Should You Buy a Grey Parrot?
African grey parrots are intelligent birds that are capable of creating a strong bond with their human companion. However they aren't suitable for pet owners who are new to the hobby as they require lots of exercise and attention to avoid behavioral or health issues.
In the wild African Greys are in groups of friends and work with one another to manage complex daily tasks. If left alone or isolated they could become destructive and feather pluck.
Health
African grey parrots are reported to live for up to 80 years in captivity and are among the world's smartest creatures. They can be extremely social and can learn to speak a variety of words and phrases. They can be loud birds that require lots of mental stimulation. This is why it's crucial to consider whether you're able to cope with the volume of noise produced by these birds, before you purchase one.
If you decide to purchase an African gray, ensure that your lifestyle is compatible with their requirements. If you work for long hours and spend a lot of time away from home, you should think about whether an African gray is right for you. They're unlikely to be content in a quiet environment and may become bored.
Take a look at whether you and your family are prepared to handle the noise level of an African gray. They are vocal birds that make a lot of calls, whistles, and loud screeches. This is part of their instincts, and it helps them communicate in the wild with the other members of their flock. If they are unhappy or bored they may turn to screaming and biting.
If you are able to handle these sounds, and give your African grey lots of interaction with humans, you will find that they are extremely affectionate and sweet. They're also a delight to be around. They are also extremely loyal and will be a part of their owner for the rest of their lives.
Sadly, the acclaim of African grey parrots has meant that their numbers are decreasing in the wild due to over trapping for pet trade and forest loss in many parts of their range. Despite this, if you do have your heart set to own an African grey, you should ensure that you purchase one from a reliable breeder who is 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 can be an excellent companion and is capable of an extremely profound understanding. It will develop a bond with you that could last for a lifetime. They are very smart and can learn to speak, whistle, and mimic. They can also learn your voice and respond to certain commands and questions. This is a truly special and wonderful relationship that can be both rewarding and frustrating.
Parrots require constant interaction and care to remain healthy and happy. They enjoy playing and learning new things, and they'll become very attracted to you. They will learn to recognize your voices and they will often greet you with chirps when you come home from school or work. They will also become attached to their favorite toys, food and music.
Many people worry that their parrot will be so enthralled with them that they'll act aggressively towards other members of the family, or even strangers. It is possible that this could 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 interact with other animals.
The training should be started as early as possible, so the bird has time to learn the commands. If female african grey parrot start training too late, your parrot will have a difficult in gaining trust you and will eventually become nervous. It is best to first teach your pet to remember by walking, and then begin training it to perform simple tricks.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method to train your pet. You can reward your pet with a small reward after it has obeyed each command. This will motivate the bird to repeat the command, and it will help to reinforce good behavior as in reprimanding bad behavior.
The African grey is a stunning bird with an amazing vocabulary and intelligence. This gorgeous and playful animal will win your heart and be a part of your family forever. It is important to note that the wild populations of these birds is in danger due to the demand for their beauty and talents. Poachers are often able to take them away from the wild and forest loss is another factor.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
African grey parrots have a strong bond with people and are extremely intelligent. They can learn as much as 1,000 words and speak in sentences when correctly taught. They are considered to be among the smartest birds in the entire world. Since the beginning of time, they have been kept as pets birds. They can be extremely sensitive towards their handlers. In the wild they are a target of big cats and snakes. In many areas they also have to contend with destruction of habitats.
A favorite pet bird In Europe, America, and the Middle East, this bird has a long lifespan and can imitate human speech. However, their numbers are declining due to the overuse of traps for the pet trade and habitat loss in Africa.
The parrots require a high-quality pellet diet as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. They must also have clean, fresh water always available. Avian vets may suggest the use of dietary supplements, but they should be handled with care.
They require plenty of mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored. If they don't get enough stimulation, they might begin to act out in unwanted ways, like self-mutilation or screaming. If you're considering purchasing an African grey, it is important to talk to your avian veterinarian before making a decision.
They are a lot of fun to play with and will love playing with toys, puzzles, and games with their owners. In addition, they have to spend several hours out of their cage every day, and the use of a large or medium-sized cage will be necessary for them to have the space they require.
Ideally the African grey should be kept in a home with other birds. They aren't the ideal companions for children, because they can be destructive and bite. They can also be territorial and will retaliate aggressively if they feel that their territory is under threat.
They can live for up to 80 years in captivity and are prone to being sensitive to changes in their environment. They might become jealous of the new baby in the family, or they might be upset by the introduction of a new girlfriend or spouse. If they're not content, they may scream or gnaw at their own feathers.
Diet
In their natural habitats, African greys live as multi-family groups. They show altruistic behavior like grooming other birds and regurgitating food. The need for companionship in captivity is met through social interaction with a variety of chewable toys and branches. You can also satisfy this need by providing a nutritious diet that is rich in pellets, fruits and vegetables.
Pellets are a vital part of the diet and should comprise 75-80% of the diet of a parrot. They are a very palatable, textured and tasty food that is a great way of adding flavour to the diet. You can also offer nuts, seeds and vegetables. The formulated diets that are available for African greys offer an adequate nutrition, which reduces the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
In the wild, African grays are natural foragers. They can travel long distances in search of grubs or insects on tree bark or a variety of fruits. It is possible that they may consume animal meats and other animal proteins, but I have never seen my birds display any interest. A small amount of cooked drumstick flesh is acceptable however it should be avoided with young birds because it may cause gastric upsets.
The nutrient content of fresh food varies throughout the year and captive birds should be served a seasonal menu. This will allow parrots to experience the full range and textures of the wild rainforest counterparts without having to pay for non-seasonal, special products.
Vegetables play a major part in the health of a parrot's overall health. A balanced diet should include plenty of dark greens, e.g. cress, water-grass, kale and so on. These items contain high levels of calcium, which are vital for parrots' health. Deficiency in calcium can lead to seizures and feather plucking within some species.
Fruits should be served in lower amounts than vegetables, since sugars can cause yeast issues (a frequent problem in immune-compromised parrots) and cause overweightness. Fruits 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.