The 10 Scariest Things About Caring For An Grey Parrot
From Shiapedia
caring for an grey parrot (Ydalenka.ru) For an African Grey Parrot
African grey parrots, like toddlers, can get bored easily and require mental stimulation to avoid behavior problems. They may be destructive or cry if they don't receive enough stimulation.
They are highly intelligent and are able to mimic human speech. The trade in pets and habitat destruction are the main threats to them.
Feeding
The diet requirements of blue african grey parrot greys are different from other large psittacine species. They are omnivorous, but they prefer seeds over fruit and vegetables.
In captivity they are more likely to eat fruit and leafy greens than seeds. They are also susceptible to calcium deficiencies and obesity therefore it is crucial for owners to monitor the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles are suggested to comprise 75% of a bird's daily diet.
Ideal diets should include a mixture of pellets and freshly prepared foods. A good proportion is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30% fresh foods. Kale, spinach and silverbeet are among the top choices. The spouting grasses and native plants such as dandelion-like greens, endive and okra are also beneficial. However, avoid cruciferous veggies like cabbage and cauliflower as they are rich in oxalic acid. This can block the absorption of calcium in the body.
Nuts provide a lot cost of african grey parrot nutrients however they should be consumed in moderation because of their high fat content. They are rich in protein as well as healthy fats, and a few minerals and vitamins.
The rest of your diet should be made up of a mix of fruits and vegetables. It is best to stay clear of avocado because it is toxic to Psittacines. Other foods that are toxic include chocolate, coffee, alcohol and raw potatoes. In the same way, if a parrot consumes too many berries, they may suffer from yeast problems in their gastrointestinal tract.
A balanced diet is a great option to keep an African grey parrot content and healthy. It is essential to keep an eye on the bird's weight and to introduce new foods in small amounts. The bird's weight is measured every day. This will allow you to identify any changes and rectify them. Offering the bird regularly water is an excellent idea too. This will stop dehydration and bacterial infection. It is also important to remove any food that is not eaten from the cage or play area since it will spoil and can cause health issues for your parrot.
Training
Parrots are highly intelligent and are able to speak, although they may require days or weeks to repeat words they hear. A parrot that has been trained properly can also perform simple tricks and respond to cues. These activities keep the bird's brain active and stop them from getting bored. The boredom of birds can trigger unwelcome behaviors such as feather picking and destructive chewing. These problems require the intervention of a professional.
It is essential to avoid over-bonding because a parrot that becomes too attached to a person may become territorial and aggressive towards others. This can be dangerous for children, the elderly or those who suffer from allergies. To avoid this, all members of 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 touched by all members of family members and reduce the possibility that it could develop an overprotective behavior.
A bird that is tied to one person will typically begin pecking and biting at visitors or family members when they attempt to pet it or even touch it. To avoid this, family members should each take turns petting the bird or putting it into its cage. If a bird exhibits aggressive behavior then it should be put back in its cage and not handled for a while.
During pet-loving sessions, be aware of areas that are thought to be "blood feathers" or "pinfeathers." These feathers are a source of blood supply, and could bleeding when touched. If a blood or pinfeather feather is found to be exposed, it must be immediately clipped and replaced with a new feather.
In addition to a petting session, family members should be taught how to say goodbye and hello to the parrot. They should also be instructed to teach the bird to label items, such as food or toys. This will help the bird to learn to speak, and it will also enable it to communicate with family members without needing to be physically present.
Health
While the African grey is among the most intelligent parrots in the world, it is bored and resort to destructive behavior in the absence of toys or other methods to exercise its brain. It also requires a lot of mental stimulation in order to avoid self-mutilation and feather picks as well as excessive screams. Parrots are not inexpensive pets to acquire - the initial costs are expensive and they require a constant supply of toys that will be destroyed quickly, and food. They are also prone to infections, and are costly to treat.
These highly social birds require lots of interaction with their humans, including hours of playtime involving games or puzzles, as well as lessons. They also require hours of exercise and time out of cage each day to build strength and stay healthy. Their cage should be big enough to allow them to spread their wings and move freely from perch to perch. It should be constructed of nontoxic, non-toxic materials and clean. It should include several perches with different heights and textures so that birds 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.
The parrots should always have fresh water available and this should be refilled daily. They should be fed a variety dark leafy greens and vegetables and treats should be limited to 10 percent of their diet. It is also recommended to offer different nuts and seeds. The best quality formulated pellets or crumble should make up around 75% of a diet.
The majority of parrot disease issues are caused by a long-term nutritional imbalance. Small irregularities can be manifested as poor growth, bad plumage quality or poor breeding performance. More severe changes could be a sign of specific disease-related entities. Many of these can be prevented by regular checks from an avian vet and proper diet management.
Care
Like any other bird, congo african grey parrot greys require lots of attention and mental stimulation in order to be content. If a parrot becomes bored, it can become depressed and exhibit negative behaviors like aggression, self-mutilation and feather picking. 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 form monogamous pairs and incubate eggs for between 21 and 30 days. They care for their children until they reach around 10 weeks old. They fly and are among the most intelligent species of birds. They can live a long time and often outlive their owners, making them a popular pet worldwide.
They are extremely adaptable and can be adapted to different environments, but they prefer a natural environment with lots of perches and trees to explore. They can also use 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, which are short, are curved and have an upper mandible which fits over the lower. This allows them to break open seeds, nuts 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 comprise more than 5% of the total and be supplemented by high-quality crumbles or pellets to prevent excessive pickiness. Additionally it is recommended to provide various fresh fruits, vegetables and cooked beans and lentils. Water that is fresh and clean should always be available and cage maintenance is required daily. Supplements such as vitamin D and calcium could be necessary if the diet isn't nutritionally complete.
The World Parrot Trust is working to protect Grey and Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their numbers are decreasing due to illegal trade. Fortunately, they are protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also enjoy the highest protection under CITES. Learn more about these fascinating birds in our parrot encyclopedia!
