African Greys are a wonderful pet for bird owners who are experienced. They are extremely intelligent and demand a lot of time and stimulation.
It can become anxious and destructive when you leave an african gray unattended for a long time. It might also start squealing out in an effort to attract attention.Cage
African Greys require a lot interaction and attention. They also require a huge cage. It isn't cheap, but they are worth the cost. Make sure that the cage you purchase is constructed of stainless steel or powder coated and has good bar-spacing to keep your African Grey safe. You must ensure you are able to easily access your parrot and keep the cage clean on a daily basis. You'll also want to include different toys and activities to the cage of your bird. You want to make sure that your parrot has a number of perches within the cage at different heights, and with different materials and textures. This will help maintain their claws, so you don't need to trim them often.
When choosing a cage for your African Grey, it is important to take into consideration the size of the bird and the space you have at home. A minimum of 3 ft wide and 2 ft deep is recommended. The size of the cage determines the length of time your African Grey will spend in the cage, as well as how many toys can be placed inside. It is also a good idea to purchase a separate play stand for your African Grey. This will allow you to move the play stand from room to room and carry your bird with you throughout the house if needed.
The cage should be equipped with a sliding tray or grid to make cleaning it simpler. It is recommended to select a cage that has locking mechanisms on all feeders and doors to ensure that your bird cannot escape or get out of the cage. Also, you should look for a cage that has both horizontal and vertical bars to allow your African Grey to climb more easily.
Also, make sure that the cage has enough bars to hold perches, toys, and other items. Avoid cages that are round that are round, as they can hinder the African Grey from spreading his wings. It is also a good idea to place the cage in a location that is not too busy and in an area that is temperature-controlled. It is also important to ensure that the cage isn't in close proximity to windows, drafts or other areas where a bird could get too cold or hot.
Food
African Greys are intelligent social birds who love interaction with people and enjoy playing games and listening to music. They can learn to speak and have a very distinctive voice, which is often deep. They are a great bird for experienced owners of parrots. They are not recommended for beginners parrot owners as they can be extremely vocal and cause a lot of disruption in the home. They can be noisy and be loud, yell and scream when they are unhappy or bored. These noises can disturb neighbours and family members, particularly those who are not used to hearing the sounds of a parrot in the home. They can also be destructive and scratch at their feathers. If not well trained, they may chew through wires and wooden furniture.
It is recommended to use a large iron cage made of wrought iron that is free of chips and rust. It should be 36" x 24-48". A cage that has large gaps is not safe for your bird as the bird could get stuck between the bars.
They consume a variety of vegetables, fruits and seeds, as well as nuts and seeds. They prefer a diet that is high in minerals. It is recommended that at least 80% of your diet consist of pellets, and 20% fresh, high-quality foods. Calcium is also essential to maintain bone health. Calcium can be obtained through a quality pellet containing the calcareous blend of herbs and vegetables. Some carers cultivate weeds such as dandelion leaves, flowers and stems to get their Greys (beware that certain plants are poisonous, such as poinsettia, holly, yarrow and datura).
To stay healthy, these omnivorous birds require a variety fresh, high-quality, nutritionally dense food. They can develop behavioral and health issues if they do not get enough nutrients from their diet. Parrots with this species require regular veterinary checks to detect early signs and to maintain their health at its best. Finding a vet that specializes in exotic animals is a good option since they are familiar with their unique needs.
Toys
African Greys are intelligent and curious and require a lot attention. They need to be stimulated for 5 hours a day in order to remain healthy and content. They can be bored quickly, and if stimulated, they may turn to destructive behavior like feather picking or biting. Fortunately, these issues can be resolved through the correct training and the right environment.
To keep your African Grey busy and entertained, you will need to offer a variety of toys. These toys should be made from durable materials that can withstand chewing. These toys should ideally be free of sharp objects and toxic metals that can cause injury. It is also recommended to provide them with trees that are non-toxic and pesticide-free. This will satisfy the natural desire to play and chew with trees and give them some fresh air.
In the wild African Greys are found in savannas as in mangrove forests on the coast woodlands, clearings and forest edges. They can also be found in West and Central Africa. The Timneh subspecies can be found in a smaller part of the western part of the Ivory Coast through southern Guinea. Both species are classified as threatened or endangered. The international trade of Grey parrots is a major factor in their decline. The vast majority of these birds were captured from the wild, which has grave implications for animal welfare and conservation.
There is no way to acquire an african gray for free, but you can save money by purchasing a previously owned bird from breeders. These birds are socialized and are accustomed to being handled by humans, which makes them much easier to train. An owner who was previously in charge may have all the cages, equipment, and toys you need.
If you are looking to purchase an african gray, be sure to purchase an enclosure that is large enough. A cage that is too small will stop the bird from extending its wings and restrict its exercise. It is also essential to avoid cages made of iron coated with lead paint. Lead poisoning can be fatal to birds.
Training
African Grey Parrots are intelligent, talkative and sociable birds. They are wonderful pets for those with the time and energy to spend. They are not suitable for bird owners who are not experienced because they require more mental stimulation and attention than other birds. If they aren't getting enough interaction or playtime, they may develop destructive behavior and depression. They can also be very costly to care for, and they can suffer from a range of health issues. Before committing to a parrot, ensure you understand all the costs.
It takes a lot of effort to teach African Greys to speak. Some African Greys speak much earlier than a year. They can mimic human sounds and phrases as well. These birds are very vocal, especially in the early morning hours and at night. In the wild they use these calls to communicate between flock members.
The best method to train a Grey is to begin early and expose it to different situations and people as quickly as possible. A cage that is free of chips and rust is crucial. If you are looking to train your African Grey, it is best to stick to short sessions of training that are positive and always end on a positive note. This might mean two five minute sessions per day.
It is also important to teach your parrot the proper location to drop its food or droppings. This will help keep your home tidy and avoid health issues. Place newspapers under the cage, on the play stand or perches. After a while it will become apparent that the Grey will recognize that it is better off on these surfaces, rather than its owner.
African Greys can live up to 50 years old, so it is important to consider this before deciding to purchase one. They require a lot of attention and love, and they can be costly to maintain. They are also powder birds that can create a lot of dust in your home. This could be a problem for those suffering from asthma or allergies.
