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Caring For an African Grey Parrot Like toddlers, African grey parrots can get bored quickly and need plenty of stimulation to avoid problems with their behavior. They can be destructive or scream if they don't get enough mental stimulation. They are extremely intelligent and can imitate human speech. The pet trade and destruction of habitats are the primary threats to them. Feeding The dietary requirements of African greys differ from those of other large psittacines. Although they are omnivores in the wild, they prefer seeds over vegetables and fruits. In captivity, they are more likely than not to eat fruits and seeds. They are also prone to calcium deficiencies and obesity therefore it is crucial for pet owners to check the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles should comprise 75% of a bird's diet and it is recommended that they be sourced from quality brands like Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm. Ideally, the diet should contain a mixture of pellets and fresh foods. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30 percent fresh food. The best choices are spinach, kale, silverbeet, pak choi, sweetcorn, carrots, broccoli and more. Also native plants and spurgeoning grasses such as dandelion leaf, sweetcorn and endive are both beneficial. Avoid cruciferous veggies like cabbage and cauliflower since they are high in levels of oxalic acid, which may hinder calcium absorption in the body. Nuts are a great source of nutrients however they should be consumed in moderation due to their high fat content. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. The rest of the diet should be made up of a mixture of fruits and vegetables. Avocado is poisonous to Psittacines. Other common toxic foods include chocolate, alcohol and coffee and raw potatoes. If a parrot consumes excessive amounts of fruits, they may develop yeast problems in the gastrointestinal tract. A well-balanced diet is a great way to keep an African grey parrot happy and healthy. It is crucial to keep an eye on the bird's weight and to provide new food items in small quantities. It is recommended to weigh the bird every day so that any changes could be spotted and swiftly be rectified. It is also a good idea to offer the bird fresh water on a regular basis. This will prevent dehydration and bacterial infection. It is also essential to remove any uneaten food from the cage or play area because it can spoil and cause health issues for your pet. Training Parrots are easily taught to speak. However, it could take them a few days or weeks to repeat back the words they hear. A highly-trained parrot can also respond to cues and do simple tricks. These activities keep a bird's brain engaged and keep them from becoming bored. In the event of boredom, it can lead to undesirable behaviors such as feather picking and destructive chewing. These issues require intervention from a professional. It is important to stop bonding in the bud, because if a parrot becomes a devoted person in a family it could become territorial and aggressive to others. This could be harmful for children as well as the elderly or people who suffer from allergies. To avoid this, everyone in the household must spend time each day playing with the bird and playing with it in a variety of ways. This will help the bird become more comfortable with being touched by everyone in the family and decrease the possibility that it could develop an overprotective behavior. If a parrot is in a relationship to a single person, it may bite and peck at family members or guests who try to pet or handle it. To prevent this from happening, each family member should take turns petting the bird and putting it in its cage. If a bird exhibits aggression and is threatening to harm another bird, it should be placed back in its cage and not handled for a period of time. During the petting sessions be aware of the areas that are referred to as “blood feathers” or “pinfeathers.” These feathers have a blood supply, and can cause bleeding when brushed against. If a blood feather or pinfeather becomes exposed to the elements, it should be removed immediately and replaced by a new one. In addition to petting, family members should be taught how to say goodbye and hello to the parrot. The bird should be taught how to identify food items or toys. This will make it easier to teach the bird to speak and will also allow it to communicate with family members, without having to be physically close to them. Health While the African grey is among the most intelligent parrots in the world, it can get bored quickly and use destructive behaviors in the absence of toys or other opportunities to exercise its mind. It also requires a amount of mental stimulation to avoid self mutilation, feather-picking and loud screams. Parrots can be costly pets to have. The initial costs are high, and they require constant new toys that get destroyed quickly. They can also be susceptible to infections, which can be expensive to treat. These social birds require plenty of interaction with their humans, including hours of playtime involving games or puzzles, as well as lessons. To stay healthy and strong, they need to be active for hours every day and out of their cage. blue african grey parrot should be large enough for them to move around freely and spread their wings. It should be constructed of non-toxic, non-toxic materials and clean. It should include a variety of kinds of perches, with different sizes and textures in order to switch between them. A roost is also required, which is usually made of concrete or a wooden perch that is placed at the corner of the cage. Parrots must have access to fresh water at all times and it must be replenished regularly. They should be provided with an assortment of dark leafy greens, vegetables and fruits, with treats limited to a maximum of 10% of the diet. You should also offer a variety of nuts and seeds. Around 75% of their diet should consist of high-quality crumbles or pellets. The majority of parrot-related diseases are the result of a long-term diet imbalances. Small irregularities can manifest as slow growth and development, low quality plumage or breeding performance while more marked changes will manifest as specific disease entities. Many of these can be prevented with regular well-checks from an avian vet, and proper diet management. Care Like all birds, African greys require lots of attention and mental stimulation to be content. If a parrot becomes bored, it will become depressed and may exhibit negative behaviors, such as aggression, self-mutilation, or feather-picking. To ensure your pet's health, it is important to regularly undergo veterinary exams including fecal testing, vaccinations and feces. African greys form monogamous groups and incubate eggs for 21-30 days. They care for their children until they reach about 10 weeks old. They are able to fly and are one of the most intelligent species of avian. They live for a long time and often outlive their owners, which makes them a beloved pet in the world. They are highly adaptive and can adapt to different environments. However they prefer a natural environment with plenty of trees and perches. They can use their feet to balance and perch, with two faces back on each foot and two facing forward on each foot, exactly like humans do. Their beaks are short and have an upper mandible with a curvature that is a perfect fit over the lower mandible to assist in breaking open seeds and nuts, and their strong grip could tear through bark and wood. In the wild, African grays will eat dark leaves, greens, nuts and seeds as part of a balanced diet. Seeds should not make up more than 5% of the total and be supplemented with high-quality crumbles or pellets to prevent excessive pickiness. Additionally they should be served with an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables and cooked lentils and beans. Fresh water must always be accessible, and cages should be cleaned every day. Supplements like vitamin D and calcium could be required if the diet is not nutritionally balanced. The World Parrot Trust is working hard to protect Grey and Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their populations are declining due to illegal trade. Fortunately, they are protected under the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also enjoy the highest level protection under CITES. Learn more about these fascinating birds in our parrot Encyclopedia!