Caring For an African Grey Parrot
Similar to toddlers, African grey parrots can be bored quickly and require plenty of stimulation to avoid problems with their behavior. Without it, they may become destructive or start screaming.
Highly intelligent, they are arguably the most accurate 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 those of other large psittacines. They are omnivorous, but prefer seeds over fruit and vegetables.
In captivity, they are more likely to eat fruit and leafy vegetables than seeds. They also are prone to calcium deficiencies and obesity therefore it is crucial for owners to keep an eye on the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles are recommended to make up 75% of a parrot's daily diet.
Ideally the diet should comprise a mix of pellets and fresh food. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30% fresh foods. Silverbeet, kale and spinach are among the top options. Native plants and spouting grasses like dandelion greens, endive and okra can also be beneficial. Avoid cruciferous veggies like cauliflower and cabbage, as they contain high levels of oxalic acid, which hinder calcium absorption in the body.
Nuts are a nutrient-dense addition to a diet, but should be fed sparingly because of their fat content. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.
The rest of the diet should consist of a mix of fruits and vegetables. Avocado is toxic to the psittacines. Other foods that are toxic include alcohol, coffee, chocolate and raw potatoes. If a parrot is consuming excessive amounts of fruits, they may develop yeast issues in the gastrointestinal tract.
A balanced diet is a great option to keep an African grey parrot content and healthy. It is important to monitor the bird's weight, and introduce new food in small amounts. It is a good idea to weigh the bird every day so that any changes could be observed and quickly rectified. Giving the bird water regularly is also a good idea. This will prevent dehydration and bacterial infection. Food that is not eaten in the cage or play area may ruin the food and cause health issues for your bird.
Training
Parrots are very intelligent creatures and are able to easily learn to speak, however it may take days or even weeks to repeat the words they hear. A parrot that is well-trained can respond to cues and do simple tricks. These activities keep a bird's mind stimulated and prevent them from becoming bored. The effects of boredom can be detrimental to behavior like feather picking or destructive chewing. These problems require the intervention of a professional.
It's important to avoid bonding too strongly because a parrot who becomes too attached to one may become territorial and aggressive toward others. This can be dangerous for children, the elderly or those with allergies. To avoid this everyone in the household should spend time each day playing with and engaging with the bird in different ways. This will help the bird become more comfortable with being loved by all members of the family and decrease the possibility that it could develop a protective behavior.
A bird that is tied to one person is likely to start biting and pecking at visitors or family members when they attempt to pet or touch it. To prevent this from happening, family members should each take turns in petting the bird or putting it into its cage. If a parrot exhibits aggression, it should be returned to its cage for a short time and not handled until it calms down.
Be aware of "pinfeathers" or "blood feathers" during pet-loving sessions. These feathers are a source of blood supply and may bleed when they are they are brushed against. If a blood feather or pinfeather becomes exposed and bleeds, it should be removed immediately and replaced with a new one.
Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. The bird should be taught how to identify food items or toys. This will allow the bird to learn to speak and will also allow it to communicate with family members without needing to be physically present.
Health
The African grey parrot is one of the most intelligent animals in the world. However, it is prone to get bored and turn 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 are expensive pets to have. The initial costs are high and they require constant new toys that get destroyed quickly. Gizmo newborn african grey parrot can also be susceptible to infections, which could be expensive to treat.
These social birds require lots of interaction with humans, such as hours spent playing games, solving puzzles, and learning lessons. To remain strong and healthy they should be active for hours every day and out of their cage. The cage should be large enough for them to move freely and spread their wings. It should be made of non-toxic, non-toxic materials and clean. It should have many different kinds of perches, with different sizes and textures, so that they can switch between them. They also need an roost, typically a tall wooden post or an elevated concrete perch in the corner of the cage.
Parrots need access to clean water at all times and it must be replenished every day. They should be offered various dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, with treats limited to a maximum of 10% of the diet. It is also recommended to offer a variety of seeds and nuts. The best quality formulated pellets or crumble should constitute approximately 75% of a diet.
The majority of parrot-related issues are caused by a long-term nutritional imbalance. Small irregularities can manifest as poor growth and development, poor quality plumage or breeding performance, while more severe changes can manifest as specific disease entities. Many of these issues can be avoided with regular well-checks by an avian veterinarian and appropriate diet management.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
African greys require mental stimulation and lots of attention to be happy. If a parrot becomes bored, it may exhibit negative behaviors such as aggression, self-mutilation or even feather picking. To ensure your pet's health, it is important to have regular veterinary examinations, fecal testing and vaccinations.
African greys are monogamous. They form dedicated pair bonds, incubating eggs for 21 to 30 days. They care for the young until they are about 10 weeks of age. They can fly, and are one of the most intelligent avian species. They can live a long time and often outlive their owners, which makes them a sought-after pet across the globe.
They are highly adaptable and can be adapted to different environments, but they prefer a natural habitat with lots of perches and trees to explore. They can also utilize their feet with two faces facing back and two facing front on each foot - to aid in perch and balance, just like humans use their hands. Their short beaks are curved and have an upper mandible that fits over the lower. This allows them to crack open nuts, seeds and wood.
In the wild, African grays will eat dark leaves, greens, seeds and nuts as a part of an optimum diet. However, seeds should only make only 5percent of the diet total and should be supplemented with high-quality, formulated pellets or crumbles that prevent the emergence of pickiness. They should also be offered an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and cooked legumes and beans. Water that is fresh and clean should always be available, and cage cleaning is required daily. If the diet is not sufficient, supplements such as calcium or vitamin D may be required.
The World Parrot Trust is working hard to protect Grey and Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their populations are declining due to illegal trade. Fortunately, they are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Wild Bird Conservation Act in the United States and receive the most protection under CITES (International Trade in Species Controlled). Learn more about these amazing birds in our parrot dictionary!