Should You Buy a Grey Parrot?
African grey parrots are intelligent birds that are capable of forming a strong bond with their human companion. However these birds aren't for novice pet owners as they require lots of exercise and attention to avoid behavioral or health issues.
In the wild African Greys are social animals that form groups to complete their everyday tasks. If left to their own devices or in isolation, they can become destructive and can even be feather plucking.
Health
African grey parrots are said to live up to 80 years in the wild. They are also among the most intelligent creatures on the planet. They can be extremely social and are able to learn many words and phrases. However, they can also be very loud and require a lot of mental stimulation. This is why it's important to think about whether you're able to manage the level of noise from these birds prior to deciding to purchase one.
If you choose to purchase an African grey, you need to ensure that your lifestyle can meet their needs. For instance, if you work regular long hours and are away from home for the majority of the day then you'll need to take a close look at if an African grey is right for you, as it's likely they would be happy in a space that is solitary and could end up becoming bored and destructive.
Consider whether you and your family are capable of coping with the noise level of an African gray. They are vocal birds and make numerous whistles, calls, and loud screeches! This is a part of their instincts, and it helps them communicate in the wild with their flock members. If they are unhappy or bored it can cause them to scream and bite.
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 will find them very affectionate, loving and a joy to be around. They're also extremely loyal and will be a part of your family for the remainder of their lives.
Sadly due to the growing popularity of African gray parrots, their numbers in the wild are decreasing. This is due to the massive capture of these birds for the pet market and the loss of forests in several areas of the range. If you're still keen to own an African Grey, you should make sure you purchase from an accredited breeder. They will 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 a wonderful companion. It can have a deep understanding. It will form a bond that will last for a lifetime. They are smart and learn how to whistle, mimic and talk. They can also learn to speak and respond to certain commands and questions. This is a very special and amazing relationship that can be both satisfying and also frustrating.
Parrots require constant interaction and care to remain happy and healthy. They will eventually fall in love with you and will become a part of your company. They will be able to recognize your voice and they will often greet you with a chirp when you get home from school or work. They will also become attached to their favorite toys, food and music.
Many people are afraid that their pets will become so enthralled with them that they'll act aggressively towards other family members or strangers. It is possible that this might occur, but it is best to make sure that your pet is able to accept all members of the family from the beginning. This will stop the parrot from becoming too attached to a single individual, and also help train the parrot to to interact with other animals.
The training should be started at the earliest possible point, so the bird has time to learn the commands. If you begin training too late, your pet will have a tough to establish trust and will become more anxious. The first thing to do is to teach your pet to remember on foot, and then begin training the bird to perform simple tricks.
Positive reinforcement is the best method of training your parrot. You should reward your pet with a small reward after it follows each instruction. This will encourage the birds to repeat the command and reinforce good behavior.
The African grey bird is an intriguing bird with an unmatched intelligence and vocabulary. This charming and playful bird will capture your heart and become part of your family for life. It is important to remember that the wild populations of these birds is threatened because of the demand for their beauty and ability. They are frequently taken from the wild by poachers and are also affected by the loss of forest.
You can also read about how to care for yourself.
African grey parrots form a strong bond with people and are highly intelligent. They can master 1,000 words and speak sentences when taught correctly. They are thought to be one of the smartest birds in the entire world. For thousands of years, they have been kept as pet birds. They can be very sensitive to their handlers. In the wild they are preyed on by large cats and snakes. They also face loss of habitat in several areas of their range.
A popular pet bird In Europe, America, and the Middle East, this bird has a long lifespan and can mimic human speech. Their populations are decreasing because of the over-tightening of these birds for pet trade and habitat destruction in Africa.
The parrots require a high-quality pellet diet, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also important that they have access to clean and fresh water all the time. 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 behave in unintentional 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 the decision.
These animals enjoy playing with their owners and enjoy puzzles, toys, and games. In addition, they need to get outside their cages every day, so the use of a large or medium-sized cage will be necessary for them to have the space they need.
In the ideal scenario, an African gray is best kept with other birds. They are not a good choice for children under the age of five, as they can be destructive or bite. They tend to be territorial and react aggressively when they feel their territory is threatened.
The parrots can live for up to 80 years in captivity, and they are sensitive to changes in their environment. They might become jealous if an infant is added to the family or upset if a new spouse or girlfriend is introduced. If they're not happy, they may scream or chew their own feathers.
Diet
In their natural habitat African greys are part of multi-family groups and display altruistic behaviours like grooming and the regurgitation of food to feed other birds. In captivity the desire for companionship can be met by providing social interaction with various toys and chewable branches. caring for an grey parrot can also be addressed by offering an enriching diet that includes pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Pellets are a vital part of the diet and should comprise 75-80% of the diet of a parrot. These pellets are very tasty and have a pleasant texture. They also add flavour to the diet of the parrot. Seeds, nuts and a variety of vegetables must also be included. The formulated diets that are available for African greys offer the right balance of nutrition, thus reducing the chance of nutritional deficiencies.
It is crucial to remember that in the wild, African greys are foragers in nature and travel long distances in search of insects and grubs from tree bark and a wide variety of fruits. Therefore, it is possible that they may eat meat and animal proteins but I haven't seen mine show any interest. It is acceptable to give 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 fluctuates throughout the year and captive birds should be served the same menu throughout the year. This will allow the parrots to enjoy the entire range and variety of the wild rainforest counterparts without having to pay for non-seasonal, special products.
Vegetables are essential 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 found in these items are essential for the health of parrots. A calcium deficiency can cause seizures and feather plucking in some species.
Fruits should be offered in lower amounts than vegetables, because the sugars may cause yeast problems (a common problem for parrots with immune problems) and lead to obesity. The amount of nutrients in fruits may differ between countries, and tropical varieties like mangos, papayas, and pomegranates are more beneficial than temperate bananas and apples.