Social Structure

Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are very social and live in the form of a flock of  a large number of birds up to many thousands. According to Valla, D, 2019, flock usually comprises of nearly 10000 birds, from which small groups may go for foraging almost 10 kilometers far away.  Attachment of the birds in a flock is very strong. Their vocalization is very intensive in the flock or nearby, which keep them intact. Food and forage is shared by all members. All birds follow the calls and visual displays produced by their leadership. They make strong attachment with each other, as well as with their human care giver if they are pets.

Flocks

Congo grey parrots always live in the form of flocks. Male and female dominant parrots lead these   flocks. They guide all birds of flock towards food and safe places. All birds of a flock have close attachment with each other and play in different patterns during flight and stay. In flocks, parrots feel a sense of safety provided by the flock.

Ways of Communication.

Communication skill of the Congo greys is perhaps the best skill in birds. They can give facial expression along with vocalization and body language. The mimicry of the human voice and voice of other animals and birds make it easy to enjoy the joyful feelings. They can speak, whistle, sing and mimic the other birds, animals and human beings.

Naughty parrots

Grey parrots are playful and birds with lively hearts. They can repeat the words and phrases spoken by the pet keeper. Sometimes, they can repeat the keeper’s discussion with his friend. So, pet keepers have to consider the presence of African Greys while talking with anyone. 

Temperament

The grey parrots are very loving, caring and responding birds. However, they should not be neglected or teased otherwise they may lose their temperament, and can become boring and silent birds. 

Interaction with birds of other Species

Not only the greys are social with their own species, but also socially interact with birds of other species. Grey parrots can be kept with Yellow Naped Amazon in the same cage (quora.com). They can be kept with Finch’s Parakeet (grey headed parakeets) in the single cage with playing activities. Except breeding, both species interact with each other like feeding, playing, flying and communication. 

Interaction with human

Congo grey parrots always interact with humans, they are kept with. Their interaction is not for all humans in the area or house, but they interact with the person, who plays with and feeds them. All other people are just strangers to them. They respond to their human friend in a manner of love and affection.   These parrots play with the hairs, beard, and ears of their bonded pet keepers. They can kiss the lips of owner, 

They can communicate with humans, due to their sharp memory and intelligence. It is reported that these parrots may speak some phrases and sentences according to the situation, which makes them a true friend of the owner’s loneliness. They rank their pet keepers as a member of their flock. 

Pet keepers must avoid all irritating activities like frequent and rough touching to keep the pet calm and peaceful.

Interaction with mates

 The red-tailed greys are monogamous as they mate with a single partner, at a time. Both of the parents take care of their babies for food and protection. They make their nests in tree cavities. A female bird lays 3-5 eggs and incubates these eggs for about 30 days. During this period, male mate feeds her and defends the nest.  Courtship behavior of this species is not clear up to the mark. 

Effects of Loneliness of African Greys in Captivity

Social birds want to remain connected to any member of the flock including human beings. Feeling of loneliness is a silent killer of social birds like Congo Greys. 

ONE OF THE MOST DIFFECULT OF ALL THINGS TO FEEL ALONE AND SEPARATED FROM ONE’S OWN KINDS. A SENSE OF BELONGING IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIVERSAL OF ALL FEELINGS. – LAWRENCE KILHAM, 1989

Parrots without any interaction with other birds or human beings will have a chance of poor development of sense of belonging and security. Negative attitude, depression, frustration, anxiety and insanity are the results of keeping the social birds in loneliness in captivity. 

Signs of Stress and Depression Due to Loneliness

Screaming, still posture, trembling, feather picking(self-mutilation), loss of appetite are the main signals raised from these birds due to stress. Signs also depend upon the extent of stress and differs from individual to individual.

Reduction of Stress

Interaction with flock, mate birds and pet keepers is most important for a fresh and playful bird. To overcome the effects of loneliness, pet keepers must focus on interaction with greys. Provide a mate to the bird.  These birds must be visited twice by the owner to play and spend plenty of time. Provide some toys in the peaceful cage to keep the pet busy playing. Understanding the body language of pets makes the relationship of pets and pets’ keeper stronger, minimizing the risk of stress felt by pets.  

Conclusion

African Greys are the birds which are most social and friendly. Due to their strong bonding to human being make them one of the most suitable pets. They are easy to be trained. They have proved themselves as the best companion of humans in the world of birds.