The 10 Scariest Things About Caring For An Grey Parrot
From Shiapedia
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Like toddlers, African grey parrots can be bored quickly and require plenty of stimulation to prevent behavior problems. They may become destructive or scream if they don't get enough stimulation.
Highly intelligent, they are the most accurate mimics of all parrot species and can recognize human speech. They face threats from the trade in pet animals and habitat loss.
Feeding
The diet requirements of African greys are different from the other psittacine species. While they are omnivorous in the wild, they prefer seeds to fruit and vegetables.
In captivity they are more likely to consume fruit and leafy greens 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 should constitute 75% of a bird's diet, and it is recommended that they be procured from top brands like Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm.
Ideal diets should comprise pellets as well as freshly prepared meals. A good proportion is 60% pellets, 10% seed and 30% fresh foods. Kale, spinach and silverbeet are among the best choices. Also, native plants and sprouting grasses such as dandelion leaves sweetcorn and endive are both beneficial. However, you should avoid cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower as they are rich in oxalic acid, which can hinder the absorption of calcium into the body.
Nuts are rich in nutrients, but they should be eaten in moderation due to their high fat content. They provide protein as well as healthy fats, and a few vitamins and minerals.
The rest of your diet should comprise the combination of fruits and veggies. Avocado is harmful to Psittacines. Other food items that are toxic include chocolate, coffee, alcohol and raw potatoes. If a parrot is consuming too many berries, they may develop yeast problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
A balanced diet is the best way to keep your African grey parrot healthy and content. It is important to monitor the bird's weight and introduce new food in small amounts. The bird's weight is measured every day. This will allow you to quickly detect any changes and correct them. It's also a great idea to give the bird fresh water on a regular basis. This will stop dehydration and bacterial infections. It is also essential to remove any food that is not eaten from the cage or play area as it can spoil and lead to health problems for your pet.
Training
Parrots are extremely intelligent and can easily learn to speak, though it may take days or even weeks to repeat back words they hear. A parrot that has been trained well can also perform simple tricks and respond to signals. These activities keep the bird's mind active and stop them from becoming bored. Boredom can lead to unwelcome behaviours like feather-picking and destructive chewing. These issues require intervention from a professional.
It's important to avoid bonding too strongly because a parrot that is too attached to one can become territorial and agressive toward others. This can be very dangerous for elderly people, children or people with allergies. To avoid this it is recommended that all members of the household should spend time every day playing and interacting with the parrot in various ways. This will make the bird more at ease being loved by the family and decrease the chance that it will develop an overprotective behavior.
A bird that is tied to a single person will usually begin pecking and biting at visitors or family members when they try to pet it or even touch it. To avoid this, family members should each take turns rubbing the bird or placing it in its cage. If a bird is showing aggression, 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 areas that are referred to as "blood feathers" or "pinfeathers." These feathers have a blood supply, and can cause bleeding when brushed against. If a blood or pinfeather feather is exposed, it should be immediately clipped and replaced with a new feather.
Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. They should also be instructed to teach the bird to identify items, like toys or food items. This will make it easier to train the bird to speak, and will also allow it to communicate with family members without being physically near them.
Health
The African grey parrot is one of the smartest animals in the world. However, it can get bored and turn to destructive behaviors if not provided with enough toys or opportunities to exercise their mind. It also needs a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid self-mutilation, feather picking and excessive screaming. Parrots can be expensive pets to own. The initial costs are expensive, and they require constant new toys which are destroyed quickly. They also are susceptible to infections and can be costly to treat.
These highly social birds require lots of interaction with human counterparts, which includes hours of playtime involving games or puzzles, as well as lessons. To stay strong and healthy they should be active for hours every day and being outside of their cage. The cage should be big enough for them to move around freely and spread their wings. It should be constructed from non-toxic, non-toxic substances and clean. It should come with a variety of kinds cost of african grey parrot perches that have different sizes and textures, so that they can switch between them. A roost is also needed, which is usually made of concrete or a wooden perch that is placed at the corner of the cage.
The parrots should have clean water available and this should be refilled daily. They should be offered various dark leafy greens, vegetables and fruits, with treats limited to a maximum of 10% of their diet. They should be served various nuts and seeds as well. High-quality, formulated pellets or granules should comprise around 75% of a diet.
Most disease problems in parrots are the result of a long-term dietary imbalance. Minor problems will manifest as poor growth and development, bad quality plumage, or breeding performance. However, more severe changes will manifest as distinct diseases. Many of these can be prevented by regular checks with buying an african grey parrot avian veterinarian, and correct diet management.
Care
As with all birds, African greys require lots of attention and mental stimulation to be happy. If a parrot becomes bored, it will become depressed and show negative behaviors such as aggression, self-mutilation and feather grabbing. It is important to have regular veterinary exams including fecal screening, vaccinations and feces carried out to ensure your pet stays healthy.
African greys are monogamous and form exclusive pair bonds that incubate eggs for 21 to 30 days. They care for the babies until they are about 10 weeks of age. They can fly and are among the most intelligent species of birds. They have long lives and can often outlive their human owners, making them popular pets around the world.
They are highly adaptive and are able to adapt to different environments. However they prefer a natural habitat with plenty of trees and perches. They can use their feet to balance and perch - with two faces back on each foot, and two facing forward on each foot, just as humans do. Their beaks are short and have an upper mandible with a curvature that can be easily positioned over the lower to assist in breaking open nuts and seeds, and their strong grip could tear through bark and wood.
In the wild, African greys will eat nuts, fruits seeds, dark leafy greens as part of their balanced diet. However, seeds should make less than 5% of the total diet and should be supplemented by high-quality formulated pellets and crumbles that prevent pickinginess. Additionally they should be served with a variety fresh vegetables, fruits, and cooked lentils and beans. Water that is fresh and clean should always be available, and cages should be cleaned every day. If the diet isn't sufficient, supplements such as calcium or vitamin D may be required.
The World Parrot Trust is working to protect Grey and Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their populations are decreasing due to illegal trade. Fortunately, they are protected under 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 fascinating birds in our parrot Encyclopedia!
