The African Grey is one of the most sought-after parrots in the UK, and pricing reflects both its extraordinary intelligence and the cost of CITES documentation, captive breeding, and hand-raising. Here is an honest breakdown of what to expect.
In the UK, hand-raised African Grey parrots from a reputable specialist breeder typically cost between £1,500 and £3,500, depending on subspecies, age, level of socialisation, and whether the bird has been trained. Hand-raised, fully weaned, recently purchased birds command the highest prices; older birds occasionally become available at different price points.
The Congo African Grey (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) — the larger, lighter grey subspecies with the bright red tail — is the more commonly available subspecies and typically sits in the £1,800–£2,800 range. The Timneh African Grey (P. timneh) — slightly smaller, darker, with a maroon tail — is less common and sometimes commands a slight premium.
Prices advertised significantly below £1,500 should be treated with caution. Bargain prices often indicate undocumented birds, parent-raised (non-socialised) birds, or birds from sources where welfare standards cannot be verified.
Yes — African Greys are among the more expensive medium-sized parrots, reflecting their intelligence, CITES Appendix I status, and the cost of responsible hand-raising. They are less expensive than Hyacinth Macaws but more expensive than most conures, caiques, and Pionus.
Yes. Proper CITES documentation represents real cost — export permit fees in Spain, import permit application fees in the UK, and the administrative time involved. A bird sold without proper CITES documentation is not only potentially illegal — it is a red flag about the seller's practices overall.
From a specialist breeder or an importer who works with registered EU breeders. All birds from Paraíso de Aves come with full CITES documentation, a veterinary health certificate, and ring identification. Contact us at paraisodeloros@gmail.com for current availability and pricing.
Browse our current availability and get in touch for pricing, delivery timelines, and documentation details.