African grey parrot at Lincolnshire Wildlife Centre in Friskney, England. AP

A British zoo has had to separate five foul-mouthed parrots who keepers say were encouraging each other to swear.

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Billy, Eric, Tyson, Jade and Elsie joined Lincolnshire Wildlife Centre’s colony of 200 grey parrots in August, and soon revealed a penchant for blue language.

"We are quite used to parrots swearing, but we’ve never had five at the same time,” said the zoo’s chief executive, Steve Nichols. "Most parrots clam up outside, but for some reason these five relish it.”

 Gey parrot, one of five who were separated as keepers say they were encouraging each other to swear. AP

Nichols said no visitors had complained about the parrots, and most found the situation funny.

"When a parrot tells you to ‘f-- off’ it amuses people very highly,” he said Tuesday. "It’s brought a big smile to a really hard year.”

Nichols said the parrots have been separated to save children’s ears. They were moved to different areas of the park so they don't "set each other off,” he said.

Associated Press