Should You Buy a Grey Parrot?
African grey parrots are intelligent birds capable of forming an enduring bond with their human companion. However they aren't suitable for pet owners with no experience as they require a lot of exercise and attention to avoid behavioral or health issues.
In the wild African Greys are in social groups and cooperate with one another to manage complicated daily tasks. If left alone or unsupervised they can be destructive and even feather pluck.
Health
African grey parrots have been reported to live for up to 80 years in captivity and are among the world's smartest creatures. They are very social birds and can speak a variety of different phrases and words. However, they can also be quite loud birds and require lots of mental stimulation. This is why it's important to consider whether you're able to manage the level of noise from these birds, before you purchase one.
If you do choose to purchase an African grey, then make sure your lifestyle can accommodate their demands. If you work long hours and spend long periods away from home, you must be aware of whether an African gray is right for you. They're not likely to be happy in a quiet environment and may become bored.
Take a look at whether you and your family members are capable of coping with the level of noise from an African gray. They are vocal birds and they make lots of whistles, calls, and loud screeches! This is a part of their nature and helps them communicate in the wild with the other members of their flock. If they are feeling unhappy or bored then this can lead to them screaming and biting.
The good news is that if you're able to cope with these noises and ensure that your African grey with lots of human contact, you'll find them to be adorable, affectionate and a joy to have. They're also extremely loyal and will stay with you for the rest of their lives.
Sadly, the popularity of African grey parrots indicates that their numbers are declining in the wild due in part to excessive trapping for pet trade and forest loss in many parts of their range. But, if do decide on owning an African grey, then you must ensure that you purchase one from a reliable breeder who will be in a position to give you an Annex A Certificate (or Article 10 Certificate) which is required with any Annex A species when being offered for sale or sold.
Training
A parrot is a great companion. It has the capacity to have a deep understanding. It will form a bond with you that could last a lifetime. They are intelligent and can learn to whistle, mimic and talk. They can also learn to understand your voice and respond to certain questions and commands. This is a wonderful and special bond that can be both rewarding and frustrating.
Parrots need constant interaction and attention to stay happy and healthy. They will begin to adore you and be a part of your company. They will begin to recognize your voice and greet you with a chirp whenever you return home from work or school. They will also get very attached to their favorite toys, food and music.
Many people worry that their parrot will be so over bonded to them that they'll behave aggressively towards other members of the family, or even strangers. It is possible that this could occur, but it is best to make sure that your pet is able to accept all members of the family from the very beginning. This will prevent the parrot from becoming over dependent on one person, and also helps to teach the parrot how to interact with other humans.
The training should start as early as possible to allow the bird enough time to master the commands. If you start training too late, your pet will have a hard in gaining trust and will become more anxious. You must first teach your parrot how to recall by walking and then begin training it to perform simple tricks.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method of training your parrot. This means that you will reward the bird with small treats for each command it obeys. This will encourage the birds to repeat the command and reinforce good behavior.
The African grey bird is an intriguing bird with a unique intelligence and vocabulary. This beautiful and playful bird will win your heart and be a part of your family for the rest of your all of. Keep in mind that the wild population is at risk because of the demand for these birds' beauty and talent. They are frequently taken from the wild by poachers, and also affected by forest loss.
Care
African grey parrots are intelligent and form an intense bond with humans. They can learn up to 1,000 words and can speak in sentences when properly taught. They are believed to be among the most intelligent birds in the entire world. They have been kept as pets for a number of years and are very sensitive to their handlers. In the wild they are preyed on by big cats and snakes. In a lot of areas they also face habitat destruction.
A beloved pet bird in Europe, America, and the Middle East, this bird has a long lifespan and can mimic human speech. Their population is declining because of the over-tightening of these birds for pet trade and destruction of habitats in Africa.
When kept in captive, these parrots require a premium pellet diet, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. They should also have clean, fresh water available at all times. Avian vets may suggest the addition of diet supplements, however they must be used with caution.
They require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored. If they don't get enough stimulation, they could begin to act out in unwanted ways, including self-mutilation and screams. It is important to consult your avian vet before purchasing an African Grey.
They are a lot of fun with their owners and will love toys, puzzles, and games. They also need to spend at least several hours a day in their cage, so a medium-sized or a large cage is required to give them the space they require.
Ideally the ideal African grey should be kept in a house with other birds. They aren't the best companions for young children, because they can be destructive and bite. They are territorial and can respond aggressively when they feel their territory is being threatened.
They can live to be as old as 80 years in captivity and can be sensitive to changes in the environment. They may become jealous if an infant is added to the family or be upset when a new partner or girlfriend is introduced. If they aren't happy, they will often scream and chew their own feathers.
Diet
In their natural environment, African greys live as multi-family groups. They display altruistic behaviors such as grooming birds and reserving food. The requirement for companionship while in captivity can be fulfilled through social interaction with different toys and chewable branches. It can be addressed by providing an energizing diet, which includes pellets, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Pellets are an essential part of a parrot's diet. They should comprise 75-80% of its total food intake. They are extremely tasty and have a pleasant texture. They also add flavor to the parrot's diet. You can also offer nuts, seeds and vegetables. The diets available for African grays are well-balanced and reduce the chance of deficiency in nutrition.
It is crucial to remember that in the wild, African greys are natural foragers and can travel great distances searching for grubs and insects from tree bark and a wide variety of fruits. It is possible that they may consume animal protein and meat however I haven't seen my birds display any interest. It is okay to feed young birds a small amount of cooked drumstick chicken flesh, but it should be avoided because it could cause stomach upsets.
The nutrient content of fresh foods fluctuates throughout the year and captive birds should be provided with the same menu throughout the year. This will allow the parrots to enjoy the full range and textures of the wild counterparts to the rainforest without having to pay for non-seasonal, special products.
Vegetables play a major part in the health of a parrot's health. A balanced diet should contain dark greens, such as kale, water-grass and cress. Kale, water-grass, and cress are all excellent options. The high levels of calcium in these items are essential for the health of parrots. A deficiency in calcium can cause seizures and feather plucking in certain species.
Fruits should be served in lower amounts than vegetables, because the sugars can contribute to yeast problems (a common issue for immune-compromised parrots) and lead to obesity. Fruits can vary in nutritional value, based on the region in which they originate. Tropical fruits like mangos, papayas, and pomegranates have more nutrients than bananas and apples.