Should You Buy a Grey Parrot?
African grey parrots are intelligent birds capable of building 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 care to prevent health or behavioral issues.
In the wild African Greys form social groups to accomplish daily tasks. If left alone or unsupervised they could become destructive and feather pluck.
Health
African grey parrots are said to live for as long as 80 years in captivity. They are also among the smartest species on earth. They are very sociable birds and can speak a variety of different phrases and words. sneak a peek at this website can be noisy birds that require lots of mental stimulation. This is the reason it's important to consider whether you're able to manage the level of noise from these birds, before you purchase one.
If you choose to purchase an African gray, be sure that your lifestyle is in line with their needs. For instance If you work long hours and are away from home for a large portion of the time, then you'll have to think carefully whether an African grey is right for you as it's unlikely they'd be content in a group setting and could become bored and destructive.
Consider whether you and your family are able to cope with the level of noise from an African gray. They are vocal birds and they make numerous whistles, calls and loud screeches! This is a part of their nature and helps them communicate with other members of their flock in the wild. If they are experiencing boredom or sadness, this could lead to screaming and biting.
The good news is that if you are able to cope with these noises and provide your African grey with plenty of human contact, you'll find them to be affectionate, loving and a joy to have. They are also very loyal and will be a part of their owners for the rest of their life.
Sadly, the popularity of African grey parrots means that their numbers are declining in the wild due to over trapping for pet trade and the loss of forest in many areas of their range. However, if you are keen on owning an African grey then you should always purchase a bird from a reputable breeder who will be able to provide you with 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 is a great companion. It can have a profound understanding. It can form bonds 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 truly special and wonderful relationship that can be satisfying and also frustrating.
Parrots are a very active bird and they need constant attention and interaction to keep them happy and healthy. They love to play and learn new things, and they'll be very connected to you. They will begin to recognize your voice and greet you with a chirp whenever you come home from school or work. They will also become attached to their favorite toys, food items and music.
Many people worry that their pet will become so enthralled with them that they'll behave in a hostile way towards other members of the family, or even strangers. It is possible that this will happen, but you should make sure that your pet is able to accept all members of the family from the beginning. This will help prevent the parrot from becoming dependent on one person, and will also help to teach the parrot to interact with other human beings.
The training should be started at the earliest possible point so that the bird has time to learn the commands. If you begin training too late, your pet will have a difficult in gaining trust and will become more anxious. The first thing you need to do is to teach your pet to remember on foot, and then begin training the bird to perform simple tricks.
When you are training your pet you should make use of positive reinforcement. You should reward your pet with a small reward after it has obeyed each command. This will encourage the birds to repeat the command and reinforce good behavior.
The African grey is an amazing bird with a unique vocabulary and intelligence. This charming and playful bird will win your heart and become part of your family for the rest of your life. Keep in mind that the wild population is in danger because of the demand for these birds' beauty and talents. They are frequently taken from the wild by poachers and are also affected by the loss of forest.
Care
African grey parrots have a strong bond with people and are highly intelligent. They can learn 1,000 words and can speak in sentences if taught correctly. They are believed to be one of the most intelligent birds in entire world. They have been kept as pets for thousands of years, and they are very sensitive to their owners. In the wild, they are a target for snakes and big cats. In many areas they also face habitat destruction.
A beloved pet bird In Europe, America, and the Middle East, this bird has a long life span and can imitate human speech. However, their populations are declining due to the overuse of traps for the pet trade as well as habitat loss in Africa.
If they are kept in captive, these parrots require a premium pellet diet, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. They also require fresh, clean water available at all times. Some veterinarians recommend adding dietary supplements to the diet however, they should be taken with care.
They require plenty of mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored. If they don't receive enough stimulation, they could begin to behave in unintentional ways, such as self-mutilation or screaming. If you're thinking of buying an African grey, it's essential to speak with your avian veterinarian before making a decision.
These animals enjoy playing with their owners and appreciate puzzles, toys and games. They also need to spend at least a few hours each day outside their cage which is why a medium-sized or larger cage is required to give them the space they require.
Ideally the ideal African grey is best kept in a place with other birds. They aren't the ideal companions for young children, because they can be destructive and bite. They can also be territorial, and will retaliate aggressively if they feel that their territory is being threatened.
These parrots can live up to 80 years in captivity, and they are sensitive to changes in their environment. They can become jealous when the baby is added to the family, or upset if a new spouse or girlfriend is introduced. If they're not happy they might 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 this requirement for companionship is met by providing social interaction with a variety of toys and chewable branches. It can be addressed with an energizing diet, which includes pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Pellets are a vital part of the diet and should make up 75-80% of the pet's daily food intake. They are extremely digestible and have a lovely texture. They also add flavour to the diet of the parrot. Seeds, nuts and a wide variety of vegetables must also be included. The diets for African grays are balanced and reduce the chance of deficiency in nutrition.
In the wild, African grays are natural foragers. They are able to travel for miles to hunt for grubs or insects on tree bark, or a variety of fruit. It is therefore possible that they may eat meat and animal proteins but I haven't observed mine show any interest. It is acceptable to give young birds a small amount of cooked drumstick chicken flesh, but it should be avoided because it could cause stomach upsets.
Captive parrots must be fed a seasonal diet due to the fact that the nutritional content of fresh food varies with time. This will allow parrots to enjoy the full range and textures of the rainforest's wild counterparts without having to pay for products that are not in season.
Vegetables are especially important to healthy parrots. A well-balanced diet should include plenty of dark greens, e.g. Kale, water-grass, and cress are all excellent choices. These foods contain high levels of calcium, which are vital for parrots' health. A calcium deficiency can cause seizures and feather plucking within some species.
Fruits should be consumed in lower quantities than vegetables, since the sugars may cause yeast problems (a frequent problem in parrots with immune deficiencies) and can cause obesity. The amount of nutrients in fruits also differs from one country to another and tropical varieties like mangos, papayas, and pomegranates are more beneficial than temperate varieties like bananas and apples.