Caring For an African Grey Parrot
African grey parrots, just like toddlers, can get bored easily and require mental stimulation to avoid behavior problems. Without it, they may become destructive or even start screaming.
Highly intelligent, they are the best mimics of all species of parrots. They can comprehend human speech. They are at risk from the trade in pets and habitat loss.
Feeding
The dietary requirements of African greys differ from other large psittacines. While they are omnivorous in the wild, they are more attracted to seeds to fruit and vegetables.
In captivity they are more likely to eat fruits and leafy greens rather than seeds. It is also important to observe the quality and quantity of their food intakes since they are at risk of overweight and calcium deficiencies. Pellets or complete crumbles should constitute 75% of a bird's diet and it is recommended that they be sourced from quality brands like Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm.
Ideal diets should comprise pellets, seeds and freshly prepared meals. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30% fresh foods. Silverbeet, kale and spinach are among the best options. Native plants and spouting grasses like dandelion greens, endive and okra can also be beneficial. Avoid cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage, as they contain high levels of oxalic acids which may hinder calcium absorption in the body.
Nuts are rich in nutrients, but they should be consumed in moderation due to their fat content. They are rich in protein as well as healthy fats, and a few vitamins and minerals.
The rest of your diet should comprise an assortment of vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to stay clear of avocado since it can be toxic to the psittacines. Other food items that are toxic include alcohol, coffee, chocolate and raw potatoes. In the same way, if a parrot consumes too many berries, they may suffer from yeast-related issues in their gastrointestinal tract.
A well-balanced diet is a great option to keep an African grey parrot content and healthy. It is crucial to keep an eye on the bird's weight and provide new food items in small quantities. It is a good idea to weigh the bird every day to ensure that any changes can be observed and quickly be rectified. Offering the bird regularly water is also a good idea. This will prevent the onset of dehydration as well as bacterial infections. It is also essential to remove any food that is not eaten from the cage or play area because it will spoil and can cause health issues for your pet.
Training
Parrots are extremely intelligent and can easily learn to speak, however it might take days or weeks to repeat back words they hear. A well-trained parrot will also respond to signals and perform simple tricks. These activities keep the bird's brain active and prevent them from becoming bored. In the event of boredom, it can lead to undesirable behaviors like feather picking or destructive chewing. These issues require the intervention of a professional.
It is essential to avoid over-bonding as a pet who becomes too attached to a person may become territorial and aggressive toward others. This can be dangerous for children and the elderly, as well as those with allergies. To prevent this from happening, all in the family must spend time each day playing with the bird and playing with it in various ways. african grey birds for sale will make the bird more at ease being loved by the family and reduce the chance that it will develop an overprotective behavior.
If a parrot is in a relationship to a single person, it may bite and scratch at other family members or guests who attempt to pet or handle it. To avoid this the entire family should take turns petting the bird before putting 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 is calmed down.
During petting sessions, be aware of areas that are referred to as "blood feathers" or "pinfeathers." These feathers have a blood supply, and could bleed when they are touched. If a bloody feather pinfeather is exposed and bleeds, it should be removed immediately and replaced with another one.
Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. They should also be taught to teach the bird to identify items, like food or toys. This will allow you to teach the bird to speak, and will also enable it to communicate with family members without being physically close to them.
Health
The African grey parrot is one of most intelligent in the world. However, it can become bored and engage in destructive behaviors if they are not provided with enough toys or opportunities to exercise their mind. It also requires lots of mental stimulation in order to avoid self-mutilation and feather picks as well as excessive screams. Parrots can be expensive pets to own. The initial costs are high and they require constant new toys that are quickly destroyed. They are also susceptible to infections, which could be expensive to treat.
These social birds require lots of interaction with their human counterparts, which includes hours of playtime with games or puzzles, as well as lessons. To stay healthy and strong, they need to exercise for hours a day and being outside of their cage. The cage should be large enough for them to move around freely and spread their wings. It must be safe, clean and made from nontoxic materials. It should include a variety of types of perches with varying heights and textures, so that they can change them. They also need an roost, typically an elevated wooden post or a concrete perch at the corner of the cage.
Parrots must have access to clean water at all times, and it is recommended to replenish it regularly. They should be fed various dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, with treats limited to not more than 10% of the diet. They should be served various nuts and seeds, as well. Around 75% of their diet should consist of high-quality pellets or crumbles.
Most disease problems in parrots are the result of a long-term food inconsistencies. Small irregularities can be manifested as poor growth, bad plumage quality, or poor breeding performance. More severe changes could appear as distinct diseases. A lot of these can be prevented with regular well-checks from an avian vet and appropriate diet management.
Care
African greys require mental stimulation and lots of attention to be happy. If a parrot becomes bored, it can become depressed and may exhibit negative behaviors like aggression, self-mutilation or feather grabbing. It is crucial to conduct routine veterinary exams including fecal screening, vaccinations and feces carried out to ensure your pet is healthy.
African greys form monogamous groups and lay eggs for 21 to 30 days. They care for their young until they are approximately 10 weeks old. They can fly, and are one of the most intelligent species of avian. They live for a long time and are often able to outlive their owners, which makes them a beloved pet in the world.
They are highly adaptive and can adapt to different environments. However, they prefer a natural habitat with plenty of trees and perches. They are able to use their feet that are facing backwards and two facing front on each foot - to aid in to balance and perch, just like humans use their hands. Their beaks are short and have a mandible that is curved and can be easily positioned over the lower mandible to help them crack open seeds and nuts and their strong grip can rip through wood and bark.
In the wild, African greys will eat nuts, fruits, seeds and dark leafy greens as part of their balanced diet. Seeds should not comprise more than 5% of the diet and should be supplemented with high-quality pellets or crumbles to prevent excessive pickiness. Additionally they should be served with a variety fresh fruits, vegetables and cooked lentils and beans. Water that is fresh and clean should always be accessible, and cages should be cleaned every day. Supplements such as vitamin D and calcium could be required if the diet is not nutritionally complete.
The World Parrot Trust is working to protect Grey and Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their numbers are declining due to illegal trade. Luckily, they are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Wild Bird Conservation Act in the United States and receive the highest level of protection under CITES (International Trade in Species Controlled). Find out more about these amazing parrots in our parrot dictionary!