How to Determine the Age of African Greys

African Grey parrots are popular pet birds known for their high intelligence and attractive coloration. These parrots have the ability to mimic humans, other animals, and mechanical sounds, and can live for over 70 years. This long lifespan means some parrots will have multiple owners. It can be hard to tell how old an African Grey parrot is between the beginning of adulthood and old age, but juveniles are easy to identify.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Scale
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look for a breeder tag on the parrot's ankle. This small metal or plastic tag should be imprinted with the breeder's initials and a number. Breeders keep detailed records of the hatching dates of all their birds, and should be able to provide you with a full pedigree based on the tag number.

    • 2

      Examine the bird's eye color. An African Grey parrot 6 months old or younger usually has dark gray or black eyes. After the age of 6 months, their eyes steadily lighten, becoming light gray around the age of 1 year. By 18 months to 2 years, the eye color becomes a very pale yellow brown, and by the age of 3 to 4, African Greys have light yellow eyes. Once the eyes have turned yellow, it's harder to identify the bird's age.

    • 3

      Look at the parrot's plumage, especially the tail feathers. Juvenile African Grey parrots have dark gray tail feathers. Adults have bright red or maroon tail feathers.

    • 4

      Measure and weigh the parrot. Adult Congo African Greys are usually between 12 and 14 inches long and between 14 and 23 ounces, while Timneh African Grey parrots are 9 to 11 inches long and between 10 and 14 ounces. Smaller birds may look like adults, but may not have reached their full growth, placing them at the early end of the mature age range.

    • 5

      Consult an avian specialist vet for an exam. Avian veterinarians may be able to help you determine your bird's age. An experienced avian vet has seen many African Grey parrots and can determine the age range of the bird from behavior and health signs that amateurs may not see. Vets may also perform an endoscopy to sex the parrot and identify its level of sexual maturity. It's also possible to have a vet check your bird's hormone levels. This can help determine whether a female African Grey is fertile, past her fertile period, or if she has not yet reached it. Females cease being fertile at around 40 years of age.