The 10 Scariest Things About Caring For An Grey Parrot
From Shiapedia
caring for An grey Parrot For an African grey african parrot Parrot
Similar to toddlers, African grey parrots can be bored quickly and require lots of mental stimulation to prevent behavior problems. They could be destructive or even scream if they don't get enough stimulation.
Highly intelligent, they are arguably the best mimics of all parrot species and can understand human speech. They face threats from the trade in pet animals and habitat loss.
Feeding
The diet requirements of African greys are a little different from the other large psittacine species. Although they are omnivores in the wild, they are more attracted to seeds to fruit and vegetables.
In captivity they are more likely to consume fruits and leafy greens rather than seeds. They are also prone to calcium deficiencies and obesity which is why it is essential for owners to keep an eye on the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles are recommended to make up 75% of a bird's daily diet.
Ideal diets should consist of a mixture of pellets and freshly prepared food items. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30 percent fresh food. Silverbeet, kale and spinach are among the best choices. Also, native plants and sprouting grasses such as dandelion leaf, sweetcorn and endive are both beneficial. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower, as they contain high levels of oxalic acids, 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 are a source of protein as well as healthy fats, and a few minerals and vitamins.
The rest of the diet should consist of a mixture of vegetables and fruits. It is best to stay clear of avocado because it is toxic to psittacines. Other toxic foods that are commonly consumed include alcohol, chocolate, coffee and raw potatoes. In the same way, if a parrot consumes too many berries, they can be suffering from yeast issues in their gastrointestinal tract.
A balanced diet is the best way to keep your African grey parrot healthy and happy. 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 daily so that any changes could be easily observed and be rectified. It's also a good idea to offer the bird fresh water on a regular basis. This will help prevent dehydration and bacterial infections. Food that is not eaten in the cage or play area could ruin the food and cause health issues for your bird.
Training
parrots african grey for sale are extremely intelligent and are able to speak, though it may take days or even weeks to repeat words they hear. A parrot that has been trained well can also perform simple tricks and respond to cues. These activities keep the bird's mind stimulated and prevent them from becoming bored. Boredom can cause undesirable behaviors like feather picking or destructive chewing. These issues require the intervention of a professional.
It is essential to avoid over-bonding, as a parrot that becomes too attached to a person can become territorial and agressive towards others. This can be very dangerous caring for an grey parrot children, elderly people or those suffering from allergies. To prevent this from happening, all in the household must spend time each day playing with the bird and playing with it in different ways. This will allow the bird to become more comfortable with being loved by all members of a family and reduce the likelihood that it will develop an overprotective behavior.
If a parrot is in a relationship to a single person it may bite and peck at other family members or guests who try to pet or handle 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 displays aggressive behavior and is threatening to harm another bird, it should be placed back in its cage and not handled for a period of time.
Be aware of "pinfeathers" or "blood feathers" during pet-loving sessions. These feathers contain a blood supply and may bleed when they are brushed against. If a blood feather or pinfeather is exposed to the elements, it should be clipped immediately and replaced with a new one.
In addition to petting, family members should be taught how to say hello and goodbye to the parrot. The bird should also be taught to identify food items or toys. This will help teach the bird to speak, and will also enable it to communicate with family members, without having to be physically near them.
Health
The African grey parrot is considered to be one of the smartest animals in the world. However, it could get bored and turn to destructive behaviors if they are not provided with enough toys or ways to exercise their mind. It also requires a large amount of mental stimulation to avoid self mutilation, feather picking and excessive screaming. Parrots are expensive pets to own. The initial costs are expensive, and they require 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, including hours spent playing games, solving puzzles and learning lessons. To remain strong and healthy, they need to spend hours each day exercising and escaping their cage. The cage should be big enough for them to move around freely and spread their wings. It should be constructed of non-toxic, non-toxic substances and clean. It should be equipped with various perches with different sizes and textures to allow birds to switch between them. They also require the roost, which is usually a wooden post that is tall or an elevated concrete perch in the corner of the cage.
Parrots should have access to clean water at all times and it should be replaced regularly. They should be fed various dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, with treats limited to no more than about 10% of their diet. They should be served a wide range of nuts and seeds, as well. High-quality, formulated pellets or granules should constitute about 75% of the diet.
The majority of the problems with parrots are the result of a long-term diet imbalances. Minor issues can result in poor growth, bad plumage quality, or poor breeding performance. More marked changes will be a sign of specific disease entities. Many of these can be avoided by regular check-ups from an avian vet, and appropriate diet management.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
African greys need mental stimulation and plenty of attention in order to be content. If a bird is bored, it could exhibit negative behaviors such as aggression, self-mutilation or feather picking. To ensure your pet's health it is vital to get routine veterinary examinations including fecal testing, vaccinations and feces.
African greys are monogamous and form dedicated pair bonds, incubating eggs for 21 to 30 days. They care for the young until they fledge at about 10 weeks of age. They can fly and are among the most intelligent species of birds. They have long lifespans and often outlive their human owners, which makes them popular pets worldwide.
They are highly adaptive and can adapt to different environments. However they prefer a natural environment with plenty of trees and perches. They can also utilize their feet - two 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 can be placed over the lower. This makes it easier for them to crack open nuts, seeds and wood.
In the wild, African greys will eat fruits, nuts seeds, dark leafy greens as a 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 prevent pickiness. They should also be served with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables as well as cooked legumes and beans. Water that is fresh and clean should always be available and cage cleaning is essential every day. Supplements like vitamin D and calcium could be necessary if the diet is not nutritionally balanced.
The World Parrot Trust works tirelessly to protect Grey and Timneh parrots and their habitats, but their populations are in decline 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 receive the highest level protection under CITES. Learn more about these amazing birds in our parrot encyclopedia!
