October 22, 2026 · Guides
Is It Legal to Own an African Grey Parrot? US Rules Explained
Is it legal to own an African grey parrot in the United States? In general, yes. You can legally own a captive-bred African grey in most of the United States. But the African grey is protected under international and US law, so you should buy only from a breeder who documents that the bird was bred in captivity, and check your own state and local rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
Looking for a legally documented, captive-bred grey? See our current African greys
The laws that apply to African greys
- CITES: the African grey (Psittacus erithacus) is listed in CITES Appendix I, which restricts international trade.
- Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA): this US law restricts the import of wild-caught exotic birds.
- State and local rules: some states, counties or cities regulate or require permits for certain exotic animals or sales. Rules change, so check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency.
- Housing rules: landlords and homeowner associations can restrict pets. Check your lease.
Why captive-bred matters
A captive-bred bird has a documented origin: a closed leg ring, and paperwork stating it was hatched and raised in captivity. Wild-caught birds are the reason the species is protected. Buying a captive-bred bird from an open, documented breeder is both the ethical and the legal route.
What paperwork to expect
When you buy from us in the United States, you receive the captive-bred documentation, a DNA sexing certificate and the vet health record at handover. You can compare the ring number on the paperwork with the ring on the bird during the live video call before you pay a deposit.
Red flags when buying
- No closed ring, or a ring that does not match the papers.
- A seller who will not do a live video call.
- Pressure to pay a deposit or transfer money before you have seen the bird.
- Vague answers about where the bird was hatched.
- Offers to ship across borders without proper permits.
Read what to ask a breeder before buying an African grey.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to own an African grey in the US?
Federal law does not generally require a permit to keep a captive-bred bird, but some states and cities have their own rules. Check locally before you buy.
Can I import an African grey?
Importing is tightly restricted under CITES and the WBCA and is not something we do. We sell only within the United States.
How do I know a bird is captive-bred?
Look for a closed leg ring, matching papers from the breeder and a breeder willing to show you the bird live and answer questions.
Buy from a documented breeder
Every Grey Haven bird is captive-bred, closed-ringed, DNA sexed and vet checked. See which birds are available or reserve a place for the next clutch.