Frequently Asked Questions – Grey Parrot Companions

Find answers to the most common questions about African Greys, adoption, and our services.

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  • Adoption & Purchase

  • Care & Health

  • Training & Behavior

  • Our Services

Adoption & Purchase

What is the difference between buying and adopting?

Buying means you’re purchasing a hand-raised baby or young bird from us. Adopting means you’re giving a rescued or surrendered bird a second chance at a forever home. Adoption fees are generally lower, and you’re saving a life.

How much does an African Grey cost?

 
 
Option Price Range
Purchase $2,400 – $3,000
Adoption Fee $500 – $2,900

Prices vary based on species, age, and individual bird.

What is the reservation fee?

A non-refundable $500 reservation fee is required to secure your chosen bird. This fee goes toward the total cost of purchase or adoption.

Can I visit before deciding?

Absolutely! We welcome visits by appointment. We want you to meet your potential companion before making any commitments.

Do you offer delivery?

Yes, we offer delivery within the continental United States for an additional fee. Contact us for a custom quote.

How long is the adoption process?

Typically 1–2 weeks from application to bringing your bird home, depending on scheduling.

Care & Health

How long do African Greys live?

With proper care, African Greys can live 40 to 60+ years. Some have even lived into their 80s! This is a lifelong commitment.

What do African Greys eat?

A balanced diet includes:

  • 60–70% high-quality pellets

  • 20–25% fresh vegetables

  • 10% or less fruits and seeds

Never feed: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onions, or garlic.

How big of a cage do I need?

 
 
Requirement Size
Minimum 3ft x 3ft x 4ft
Recommended 40″ x 30″ x 65″ or larger
Bar spacing ¾” to 1″

Do African Greys need out-of-cage time?

Yes! Your Grey needs 3–4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily for exercise and social interaction.

What health guarantees do you offer?

All birds come with a 30-day health guarantee from the date of purchase or adoption. We also provide lifetime support for all our birds.

Training & Behavior

Do African Greys talk?

Yes! African Greys are among the best talkers in the parrot world. Some can learn hundreds of words and use them in context. However, not all Greys will talk—each bird has their own personality.

How do I teach my Grey to talk?

 
 
Tip Details
Start early Begin as soon as you bring them home
Repeat often Use the same words consistently
Use enthusiasm Greys respond to excited tones
Context matters Say “Hello” when entering the room
Reward efforts Praise and treats encourage learning
Be patient It can take weeks or months

What if my Grey screams or bites?

Don’t yell or punish. Put them back in their cage and walk away—this teaches them that unwanted behavior won’t get attention. Never hit or yell at your parrot.

Why is my Grey plucking feathers?

Feather plucking can be caused by:

  • Boredom or lack of enrichment

  • Stress or anxiety

  • Health issues

  • Poor diet

Always consult an avian vet to rule out medical causes first.

Our Services

Do you offer support after purchase?

Yes! We provide lifetime support for every bird we place. Whether you need help with diet, training, or behavior, we’re just a call or email away.

What if the adoption doesn’t work out?

We’re committed to the lifelong well-being of every bird. If issues arise, we’re here to help. In rare cases, the bird must be returned to us—never re-homed or surrendered elsewhere.

Do you take in rescue birds?

Yes, we work with rescues and accept surrendered Greys when we can. Contact us if you know of a Grey in need.

Can I get a refund?

  • Purchases: Refunds are not offered for change of mind. Only considered for serious health conditions within 7 days.

  • Adoptions: Adoption and reservation fees are non-refundable.

  • See our Refund Policy for full details.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! Reach out and we’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours.
✉️ Adopt@greyparrotcompanions.com
📍 Portland, OR

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