How Long Do African Greys Live?
African greys live 40 to 60 years and are the parrot most often killed early by a mineral. Low calcium causes seizures in greys, so diet, UV light and an avian vet are not optional with this species.
African Grey age in human years
Life-stage equivalence scaled to the typical lifespan of the type you pick. Enter your African grey's age.
How long do African greys live? The numbers
| Type | Typical | Excellent care | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congo African grey | 40 to 60 | 70+ | Calcium and UV light essential |
| Timneh African grey | 40 to 50 | 60 | Often steadier temperament |
African Grey years to human years
Scaled to a typical congo african grey lifespan of about 50 years. Pick a different type in the converter above and the numbers shift with it.
| African Grey age | Human equivalent | Life stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ~3 | Youngster |
| 5 years | ~14 | Youngster |
| 10 years | ~22 | Young adult |
| 20 years | ~36 | Young adult |
| 30 years | ~50 | Prime adult |
| 40 years | ~63 | Mature |
| 50 years | ~75 | Senior |
| 60 years | ~84 | Senior |
| 80 years | ~98 | Senior |
Life-stage equivalence, not biology: no validated ageing clock exists for African greys. It is still the right way to think about vet schedules and senior care.
What actually adds years
Calcium and UV light. Greys are uniquely prone to hypocalcaemia: seizures, weakness and death from low blood calcium. Pellets, calcium-rich greens, a cuttlebone or supplement as your vet advises, and full-spectrum or natural light so vitamin D works.
Pellets, not seed. Seed-only greys develop atherosclerosis: hardened arteries and sudden death in middle age. Convert to pellets and vegetables early.
Mental work. The smartest parrot needs the most to do. Foraging, training and puzzles prevent the plucking that greys are famous for.
Clean air, dry environment. Aspergillosis (a fungal lung infection) hits greys hard: no mouldy seed, no damp cages, good ventilation, no smoke or non-stick fumes.
Bloodwork every year. Calcium, cholesterol and organ values on an annual avian-vet panel catch grey-specific problems while they are treatable.
African Grey lifespan FAQ
How long do African greys live?
40 to 60 years typically, with Congo greys sometimes past 70. Timneh greys average 40 to 50. Poor diet cuts many greys down at 20 to 30.
Do Congo or Timneh greys live longer?
Congo greys, slightly, on average. Individual care matters far more than the subspecies.
How old is a 25-year-old African grey in human years?
By life stage, roughly a 43-year-old human. Use the converter above.
Why do African greys need calcium?
Greys regulate calcium poorly and seed diets are calcium-poor. Low blood calcium causes seizures, the classic African grey emergency. Diet plus UV light plus vet monitoring prevents it.
Why do African greys pluck?
Anxiety, boredom, hormones, dry air or disease. Greys are sensitive, intelligent birds; enrichment and early vet involvement give the best chance of stopping it.
What is the oldest African grey?
Individual greys documented past 70 exist in zoos and long-term homes; a hatch-recorded 80-year-old is not verified. Plan for 50.
Related tools
Sources: Association of Avian Veterinarians; Merck Veterinary Manual on hypocalcaemia in African grey parrots and atherosclerosis in psittacines; Lafeber Vet. Last reviewed August 2026.