How much space do African Grey Parrots need in a small home?
African Grey Parrots require at least 3 square feet of space per bird in a small home.
Minimum Space Requirement
African Grey Parrots need at least 3 square feet of space per bird in a small home. This ensures they have enough room to stretch their wings and move around comfortably.
The cage should be at least 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide to accommodate their size and provide ample space for perches and toys.
A larger cage, around 36 inches tall and 48 inches wide, is ideal for a single bird or a pair of parrots.
- Minimum space per bird: 3 sq ft
- Minimum cage height: 24 inches
- Minimum cage width: 36 inches
- Ideal cage height: 36 inches
- Ideal cage width: 48 inches
Setup Order
1. Choose the space: Select a quiet area away from drafts and direct sunlight. A corner of a room is ideal.
2. Get the environment stable: Set the cage temperature to 70–80°F (21–27°C) and maintain humidity between 40–60%. Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor these conditions.
3. Add cover: Provide a hideaway or a covered area in the cage where the parrot can retreat when it feels stressed or wants to rest.
4. Add essentials: Place perches of different diameters and heights, a water bottle, and a food dish inside the cage.
5. Test before the animal arrives: Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and the environment is comfortable.
- Quiet area away from drafts and direct sunlight
- Cage temperature: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
- Humidity: 40–60%
- Hideaway or covered area
- Perches of different diameters and heights
- Water bottle
- Food dish
Day One Checklist
On the day you bring your African Grey Parrot home, make sure you have the following in place:
1. A properly sized cage with all necessary equipment.
2. Fresh, clean water in a water bottle.
3. Fresh, high-quality pellets and fresh vegetables.
4. A comfortable temperature and humidity level.
5. A safe and quiet environment.
- Properly sized cage
- Fresh, clean water
- High-quality pellets
- Fresh vegetables
- Comfortable temperature
- Safe and quiet environment
Common Setup Mistakes
1. Not providing enough space: African Grey Parrots need ample space to move around and exercise. A cage that is too small can lead to stress and behavioral issues.
2. Ignoring temperature and humidity: These factors are crucial for the health and well-being of your parrot. Incorrect temperatures or humidity levels can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
3. Overcrowding: If you have multiple parrots, ensure each bird has its own space and that the cage is not overcrowded.
- Not providing enough space
- Ignoring temperature and humidity
- Overcrowding
Keep reading about African Grey Parrot: African Grey Parrot care sheet
Related questions
How often should I clean the cage of an African Grey Parrot?
The cage should be cleaned daily to remove droppings and uneaten food. A thorough cleaning should be done once a week.
What temperature should the room be for an African Grey Parrot?
The room temperature should be maintained between 70–80°F (21–27°C) for the comfort and health of your parrot.
How much space does an African Grey Parrot need in a cage?
African Grey Parrots need at least 3 square feet of space per bird in a small home, with a minimum cage height of 24 inches and width of 36 inches.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your african grey parrot is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.