For this month’s Meet My Parrot, we’re meeting Jasper the African Grey and his brother Xavier. Over to his owner Julie Hunt.

About Jasper

My partner and I decided together to look for an African Grey, after the untimely death of our young Amazon. After five long weeks we came across a baby grey looking for a home, we named her Jasper (yes Jasper is female) and she will soon be 10 in January.

Her favourite food has to be Brussels sprouts, she asks for them most meal times.

Jasper’s favourite toys are anything made of wood, or paper, she will wait for the post to arrive so she can have the envelopes to shred.

Jasper also enjoys clinging to clothes and swinging.

Xavier

Jasper and her big brother Xavier who is 15, love to chat and interact. Jasper’s favourite words are Brussels of course and blow kisses, then she makes the kissing sound and Xavier does the same back. They also both seem to wait until I'm on the phone then chatter their little heads off. Xavier’s favourite word is morning.

                                                                                                                                                                                       My advice to new owners would be, whether you have a baby Grey or taking in an older one, is don't rush things, let the bird come out of his cage in his own time, don't overcrowd him or let young children dash around and be noisy.

                                                                                                                                                                                    New birds, especially older ones being rehomed, will be feeling nervous so will either shy away or bite, so it's best to back off a little, talk to them quietly and let the bird settle in. I was told by a friend it takes around two weeks before you start to see their real personality of a bird, and she was right. I love my two and wouldn't be without them, given time they can make wonderful companions.

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Find everything you need for African Greys such as Jasper here.