Caring For an African Grey Parrot
African grey parrots, just like toddlers, are prone to becoming bored quickly and require mental stimulation to avoid behavioral issues. They can be destructive or even cry if they don't receive enough mental stimulation.
They are extremely intelligent and are able to mimic human speech. The trade in pets 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 omnivores however, they prefer seeds over fruits and vegetables.
In captivity they are more likely to consume fruits and leafy greens rather than seeds. They also are prone to calcium deficiencies and obesity which is why it is essential for owners to monitor the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles should constitute 75% of a parrot's diet and it is recommended that they be procured from top brands like Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm.
Ideally, the diet should contain a mixture of pellets and fresh food. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30% fresh food. Some of the best choices are spinach, kale silverbeet, pakchoi, sweetcorn, carrots, and broccoli. Sprouting grasses and native plants like dandelion greens, okra and okra are also beneficial. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower since they are high in levels of oxalic acid, which hinder calcium absorption by the body.
Nuts are rich in nutrients however they should be consumed in moderation due to their fat content. They provide protein, healthy fats, as well as minerals and vitamins.
The rest of the diet should be made up of a mix of fruits and vegetables. It's best to avoid avocado because it is toxic to the psittacines. Other foods that are toxic include alcohol, chocolate, coffee and raw potatoes. If a parrot consumes excessive amounts of berries, they may develop yeast-related problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
A balanced diet is the best way to keep your African grey parrot healthy and content. It is essential to keep an eye on 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. It is also a good idea to give the bird fresh water regularly. This will prevent dehydration and bacterial infections. Unfinished food in the cage or in the play area could ruin the food and cause health issues for your bird.
Training
Parrots are very intelligent creatures and are able to easily learn to speak, though it may require days or weeks to repeat words they hear. A parrot that is trained well can also perform simple tricks and respond to cues. These activities keep a bird's brain stimulated and prevent them from becoming bored. In the event of boredom, it can lead to undesirable behaviors such as feather picking and destructive chewing. These problems require professional intervention.
It's important to avoid bonding too strongly because a parrot that is too attached to one may become territorial and aggressive toward others. This could be dangerous for children, the elderly or those who suffer from allergies. To avoid this everyone in the household should spend time every day playing and interacting with the parrot in different ways. This will help the bird become more comfortable when touched by everyone in the family and decrease the possibility that it could develop a protective behavior.
A bird that is tied to one person will typically begin pecking and biting at visitors or family members when they attempt to pet it or even touch it. To avoid this it is recommended that each family member take turns petting the bird and putting it in its cage. If a bird exhibits aggression, it should be put back in its cage and not handled for a few minutes.
During the petting sessions Be aware of areas that are referred to as "blood feathers" or "pinfeathers." These feathers contain a blood supply and may bleed when they are brushed against. If a blood feather is exposed, it should be promptly clipped and replaced with a fresh feather.
In addition to petting, family members should be taught how to say goodbye and hello to the parrot. They should also be taught to teach the bird how to identify objects, such as food or toys. This will make it easier to train the bird to speak, and will also allow it to communicate with family members without being physically near them.
Health
The African grey parrot is considered to be one of most intelligent in the world. However, it is prone to get bored and resort to destructive behavior if it is not provided with enough toys or ways to exercise their mind. It also needs a great amount of mental stimulation in order to avoid self mutilation, feather picking and excessive screaming. Parrots can be costly pets to own. The initial costs are high and they need constant new toys that are quickly destroyed. They can also be susceptible to infections that can be costly to treat.
These social birds require a lot of interaction humans, which includes hours of playing games, solving puzzles, and learning lessons. To stay strong and healthy, they need to spend hours each day exercising and escaping their cage. Their cage should be big enough to allow them to spread their wings and move from perch to perch. It should be clean, safe and made from nontoxic materials. It should include a variety of perches, with different sizes and textures to allow birds to change between them. A roost is also needed, which is usually made of concrete or a wooden perch that is placed at the corner of the cage.
The parrots should have clean water and it should be changed every day. They should be offered an assortment of dark leafy greens, vegetables and fruits and treats should be limited to not more than 10% of their diet. They should be served an array of nuts and seeds as well. High-quality, formulated pellets or granules should comprise about 75% of a diet.
The majority of parrot-related diseases are caused by long-term diet imbalances. Small irregularities can be manifested as poor growth, poor plumage quality or poor breeding performance. More significant changes may appear as distinct disease-related entities. Many of these are preventable by regular checks with an avian veterinarian, and correct diet management.
Care
As with all birds, African greys require lots of attention and mental stimulation in order to be happy. If a parrot is bored, it may display negative behaviors like aggression, self-mutilation or feather picking. To keep your pet healthy it is essential to get routine veterinary examinations, fecal testing and vaccinations.
African greys are monogamous and form a dedicated pair bond that incubate eggs for 21 to 30 days and caring for the young until they fledge at about 10 weeks of age. They can fly and are among the most intelligent birds. They have long lifespans and often outlive their human owners, making them popular pets around the world.
They are highly adaptable and can be adapted to a variety of environments however, they prefer a natural setting with plenty of trees and perches to explore. They can even utilize their feet with two faces facing back 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 an upper mandible that can be placed over the lower. This allows them to break open seeds, nuts and wood.
In the wild, African grays will eat dark leafy greens, fruits nuts and seeds as part of healthy diet. However, seeds should only make up no more than five percent of the total diet. They should be supplemented by high-quality formulated pellets and crumbles that reduce pickiness. They should also be served with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and cooked beans and charmingafricangreyparrotforsale legumes. Fresh water must always be accessible, and cages should be cleaned daily. If the diet isn't adequate, supplements like calcium or vitamin D may be required.
The World Parrot Trust works tirelessly to safeguard Grey and Timneh parrots and their habitats, however, their population is declining due to illegal trade and captive breeding. They are, however, protected under the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also enjoy the highest level of protection under CITES. Learn more about these incredible parrots in our parrot dictionary!