African Grey Parrot CareAfrican greys are easy to train once they've been introduced to operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. However, pet owners who aren't experienced may be overwhelmed.
These intelligent birds require hours of focus, outside-of-cage exercise and enrichment through games, puzzles and lessons. They can become stressed out and display self-harming behaviors.
Cage
African greys are highly intelligent birds that require constant interaction and mental stimulation. They love playing with toys, interfacing with humans and learning new terms and tricks. In the wild, these birds require a cage that is high-quality and has plenty of play area to stretch their wings. A large living space is essential for their well-being and health, and they should be provided with many hours of time outside the cage daily to exercise and explore the surroundings.
The cage should be of 2x2 feet and 3 feet tall to allow the bird room to fly. It should have a secure door and a comfortable perch. The cage should not contain any harmful chemicals, plants or fumes which could harm your bird. Clipping the wings is not recommended because it could limit the bird's ability to exercise and negatively affect its mental health.
A healthy African grey diet is pellets fresh fruits, vegetables and small amounts of seeds. They should be provided with a range of chewable toys made of leather to strengthen their beaks. Foraging toys should be made available to stimulate them to explore the environment.
Food should be fed frequently and removed once it has been consumed. Fresh water should be always available. A water dish should be set inside the cage to reduce the risk of contamination due to spills. A bathing routine must be in place to keep the parrot clean and to assist in shed.
African greys can be easily stressed by disturbance or noise. It is best to put the cage in a quiet region of the house, rather than the center. If the bird doesn't feel at ease in its surroundings they'll withdraw and exhibit self-destructive behaviors such as feather plucking.
Food
African greys are omnivores living in the wild and eat many different kinds of food including leaves, bark, fruits insects, seeds and insects. Captive birds generally consume pellets that are formulated as well as fresh vegetables, seeds and fruit. Some owners feed their birds a small portion of protein from cooked chicken and meats but this isn't advised as it may have too much cholesterol and fat for the bird.
These intelligent animals require constant stimulation of their minds with exercise, attention and stimulation. If they don't receive enough stimulation for their minds, they will often engage in self-harming behaviors. They are recognized for their ability to whistle, sing and imitate the voices of other people and even learn to play games.
They are prone to deficiency in calcium (hypocalcaemia) and require a good diet rich in calcium to avoid this issue. Many experts recommend giving them a specialized parrot pellet with more calcium than a typical diet. They should be fed a variety of foods that are high in micronutrients and calcium, like kale and watercress.
They are also prone to vitamin deficiencies, specifically Vitamin A and Vitamin D. These can be addressed by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables which are high in beta-carotene, such as sweet potato and fresh kale. It is also recommended to give supplements that contain Vitamins A and D like Soluvite D or Multivet. These can be added to the water of the birds or fed through cuttlebones and iodine bells. These birds are sensitive to toxins in their environment and should be wormed every 3 months using a broad-spectrum wormer. They should be given an dietary supplement with probiotics to keep their digestive system in good shape.
Water
African grey parrots are intelligent birds that can solve problems. They are a joy to entertain their owners with silly jokes. African grey parrots are reputed to be self-mutilators in captivity, often plucking their feathers. This can be due to stress or vitamin deficiencies. Regularly bathing your African grey parrot can reduce the amount of feathers that they shed. This will help them remain healthy, clean and less prone to disease.
A clean spray bottle containing the water of lukewarm is perfect to bathe your African grey parrot. Begin by introduction of your pet to the water and then letting them take a look. Once they feel at ease then gently spray them with the nozzle set to a mist or sprinkler setting. Ensure that you are always watching and spotting your bird throughout this procedure to ensure their safety.
After bathing your African Grey parrot, allow them to dry in an airy, warm place that is free of drafts. It is important to keep in mind that not all African greys love bathing, however with patience and positive reinforcement, you will eventually make them comfortable with the sensation of being splashed with water. Just be sure not to spray them with too much force as this can cause the bird to become stressed and can cause plucking.
Once your bird has become accustomed to being misted with water, you can start giving regular baths. Keep in mind that African grays need to be stimulated regularly to avoid boredom. The boredom of a bird could lead to self-mutilation and stress. Also, they require plenty of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Providing your African grey parrot with a variety of toys, exercise equipment, and opportunities to interact with others is an excellent method to give them the activities they require.
Toys
Gizmo newborn african grey parrot greys have a natural propensity to chew and shred, which is why an array of durable, safe toys is necessary. Foraging games, foot toys and natural branch perches are all great alternatives. They also include items designed to encourage problem-solving and keep kids mentally active. Many of these are made out of materials such as rope, wood, or metal and are crafted to be bird-safe and stand up to the demands of a ferocious beak.
These intelligent birds are chatty, curious, and generally happy animals. However, they can be apprehensive of new things and are prone to stress. They are extremely attentive and can pick up on the sounds of words, voices and sounds fast. Their increased intelligence can be a dual-edged weapon. It can create a constant need for stimulation, and if that is not fulfilled, the bird could be stressed and begin to make feathers.
Feather plucking should be addressed by owners of Congo African Greys immediately. If you're concerned about the behaviour of your bird, it's important to consult an Avian veterinarian for a check-up to rule out any physical causes.
African greys, like humans, have a great need for stimulation and attention. If they aren't stimulated, they could become bored and unhappy. This could lead to self-mutilation. This is why it is important to ensure that your parrot is mentally stimulated and content.
Training
African grey parrots require daily interactions with humans as well as mental stimulation. They can also become attached to their owner and demand a great deal of attention. They may not be the best pet for people who have to leave their home often, since they can suffer from separation anxiety and require a human in their lives who can spend time with them.
These beautiful birds are renowned caring for an grey parrot their ability mimic human sound and speech. They can learn the ringing of a phone as well as the barking of dogs and even swear words that people say without even realizing it. It is important to teach these vocal cues, and then associate them with specific behaviors such as getting treats.
They can be trained to sit on perches or play with toys and interact on the floor with their caregivers. They should be provided with a variety of food items to keep them interested and content. Parrots should also have plenty of out-of-cage time each day to exercise and explore. A safe plant and cages that are secure from escape will ensure that your bird cannot be involved in anything that could be dangerous. It is important to avoid trimming their wings because it restricts their exercise and can affect the mental health of your pet.
Lastly, routine veterinary care is essential for the long-term health of an African Grey parrot. They should be examined by an Board Certified Avian & Exotics specialist at least twice a year to avoid illness and to monitor caring for an grey parrot any other health issues.