Caring For an African Grey Parrot
Similar to toddlers, African grey parrots can get bored quickly and need lots of mental stimulation to prevent behavior problems. They could become destructive or shout if they don't get enough mental stimulation.
They are highly intelligent and are able to mimic human speech. The pet trade and destruction of habitats are the primary threats to them.
Feeding
The dietary requirements of African greys differ from other large psittacines. They are omnivores, but they prefer seeds over fruit and other vegetables.
In captivity they are more likely to consume fruit and leafy greens than seeds. It is also essential to check the quality and quantity of their food intakes since they are prone to overweight and calcium deficiencies. Pellets or complete crumbles should comprise 75% of a bird's diet and it is recommended that they be procured from top brands like Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm.
Ideally your diet should include a mix of pellets and fresh food. A good ratio would be 60% pellets, 10% seed and 30% fresh foods. Some of the best options are spinach, kale, silverbeet, pakchoi, broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn. Also native plants and spurgeoning grasses such as dandelion leaves endive and sweetcorn are beneficial. But, stay clear of cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower because they are rich in oxalic acid. This can block the absorption of calcium into the body.
Nuts provide a lot of nutrients, but they should be eaten in moderation because of their high fat content. They are high in protein, healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals.
The rest of your diet should comprise the combination of vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to stay clear of avocado because it is toxic to the psittacines. Other food items that are toxic include chocolate, coffee, alcohol and raw potatoes. If a parrot is consuming too many fruits, they could develop yeast-related problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
A balanced diet is the best way to keep your African grey parrot healthy and happy. It is essential to keep an eye on the bird's weight and to introduce new foods in small quantities. It is beneficial to weigh the bird daily so that any changes can be observed and quickly rectified. Giving the bird water regularly is an excellent idea too. This will help to avoid dehydration and bacteria-related infections. Unfinished food in the cage or play area may be spoiled and cause health issues for your bird.
Training
Parrots can easily learn how to speak. However, it may take them days or weeks to repeat back the words they hear. A parrot that has been trained well can also perform simple tricks and respond to signals. These activities keep a bird's brain engaged and keep them from becoming bored. Boredom can cause undesirable behaviors like feather picking or destructive chewing. These problems require professional intervention.
It's crucial to prevent over-bonding because a parrot that is too attached to one can become territorial and aggressive toward others. This can be very risky for people with disabilities, children or those suffering from allergies. To prevent this from happening, all in the family should spend time every day playing with the bird and playing with it in a variety of ways. This will help the bird become more comfortable with being touched by all members of the family and decrease the likelihood that it will develop over protective behavior.
When a parrot is bonded with a single person, it may bite and peck at other family members or guests who attempt to pet or handle it. To prevent this from happening family members should take turns petting the bird or placing it into its cage. If a parrot exhibits aggressive behavior then it should be put back in its cage and not handled for a period of time.
Be aware of "pinfeathers" or "blood feathers" during petting sessions. These feathers are a source of blood supply, and can cause bleeding when they are brushed against. If a blood or pinfeather feather is exposed, it should be promptly clipped and replaced with a new feather.
In addition to a petting session, family members should be taught to say goodbye and hello to the parrot. They should also be taught to teach the bird how to identify items, like food or toys. This will allow the bird to learn to speak, and it will also enable it to communicate with other 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 quickly and resort to destructive behavior when it is not provided with enough toys or other methods to exercise its brain. It also requires lots of mental stimulation to avoid self-mutilation, feather picks, and excessive screaming. Parrots are not inexpensive pets to have - the initial costs are high and they need constant new toys that are destroyed quickly, as well as food. They can also be susceptible to infections that can be expensive to treat.
These highly social birds need lots of interaction with their humans, including hours of playtime that includes games or puzzles, as well as lessons. To stay healthy and strong they must spend hours each day exercising and being outside of their cage. The cage should be big enough for them to move freely and spread their wings. It must be clean, safe and constructed from non-toxic materials. It should have various perches with different sizes and textures so that birds can move between them. They also require a roost, usually an elevated wooden post or a concrete perch in the corner of the cage.
Parrots must have access to clean water at all times and it is recommended to replenish it every day. They should be provided with a variety of dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables and should be restricted to a maximum of 10% of the diet. They should be offered an array of nuts and seeds as well. High-quality, formulated pellets or granules should comprise around 75% of the food.
Most disease problems in parrots are caused by long-term dietary imbalance. Small irregularities can be manifested as poor growth, poor plumage quality or poor breeding performance. More marked changes will be a sign of specific disease-related entities. A lot of these can be prevented by regular checks from an avian vet and appropriate diet management.
Care
African greys require mental stimulation and lots of attention to be happy. If a bird is bored, it could exhibit negative behaviors such as aggression, self-mutilation or feather grabbing. It is crucial to conduct regular veterinary exams as well as fecal screening and vaccinations carried out to ensure your pet is healthy.
African greys are monogamous. They form exclusive pair bonds which incubate eggs for up to 30 days, and caring for an grey parrot for the babies until they are about 10 weeks of age. They can fly and are among the most intelligent birds. They can live for a long time and are often able to outlive their owners, making them a beloved pet in the world.
They are highly adaptable and can easily adjust to a variety of environments, but they prefer a natural habitat with plenty of perches and trees to explore. They can also utilize their feet with two faces facing back and two facing forward on each foot - to aid in perch and balance, just as humans use their hands. Their beaks are short and have an upper mandible that fits over the lower. This makes it easier for them to break open seeds, nuts and wood.
In the wild, African grays will eat dark leaves, greens, seeds and nuts as a part of a balanced diet. Seeds should not constitute more than 5% of the total and be supplemented with high-quality pellets or crumbles to prevent excessive pickiness. Also it is recommended to provide an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables as well as cooked lentils and beans. Fresh water should always be available, and cages must be cleaned daily. If the diet isn't adequate, supplements like vitamin D or calcium may be required.
The World Parrot Trust works tirelessly to protect Grey and Timneh parrots and their habitats, however, their populations are in decline due to illegal trade and captive breeding. Fortunately, 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). Learn more about these incredible parrots in our parrot dictionary!