Buying an African Grey: Questions

Yes, when the bird was bred in captivity and is sold within the country where it lives. Congo African greys (Psittacus erithacus) have been on CITES Appendix I since 2017. In the United States, captive-bred greys can be bought and sold between US residents, but the Wild Bird Conservation Act bars importing them as pets, so a US buyer should buy from a US aviary. In Canada, captive-bred greys can be sold within the country subject to provincial rules, while import and export need CITES permits. That is why each of our birds is sold only to buyers in its own country.

Yes, and we insist on it. Before any deposit or payment, we hold a live video call on FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom. You will see the bird, its closed leg ring and its paperwork, and we can hold up a note with your name and the date so you know the call is live and the bird is real. We ask about your home on the same call.

Send an enquiry. We reply within two working days to book your video call. If we both want to go ahead, we send a written reservation agreement. The deposit (10 to 20 percent, shown on each listing) is paid only after the video call and the signed agreement. The balance (and any delivery fee) is paid at handover, where you receive the DNA certificate, health record and the legal papers for your country.

Yes, locally, inside the same country. Our own staff drive your bird to you, or we arrange a local pet delivery company to help within the delivery area shown for each aviary. You can also collect in person. We name any delivery company in writing before booking so you can check it yourself, and we never use airlines or long-distance cargo. Any delivery fee is agreed in writing up front and paid at handover or directly to the named company, never as surprise extra charges. A seller or "shipping agent" who asks for extra crate, insurance, vet or permit fees while the bird is in transit is running a common scam.

Only when fully weaned and eating independently, which for Congo greys is usually around 16 weeks. We never sell unweaned birds. Each listing shows the date the bird is expected to be ready.

Commonly 40 to 60 years with good care, so a grey can outlive its first owner. We ask every buyer to think about long-term plans for the bird.

In the UK, Congo greys are on Annex A of the wildlife trade regulations, and selling one needs an Article 10 certificate issued by APHA. UK listings show the certificate number, and the certificate is handed over at collection. Compare the ring number on it with the ring on the bird.

Ask for a live video call before paying anything, and ask us to show the leg ring and a note with your name. Check the licence or registration number shown for the aviary with the authority that issued it. Visit before collection if you can. Never pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or a money-transfer app to someone whose bird you have not seen live.