Common African Grey Parrot Health Issues and What Causes Them
African greys face a mix of nutritional, behavioral, and infectious health risks, and this species is genuinely more prone to a couple of specific conditions than the smaller parrots already covered on this site.
Common African Grey Parrot Health Issues and What Causes Them
African greys face a mix of nutritional, behavioral, and infectious health risks, and this species is genuinely more prone to a couple of specific conditions than the smaller parrots already covered on this site, see our budgie, cockatiel, conure, and lovebird health guides for comparison. See our cage setup guide for the husbandry side of prevention.
Hypocalcemia (Low Blood Calcium)
This is the signature health issue in this species. Veterinary sources describe it as the most common cause of central nervous system disease in African greys specifically. Watch for muscle tremors, weakness, and in serious cases, seizures. A seizure is an emergency, get to a vet immediately for injectable calcium. Longer-term, this is managed through proper diet, vitamin D, and UVB exposure.
Feather-Destructive Behavior (Plucking)
Bald patches and damaged feathers. African greys are specifically noted as especially prone to this compared to smaller parrot species. Causes include stress, boredom, loneliness, insufficient sleep, poor diet, or an underlying medical issue. Always rule out medical causes with a vet first.
African greys are specifically noted as more prone to feather-destructive plucking than smaller parrot species, and the underlying cause is often as simple as insufficient sleep or an under-stimulated day, not a single dramatic trigger.
Aspergillosis
A fungal respiratory infection this species is genuinely prone to. Watch for labored breathing, sneezing, lethargy, and weight loss. Caused by warm, moist, unsanitary conditions or mold, often from fresh food left in the cage too long. Always see a vet, treatment can take months, and this can be fatal if untreated.
Psittacosis
Caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Signs include tail-bobbing, wheezing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, and a fluffed-up appearance. This is zoonotic, it can spread to people in the household, and needs a vet for antibiotic treatment.
PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease)
A virus causing feather and beak deformities along with immune suppression, potentially fatal, especially in young birds. Diagnosed through vet testing.
The Husbandry Pattern Worth Remembering
A seed-heavy diet with insufficient UVB directly causes hypocalcemia, the most defining health risk for this species. Boredom and insufficient sleep drive feather plucking, particularly common in greys. And a damp, poorly ventilated cage with old food left sitting invites aspergillosis. A quality pelleted diet and a gram scale for tracking weight over time both support catching problems early.
If preventable, husbandry-driven health issues are a new concept, our cost guide covers what vet care for these issues typically runs, and our handling guide covers the enrichment and interaction side of preventing plucking. Or browse the rest of our Birds care guide category.
Sources & Further Reading
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Mike
Mike is the founder of Beastly Facts and a lifelong reptile enthusiast. He shares his home with Dex, a bearded dragon with strong opinions about crickets and basking schedules. Mike writes in-depth care guides, animal facts, and the occasional short story about life with exotic pets.
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