, repetition, and through social interaction. They are encouraged to take part in their vocal skills by offering positive reinforcement and frequent engagement.
Caring for Newborn African Grey Parrots
New or young African Greys need special care, such as good feeding on formula, warmth, hygiene, and socialization. First-time owners need to be advised by experienced breeders or veterinarians to help them achieve proper growth and health in the initial stages of life.
African Grey Parrot Price in UAE
In Dubai and Sharjah, Red African Grey Parrots cost AED 4,500–12,000, while rarer Blue African Greys reach AED 15,000+. Prices vary by age, color, and training.
African Grey Parrot Price in Dubai
In Dubai, African Grey Parrots are highly sought after, and their prices vary based on age, color, and training. On average, a Red African Grey Parrot may cost between AED 5,000 to AED 12,000, while rarer Blue African Grey Parrots can reach AED 15,000 or more. Trained or talking parrots often command higher prices.
African Grey Parrot Price in Sharjah
Prices in Sharjah are generally similar but may be slightly lower compared to Dubai. A young, untrained Red African Grey may start from AED 4,500, whereas fully grown or talking birds can go up to AED 12,000–14,000. Blue African Greys remain rarer and more expensive across the UAE.
General Price Range Across the UAE
Several factors affect the price of African Grey Parrots, including age, color variety (Red vs Blue), breeder reputation, level of training, and socialization. Younger birds tend to be slightly less expensive than fully grown, trained parrots.
Buying from Breeders, Pet Shops, and Adoption Centers
- Breeders: Provide healthy, hand-raised birds with documented lineage; prices are higher but ensure quality and proper care.
- Pet Shops: May offer convenience but prices vary, and birds might not be hand-raised or fully socialized.
- Adoption Centers: More affordable and give a second chance to parrots in need; however, availability is limited, and birds may require extra socialization and care.
Choosing the right source depends on your budget, experience, and preference for age, training, and socialization.
African Grey Parrot for Sale in UAE
African Grey Parrots are available in Dubai and Sharjah via trusted breeders, pet shops, and online listings. Prices vary by age, color, and training.
African Grey Parrot for Sale in Dubai
Dubai is a place that attracts pet lovers seeking African Grey Parrots. Birds can be found with reputable breeders and reputable pet stores as well as online. The prices are different according to the age, colour variety, and training level, with Red African Greys being generally more available and Blue African being more rare and expensive.
African Grey Parrot for Sale in Sharja
The African grey parrots can also be found in Sharjah, but with slightly less variety than in Dubai. Birds are available at licensed breeders, adoption centers, and pet stores to interested buyers. Parrots that are not trained or hardly trained cost less than those that are trained or talk a lot.
Best Places to Buy – To have a healthy and well-socialized African Galaxy Parrot, one should purchase by:
- Trusted Breeders: Improperly documented and socially adjusted hand-raised birds.
- Online Listings: Authenticated websites or forums with solid sellers in the UAE.
- Pet Shops: It is convenient and guarantees the healthiness and proper care of the bird.
When purchasing an African Grey Parrot, it is necessary to select a reputable source to have a problem-free shopping experience and future health.
Adoption & Buying for African Grey Parrots
African Grey Parrots can be bought or adopted in the UAE from breeders, pet shops, or adoption centers. Consider daily interaction, costs, diet, and care needs for a healthy, happy parrot.
Where to Buy African Grey Parrots in the UAE
African Grey Parrots can be purchased from licensed breeders, reputable pet shops, and verified online listings in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Buying from trusted sources ensures that the parrot is healthy, hand-raised, and properly socialized, which is essential for long-term companionship.
African Grey Parrot for Adoption
Adoption is a great way to provide a home to parrots in need. Many adoption centers in the UAE offer African Grey Parrots that are already hand-raised and sometimes trained. Adopting a parrot can be more affordable than buying from breeders, but adopters should be prepared for potential additional care or training to help the bird adjust to a new environment.
Things to Consider Before Buying or Adopting
African Grey Parrots are long-lived, intelligent, and social, requiring years of commitment. Potential owners should consider:
- Time & Interaction: Daily attention, mental stimulation, and social interaction are necessary.
- Cost: Initial purchase price, diet, toys, cage, and veterinary care add up over the bird’s lifetime.
- Care Needs: Proper diet, safe housing, regular vet check-ups, and environmental enrichment are crucial.
Choosing between buying and adopting depends on your budget, experience, and willingness to commit to the parrot’s long-term care.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the UAE, prices for African Grey Parrots vary by age, color, and training. Red African Greys typically cost AED 4,500–12,000, while rarer Blue African Greys can reach AED 15,000 or more.
The cost depends on age, color variety, and whether the parrot is trained. Red African Greys are more affordable, while Blue African Greys are rarer and pricier.
Sexing African Grey Parrots is difficult visually. DNA testing or a veterinarian’s examination is the most accurate way to determine gender. Some subtle differences in size or head shape may exist but are unreliable.
Taming requires patience, consistency, and trust-building. Start with quiet interaction, gentle hand-feeding, and positive reinforcement. Gradually increase handling time while respecting the parrot’s comfort level.
Yes, African Grey Parrots can eat oranges in moderation. Citrus fruits provide vitamins, but excessive amounts may cause digestive upset. Always remove seeds and serve fresh fruit.
They typically live 40–60 years, with some reaching up to 70 years with proper diet, social interaction, and veterinary care.
African Grey Parrots have a lifespan of 40–60 years, and longevity depends on diet, care, environment, and mental stimulation.
Baby African Greys require hand-feeding with a specialized formula. Feed small amounts frequently, maintain warmth and hygiene, and gradually introduce solid foods as they grow.
African Greys learn to talk with patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Start with simple words and phrases, speak clearly, and reward them for mimicking sounds.
They should eat a balanced diet of pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional seeds or nuts. Avoid avocado, chocolate, and onion, which are toxic. Always provide fresh water.
