Caring For an African Grey Parrot

Similar to toddlers, African grey parrots can be bored quickly and require plenty of stimulation to prevent behavior problems. If they aren't stimulated, they could become destructive or even start screaming.

Highly intelligent, they are arguably the most accurate mimics of all species of parrots and understand human speech. The trade in pet animals and destruction of habitats are the biggest threats to them.

Feeding

The diet requirements of African greys differ from those of other large psittacines. They are omnivorous, however, they prefer seeds over fruits and vegetables.

In captivity they are more likely to consume fruit and leafy greens than seeds. It is also important to observe the quality and quantity of their diets as they are prone to obesity and calcium deficiencies. Pellets or complete crumbles should comprise 75% of a bird's diet and it is recommended that they be purchased from reputable brands such as Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm.

Ideal diets should comprise pellets as well as freshly prepared meals. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30% fresh foods. Some of the best choices are kale, spinach, silverbeets, pak choi broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn. Sprouting grasses and native plants like dandelion greens, okra and okra can also be beneficial. Avoid cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower, as they contain high levels of oxalic acids which may hinder calcium absorption in the body.

Nuts are rich in nutrients however, they should be eaten in moderation due to their fat content. They provide protein, healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals.

The rest of your diet should consist of the combination of vegetables and fruits. Avocado is poisonous to Psittacines. Other toxic foods that are commonly consumed include alcohol, chocolate, coffee and raw potatoes. Similarly, if a parrot consumes too many berries, they could suffer from yeast problems in their digestive tract.

A balanced diet is the best way to keep your African grey parrot healthy and happy. It is crucial to keep track of the bird's weight and to introduce new foods in small amounts. It is recommended to weigh the bird on a daily basis so that any changes can be observed and quickly corrected. Giving the bird water regularly is an excellent idea too. This will help prevent dehydration and bacterial infection. Food that is not consumed in the cage or play area can ruin the food and cause health issues for your bird.

Training

Parrots are extremely intelligent and are able to speak, however it might take days or weeks to repeat words they hear. A parrot that has been trained properly can also perform simple tricks and respond to cues. These activities keep a bird's brain active and stop them from becoming bored. The boredom of birds can trigger unwelcome behaviors such as feather picking and destructive chewing. These problems require professional intervention.

It's crucial to prevent over-bonding because a parrot who becomes too attached to a person may become territorial and aggressive towards other animals. This could be harmful for children as well as the elderly or people who suffer from allergies. To prevent this from happening everyone in the household should spend time every day playing and interacting with the bird in different ways. This will make the bird more comfortable with being loved by the family and decrease the chance that it will develop an overprotective behavior.

When a bird is bonded to a single person it may bite and peck at family members or guests who attempt to pet or handle it. To avoid this it is recommended that each family member be able to alternate petting the bird before placing it in its cage. If a bird is showing aggressive behavior it should be returned to its cage for some time and not handled until it calms down.

Be aware of "pinfeathers" or "blood feathers" during petting sessions. These feathers are a source of blood supply and may bleed when they are brushed against. If a blood or pinfeather feather is found to be exposed, it must be promptly clipped and replaced with a fresh feather.

Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. The bird should be taught to identify food items and toys. This will allow you to teach the bird to speak and will also allow it to communicate with family members, without having to be physically near them.

Health

While the African grey is one of the most intelligent parrots around the world, it can get bored and resort to destructive behavior in the absence of toys or other opportunities to exercise its brain. It also needs a great amount of mental stimulation to prevent self-mutilation feather-picking and loud screams. Parrots aren't cheap pets to own - the initial costs are costly and they need constant new toys that can be destroyed quickly, as well as food. They can also be prone to infections, which can be expensive to treat.

These highly social birds require lots of interaction with their human counterparts, which includes hours of playtime that includes games, puzzles and lessons. They also need hours of exercise and out-of-cage time every day to build strength and stay healthy. The cage should be large enough for them to move around freely and spread their wings. It must be safe, clean and made of non-toxic materials. It should come with a variety of kinds of perches that have different dimensions and heights in order to change them. They also require an roost, typically a tall wooden post or an elevated concrete perch in the corner of the cage.

The parrots must always have clean water available and it should be changed every day. They should be offered a variety of dark leafy greens, vegetables and fruits and should be restricted to no more than about 10% of their diet. You should also provide different seeds and nuts. High-quality formulated pellets or crumble should constitute approximately 75% of the diet.

The majority of parrot health issues are caused by a long-term nutritional imbalance. Small irregularities can manifest as poor growth and development, low quality plumage, or breeding performance. However, more severe changes will manifest as specific disease entities. Many of these can be avoided by regular check-ups from an avian vet and the proper management cost of african grey parrot diet.

Care

Like all birds, african grey parrots sale greys require lots of focus and stimulation to be content. If a parrot is bored, it can display negative behaviors, such as aggression, self-mutilation, or even feather picking. To ensure that your pet is healthy it is vital to have regular veterinary examinations as well as fecal tests and vaccinations.

female african grey parrot greys are monogamous. They form exclusive pair bonds which incubate eggs for up to 30 days, and Caring For An Grey parrot for the young until they fledge at about 10 weeks old. They fly and are among the most intelligent birds. They live for a long time, and often outlive their owners, making them a popular pet worldwide.

They are extremely adaptable and can be adapted to different environments However, they prefer a natural environment with plenty of trees and perches to explore. They can use their feet to balance and perch, with two faces back on each foot, and two facing forward on each foot, just like humans do. Their beaks are short and have a mandible that is curved and can be easily positioned over the lower mandible to assist in breaking open nuts and seeds, and their strong grip could tear through bark and wood.

In the wild, African grays will eat dark leafy greens, fruits, seeds and nuts as part of an optimum diet. Seeds should not constitute more than 5% and be supplemented with high-quality crumbles or pellets to prevent the possibility of picking. Also they should be served with an assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits and cooked beans and lentils. Fresh water should always be available, and cages should be cleaned daily. If the diet is not adequate, supplements like calcium or vitamin D could be required.

The World Parrot Trust works tirelessly to protect Grey and Timneh parrots as well as their habitats, however, their population is declining due to illegal trade and captive breeding. They are, however, protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also receive the highest level protection under CITES. Learn more about these amazing birds in our parrot encyclopedia!