Should You Buy a Grey Parrot?
African grey parrots are intelligent birds capable of building an enduring bond with their human companion. However these birds aren't suitable for pet owners with no experience as they require a lot of exercise and attention to avoid health or behavioral issues.
In the wild, African Greys are social animals that form groups to accomplish everyday tasks. If they are left alone, they can be destructive or even feather pluck.
Health
African grey parrots are reported to live for up to 80 years in captivity. They are among the world's most intelligent creatures. They are very sociable birds and can learn to speak a variety of different phrases and words. They can be noisy birds that require lots of mental stimulation. It is crucial to consider whether you are able to handle the level of noise before purchasing one.
If you choose to purchase an African gray, be sure that your lifestyle is compatible with their requirements. For instance, if you work regular long hours and are away from home for the majority of the time, then you'll need to take a close look at if an African grey is the right choice for you as it's unlikely they would be happy in a solitary environment and could become bored and destructive.
You should also think about whether your family and you can cope with the noise levels of an African grey. They are vocal birds that emit a lot of calls, whistles, and loud screeches. This is part of their instinctual nature and allows them to communicate with other members of their flock in the wild. However, if they are experiencing boredom or sadness, they may end up screaming and biting.
The good news is that if you are capable of coping with these sounds and provide your African grey with plenty of human contact, you'll find them adorable, affectionate and a joy to own. They're also very loyal birds and will bond with you for the remainder of their lives.
Unfortunately, the popularity of African grey parrots means that their numbers are decreasing in the wild due to over trapping for the pet trade and the loss of forests in a lot of their range. If you're still determined to acquire an African Grey, make sure you only buy from an established breeder. They will provide you with a Certificate of Annex A (or Article 10 Certificate), which must accompany any Annex A bird when it is sold or offered for purchase.
Training
A parrot is an excellent companion and can provide a very deep understanding. It will form a bond that will last a lifetime. They are extremely intelligent and can learn to speak, whistle, and mimic. They can also learn your voice and respond to specific instructions and questions. This is a unique and wonderful relationship that can be satisfying and also frustrating.
Parrots are an extremely active bird, and require constant interaction and attention to stay happy and healthy. They will grow to love you and will become a part of your company. They will be able to recognize your voice and will frequently greet you with a chirp when you come home from school or work. They will also become very connected to their favourite food, toys and music.
Many people worry that their parrot will be so attached to them that they will act in a hostile way towards other members of the family or strangers. It is possible however it is essential to train your pet from the very beginning to be tolerant of all members of the household. This will prevent the parrot becoming too attached to a single person, and will also help to train the bird to to interact with others.
The training should start as early as you can to allow the bird enough time to master the commands. If you begin too late, the bird may have a hard time becoming comfortable with you and become anxious. blue african grey parrot must first teach your pet to recall by walking and then start training it to perform simple tricks.
When you are training your pet, it is best to make use of positive reinforcement. You will reward your parrot with a small treat after it follows each instruction. This will entice the bird to follow the command, and it will encourage good behavior as well in reprimanding poor behavior.
The African grey is an amazing bird with an extraordinary vocabulary and intelligence. This gorgeous and playful animal will win your heart and will become part of your family for life. It is important to note that the wild population of these birds is in danger due to demand for their beauty and talents. They are often snatched from the wild by poachers and also affected by forest loss.
You can also read about how to care for yourself.
African grey parrots develop an intense bond with humans and are extremely intelligent. They can learn 1000 words and speak sentences when taught correctly. They are considered to be one of the most intelligent birds in entire world. For thousands of years, they have been kept as pet birds. They can be extremely sensitive towards their handlers. In the wild, they are a target of big cats and snakes. They also have to contend with habitat loss in many areas of their range.
A favorite pet bird In Europe, America, and the Middle East, this bird has a long lifespan and is able to mimic human speech. The decline in their numbers is because of the over-tightening of birds to be used in the pet industry and habitat destruction in Africa.
If they are kept in captivity, these birds require a premium pellet diet as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. They must also have fresh, clean water available at all times. Avian vets may suggest the use of dietary supplements, but these must be used with caution.
They require a lot of mental stimulation in order to stop them from becoming bored. If they aren't stimulated enough, they may start to act out in inappropriate ways, including self-mutilation and screams. It is crucial to speak with your vet before buying an African Grey.
These animals enjoy playing with their owners and appreciate puzzles, toys and games. In addition, they have to spend several hours out of their cage every day, so the use of a large or medium-sized cage will be necessary for them to have the space they need.
Ideally the African grey should be kept in a house with other birds. They aren't the best companions for children as they are destructive and can bite. They are also territorial and will react violently when they feel their territory is under threat.
They can live up 80 years in captivity and may be sensitive to changes in their environment. They might become jealous if a baby is added to the family or be upset when a new partner or girlfriend is introduced. If they're not happy they are likely to cry and gnaw their own feathers.
Diet
In their natural habitat African greys reside in multi-family groups. They exhibit altruistic behaviors such as grooming and regurgitation of food to feed other birds. The need for companionship in captivity is met by social interaction using various toys and chewable branches. You can also satisfy this need by providing a stimulating diet that includes pellets, fruits and vegetables.
Pellets are a vital part of the diet and should comprise 75-80% of a diet of a parrot. They are a highly palatable, textured and tasty food that is an excellent way to add flavour to the diet. You can also include nuts, seeds and vegetables. The diets formulated for African greys are available for African greys provide the right balance of nutrition, thus reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
In the wild, African grays are natural foragers. They can travel for long distances in search of grubs, insects on tree bark, or various fruits. It is therefore possible they may eat meat and animal protein but I haven't seen my own exhibit any interest. A small amount of cooked drumstick flesh could be a good option, however this should be avoided with young birds as it could cause gastric upsets.
The nutritional content of fresh foods fluctuates throughout the year, and captive parrots should be offered the same menu throughout the year. This will allow them to taste the variety of tastes and textures their wild counterparts relish in the rainforest, while making sure they don't pay too much for specialty products that aren't in season.
Vegetables are especially important for healthy parrots. A well-balanced diet should include plenty of dark greens, e.g. Kale, water-grass, and cress are all excellent choices. These items contain high levels of calcium, which is vital for parrots' health. A deficiency in calcium can trigger seizures and feather plucking among some species.
Fruits should be served in lower amounts than vegetables, as sugars can cause yeast problems (a frequent problem in immune-compromised parrots) and cause overweightness. Fruits may differ in their nutritional value depending on the region in which they originate. Tropical fruits such as papayas, mangos and pomegranates have more nutrients than apples and bananas.