Buying an African Grey Parrot is a big investment. The bird can live for up to 50 years. You'll need to be prepared for an extended commitment.
It's best to purchase a baby African Grey from a reputable pet store or breeder. You'll be able to tell that the parrot is fully weaned.
Cage
A well-designed cage is one of the most important purchase you make for your African Grey Parrot. They are a social animal and require plenty of space to be comfortable. They require a space in which they can exercise and play. It is important to have a large cage that is easy to clean. It should be constructed of a durable material such as stainless steel wire coated with powder. It should be designed so that the bird cannot escape, and should have a secure latch and hinges.
The cage must also be large enough to hold many perches. Parrots love to get outside their cages but they should be able to return to their homes. The cage should also have enough space between the bars to avoid your parrot from getting stuck. A cage that opens and includes a play stand on top is a great option because it can be moved from room to room.
Many people feed their African Grey Parrots a standard commercial mix of seeds. It is usually high in fat and lacking in the essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey parrots have access to a variety of seeds and fruits, and they are adapted to a diverse diet. If you give your African Grey parrot a seed mix that is too apex it will get sick and possibly die early.
A healthy african grey parrot needs a proper diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. They should also be seen by a vet frequently for checks and vaccinations. They are cheaper to own than a cat or dog. Moreover, if you get exotic pet insurance for your bird you can drastically cut down on the cost of veterinary care.
Food
African grey parrots live for up to 80 years in captivity, therefore it is important to select the right diet for your pet. A quality bird food will help improve the health of your African grey as well as the other animals you may have in your home. Pet stores and online retailers offer many different parrot foods. You can also feed your African grey an assortment of fruits, vegetables and grains. But, you should stay clear of foods rich in salt and sugar.
In the wild, African grey parrots often roost together at night in a swarm of thousands before dispersing into smaller groups during the day to hunt and gather. They are social birds who manage complex relationships within their flocks. Many domesticated African grays are not able to have the same social interaction that they have in the wild, and this can result in stress. This stress can lead them to self-harming behaviors such as taking out their feathers.
Parrots require a broad range of nutrients to remain healthy and active. Ideally, they should be given a mix of grains, seeds and nuts, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Safflower seeds, sunflowers seeds and linseeds are excellent sources of vitamins and protein. They lack micronutrients, and shouldn't make up a significant portion of the African grey's diet.
Vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene should be the staple of any captive African grey's diet. Greens like kale, mustard and other greens provide calcium and vitamin D. Apricots, figs, and endive are also rich in calcium. Hazelnuts and filberts are an excellent source of calcium but be sure to give them in moderation as they contain oxalic acids, which hinders the absorption of certain of the other minerals your pet needs.
Toys
Like any other pet, African grey parrots need lots of toys to keep them mentally engaged and entertained. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviors like feather-picking and biting. They also provide an opportunity to exercise outside their cage. Parrots who aren't getting enough stimulation for their minds may be depressed, anxious and even withdrawn. They might even begin to lose weight.
Toys used by an african grey parrot should be safe, durable and made of non-toxic materials. The toys must be appropriate for the bird's age as well as level of activity. There are a range of toys available for African greys, ranging from foot toys to puzzles for foraging. Some of these toys are expensive but most large chewing and shredding toys targeted to parrots are affordable. Remember that these toys need to be regularly replaced and there is a cost that will continue to increase.
If you see an animal being sold at a price that is unusually high or low it could be a sign of fraud. The low prices could be a sign of the existence of a breeding facility or birds that were illegally acquired or sold, while the high price could be a result of genetic claims or an identity that is fake. If you do encounter this kind of situation, you should ask for DNA test results before making an purchase.
If you're trying to reduce the initial costs of an african grey parrot, think about adopting one that needs an appropriate home. They are usually abandoned by their previous owners due to a lack of time or funds. They can be found in parrot rescue centers and adoption agencies. They might be less expensive than purchasing from a breeder, however they will still require a substantial investment in terms of time, money and energy.
Health care
The African grey parrot is able to create strong bonds with humans. It is a highly intelligent bird. They have a natural ability to understand and learn human speech. This is what makes them so popular in the pet sector. These birds have been domesticated since many thousands of years. They make fantastic pets if properly taken care of. They are extremely demanding and can be stressful for their owners if they don't receive enough love and care. Our Greeley veterinarians explain that these bird need a lot of mental stimulation and environment enrichment to avoid health and behavioral issues.
To keep them occupied they require an array of toys inside and outside of the cage. Toys that require them utilize their beaks such as chewable leather toys, as well as cardboard and newspaper to rip apart or foraging toys are very popular. They require a variety of perches, with preferably various widths and heights. Always have water available. It is best to use shallow saucers to decrease the chance of contracting bacterial infections.
The African grey parrot, just like every other pet, requires regular veterinary exams to ensure their health. This includes a complete physical examination, nail trimming (if necessary) and laboratory tests. These annual checks help to prevent illness and also detect potential health, nutrition, and behavioral problems.
It is essential to find a doctor who is specialized in avian species since they have special requirements. In addition to regular visits to the vet the pet's owner should have an Avian first aid kit on hand to treat common ailments. To prevent fungus and bacteria diseases, it is crucial to keep the environment clean. The cage should be cleaned regularly by removing all bedding and food debris. The perches should be cleaned when needed.
Training
African greys are known as intelligent and quick learners. They can live up to 50 years, and are considered to be the most happy bird in the room. They can learn to label items like toys, food and pieces of wood, and some even communicate using basic words and phrases. If you want your african grey to talk, it's best to start when he's a toddler and train him to use the word "yes" and "no" when asked. This will help him to understand you and prevent repetitive, negative words such as "shut up" and "no more".
Training sessions are brief but efficient. They can be as simple as two five-minute sessions per day. During these sessions the bird should receive praise and rewards for progress. Also, he should be allowed some time in the cage to relax and unwind. Introduce him to his family and guests to help him get used to hearing different voices. You should also teach your child to adjust to loud noises and not be scared.
Think about how much time you can dedicate to an african gray before buying one. They require lots of attention, regular meals and cleaning of their cage. They may also require a bird sitter take care of them while you are away. This is crucial to reduce stress and unnecessary costs. Many people purchase a parrot, only to discover that it's not the right pet for their family. They end up having it relocated. This can be very stressful for the bird and can cause health problems.
