Should You Buy a Grey Parrot?
African grey parrots are intelligent birds that are capable of forming bonds with their human companion. However they aren't suitable for pet owners who are new to the hobby because they require a lot of exercise and attention to prevent health or behavioral issues.
In the wild, African Greys live in social groups and cooperate with one another in order to complete complex daily tasks. Left alone or isolated they can become destructive or feather pluck.
Health
African grey parrots have been known to live up to 80 years in captivity. They are among the world's smartest creatures. They are very sociable birds and can speak many different words and phrases. They can be loud birds that require a lot mental stimulation. It is crucial to consider whether you can handle the volume before you purchase one.
If you choose to purchase an African grey, then ensure that your lifestyle can meet their needs. If you work long hours and spend much of your time away from home, think about whether an African gray is the right choice for you. They're not likely to be happy in a solitary setting and could become bored.
You should also consider whether your family and you are able to handle the noise levels of an African grey. They are vocal birds that emit lots of whistles, call and loud screeches. This is a part of their natural instincts and helps them communicate with their flock members in the wild. However, if they are feeling unhappy or bored then this can lead to them screaming and biting.
If you can handle these sounds, and give your African grey plenty of human interaction, you will find that they are very affectionate and sweet. They're also very enjoyable to be around. They're also extremely loyal birds and will bond with you for the duration of their lives.
Unfortunately, due to the popularity of African gray parrots and their increasing numbers in the wild are declining. This is due to the massive capture of these birds for the pet market as well as the destruction of forests in various regions of the range. If you are still determined to acquire an African Grey, make sure you make sure you purchase from an established breeder. They will be able to 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 can form bonds that lasts for a lifetime. They are intelligent and can learn to whistle, mimic and speak. They can also learn your voice and respond to specific instructions and questions. This is a wonderful and very special relationship that can be both satisfying and frustrating.
Parrots are an extremely active bird, and require constant attention and interaction to keep them happy and healthy. They will begin to adore you and will become a part of your company. They will begin to recognize your voice and will greet you with a chirp whenever you return home from work or school. They will also be attached to their favorite food, toys and music.
Many people fear that their parrots will become so enthralled with them that they'll be aggressive towards family members or strangers. It is possible that this might occur, but it is best to teach your pet to accept all members of the family from the beginning. This will prevent the parrot becoming too attached to one individual, and also help to train the bird to be able to communicate with others.
The training should be started as early as possible to allow the bird time to understand the commands. If you start training too late, your bird will have a difficult in gaining trust you and will eventually become nervous. You should first teach your parrot how to remember by walking, and then start training it to perform basic tricks.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method of training your parrot. You can reward your pet with a small reward after it has obeyed each command. This will encourage the birds to repeat the command, and also reinforce good behavior.
The African grey is an incredible bird with an extraordinary vocabulary and intelligence. This charming and playful bird will win your heart and be a part of your family for the rest of your the rest of your life. Be aware that the wild population is in danger due to the demand for these birds' beauty and talents. Poachers often take them from the wild and forest destruction is another reason.
Care
African grey parrots develop a strong bond with people and are highly intelligent. They can master up to 1,000 words, and can speak in sentences when properly taught. They are thought to be among the most intelligent birds in entire world. For thousands of years, they were kept as pet birds. They can be very sensitive to their handlers. In the wild they are preyed on by large cats and snakes. In a number of locations they also face destruction of their habitats.
The bird is a very popular pet in Europe as well as the United States, and the Middle East because of its longevity and ability to mimic human speech. Their population is declining due to the over-tight trapping of these birds for pet trade and destruction of habitats in Africa.
The parrots require an excellent pellet diet along with fresh vegetables and fruits. It is also crucial that they have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day. Some veterinarians recommend adding dietary supplements to the diet, however, they should be taken with care.
They require plenty of mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored, and when they don't get enough, they can start to act out in undesirable ways such as self-mutilation, or screams. If you're considering purchasing an African grey, it is essential to speak with your veterinarian who specializes in avian medicine before making a purchase.
They love playing with their owners and will enjoy puzzles, toys, and games. In addition, they have to get outside their cages every day, and a medium or large cage is essential to have the space they require.
Ideally the ideal African grey is best kept in a place with other birds. They aren't the ideal pets for children in the early years as they are destructive and can bite. They can also be territorial, and they will react aggressively if they feel that their territory is under threat.
They can live up 80 years in captivity and are prone to being sensitive to changes in the environment. They may become jealous of a new baby in the family, or they may be upset due to the arrival of a new girlfriend or spouse. If they're unhappy they may scream, or gnaw at their own feathers.
Diet
In their natural habitat, African greys live as multi-family groups. They exhibit altruistic behavior such as grooming other birds and eating food. In captivity this need for companionship can be fulfilled by offering social interaction with various toys and chewable branches. It can be addressed with an enriching diet that includes pellets, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Pellets are a crucial component of the diet and should represent 75-80% of the parrot's total food intake. They are extremely digestible and have a lovely texture. They also add flavor to the diet of the parrot. You can also include seeds, nuts and other vegetables. The diets that are formulated and available for African greys provide a balanced nutrition, reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
In the wild, African grays are natural foragers. They can travel long distances in search of grubs, insects on tree bark, or various fruits. It is possible that they may consume animal meats and other animal proteins, but I have never seen my birds show any interest. It is acceptable to offer young birds a small amount of cooked drumstick chicken flesh, but it should be avoided since it could cause stomach upsets.
The nutrient content of fresh foods changes all through the year, and captive parrots should be provided with a seasonal menu. This allows them to enjoy the wide range of tastes and textures that their wild counterparts relish in the rainforest, whilst not paying too much for special products that are not in season.
Vegetables are particularly important for a healthy parrot. A balanced diet should contain plenty of dark greens, e.g. kale, water-grass and cress. The high levels of calcium in these items are essential to the health of a parrot. A calcium deficiency can cause seizures and feather plucking in certain species.
Fruits should be served in smaller amounts than vegetables, as sugars may cause yeast infections (a common problem for parrots with compromised immune systems) and weight gain. The content of nutrients in fruits also differs between countries, and tropical varieties such as mangos, papayas, and pomegranates are better than temperate apples and bananas.