Caring For an African Grey Parrot
Similar to toddlers, African grey parrots can become bored quickly and require plenty of stimulation to prevent behavior problems. They may become destructive or cry if they don't receive enough mental stimulation.
They are extremely intelligent and can mimic human speech. The trade in pets and destruction of habitats are the primary threats to them.
Feeding
The diet requirements of African greys differ from those of other large psittacines. They are omnivores but prefer seeds over fruit and vegetables.
In captivity, they are more likely than not to eat seeds and fruit. It is also essential to check the quality and quantity of their food intakes since they are susceptible to excess weight and calcium deficiency. Pellets or complete crumbles should comprise 75% of a bird's diet and it is recommended that they are purchased from reputable brands such as Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm.
Ideal diets should include pellets as well as freshly prepared foods. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30 percent fresh food. The best choices are spinach, kale, silverbeet, pakchoi, broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn. Sprouting grasses and native plants like dandelion greens, okra and okra can also be beneficial. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower, since they are high in levels of oxalic acid, which may hinder calcium absorption by the body.
Nuts are rich in nutrients however they should be eaten in moderation because of their high fat content. They are rich in protein, healthy fats and some vitamins and minerals.
The rest of your diet should consist of a mix of fruits and vegetables. It's best to avoid avocado because it is toxic to Psittacines. Other foods that are toxic include chocolate, coffee, alcohol and raw potatoes. Similarly, 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 happy and healthy. It is essential to monitor the bird's weight and introduce new foods in small amounts. Weighing the bird every day will allow you to identify any changes and rectify them. It is also a good idea to provide the bird with fresh water on a regular basis. This will help to avoid dehydration and bacterial infections. It is also essential to take away any food items that are not consumed from the cage or play area as it will spoil and can lead to health problems for your pet.
Training
Parrots are able to quickly learn to speak. However, it could take them a few days or weeks to repeat back the words they hear. A parrot that is well-trained can respond to cues and perform simple tricks. These activities keep the bird's brain active and prevent them from becoming bored. The boredom of birds can trigger unwelcome behaviors such as feather picking and destructive chewing. These issues require intervention from a professional.
It is important to stop bonding in the bud as if a bird becomes completely attached to one person in a family it could become territorial and threatening to others. This could be harmful for children, the elderly or those with allergies. To prevent this from happening it is recommended that all members of the household should spend time each day playing and interacting with the parrot in various ways. This will make the bird more comfortable being touched by members of the family and lessen the likelihood that it will develop an overprotective behaviour.
A parrot that is bonded to one person will typically start biting and pecking other family members or visitors when they try to pet it or even touch it. To prevent this from happening, each family member should be able to alternate petting the bird and putting it in its cage. If a bird is showing aggressive behavior, it should be returned to its cage for a short time and not handled until it is calmed down.
During petting sessions be aware of the areas that are referred to as "blood feathers" or "pinfeathers." These feathers are a source of blood supply, and can cause bleeding if they are brushed against. If a bloody feather or pinfeather is exposed to the elements, it should be clipped immediately and replaced with an entirely new one.
Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. They should also be instructed to teach the bird how to label items, such as toys or food items. This will allow the bird to learn to speak and will allow it to communicate with family members without having to be physically present.
Health
While the African grey is among the most intelligent parrots around the world, it can get bored and resort to destructive behavior when it is not provided with enough toys or other methods to exercise its brain. It also requires a lot of mental stimulation in order to avoid self-mutilation, feather picks and excessive screaming. Parrots aren't cheap to acquire as the initial costs are expensive and they require constant new toys that are destroyed quickly, plus food. They are also susceptible to infections, which could be expensive to treat.
These birds are extremely social and require a lot of interaction with humans, such as hours spent playing games, solving puzzles and learning lessons. They also require hours of exercise and time out of cage every day to build strength and remain healthy. The cage should be large enough for them to move freely and spread their wings. It must be clean, safe and made from nontoxic materials. It should be equipped with various perches with different heights and textures so that the birds can move between them. They also require an roost, typically a tall wooden post or an elevated concrete perch in the corner of the cage.
Parrots should have access to fresh water at all times, and it is recommended to replenish it daily. They should be fed a variety of dark leafy greens and vegetables, with treats being limited to 10 percent of their diet. They should be provided with a wide range of nuts and seeds, as well. High-quality formulated pellets or crumble should comprise around 75% of a diet.
The majority of parrot-related diseases are the result of a long-term dietary imbalance. Small irregularities can manifest as slow growth and development, low quality plumage or breeding performance, while more marked changes will manifest as specific diseases. Many of these are preventable by regular checks with an avian veterinarian and proper diet management.
Care
As with all birds, African greys require lots of attention and mental stimulation to be content. If a bird is bored, it will become depressed and show negative behaviors, such as aggression, self-mutilation or feather grabbing. To keep your pet healthy it is vital to get routine veterinary examinations, fecal testing and vaccinations.
African greys form monogamous pairs and incubate eggs for between 21 and 30 days. They tend to their young until they are around 10 weeks old. They are able to fly, and are considered to be one of the most intelligent species of avian. congo african grey parrot Charming African Grey Parrot For Sale can live for a long time and are often able to outlive their owners, making them a sought-after pet across the globe.
They are extremely adaptive and can adapt to many different environments. However, they prefer a natural habitat with lots of trees and perches. They can use their feet to balance and perch - with two facing back on each foot, and two facing forward on each foot, just like humans do. Their beaks are short and have a curved upper mandible that can be easily positioned over the lower mandible to help them crack open seeds and nuts and their powerful grip can rip through wood and bark.
In the wild, African greys will eat fruits, nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens as part of their balanced diet. Seeds should not constitute more than 5% of the total and be supplemented with high-quality crumbles or pellets to avoid pickiness. They should also be served with various fresh vegetables, fruits as well as cooked legumes and beans. Fresh water should always be available, and cages should be cleaned every day. Supplements such as vitamin D and calcium could be necessary if your diet isn't nutritionally complete.
The World Parrot Trust works tirelessly to safeguard Grey and Timneh parrots and their habitats, but their population is declining due to illegal trade and captive breeding. Fortunately, they are protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also enjoy the highest level protection under CITES. Learn more about these amazing birds in our parrot dictionary!