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Caring For an African Grey Parrot African grey parrots, just like toddlers, can get bored easily and require mental stimulation to avoid behavioral problems. If they aren't stimulated, they could become destructive or start screaming. Highly intelligent, they are the most accurate mimics of all parrot species and can recognize human speech. The trade in pets and destruction of habitats are the biggest threats to them. Feeding The diet requirements of African greys differ from other large psittacines. They are omnivores, however, they prefer seeds over fruits and other vegetables. In captivity they are more likely to eat fruits and leafy greens rather than seeds. They are also susceptible to obesity and calcium deficiencies which is why it is essential for pet owners to check the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles should comprise 75% of a parrot's diet, and it is recommended that they be procured from top brands like Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm. Ideal diets should include pellets as well as freshly prepared food items. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10% seed and 30% fresh foods. Silverbeet, kale and spinach are some of the best choices. Native plants and spouting grasses like dandelion greens, endive and okra can also be beneficial. Avoid cruciferous veggies like cabbage and cauliflower as they contain high levels of oxalic acids which hinder calcium absorption by the body. Nuts are a nutrient-dense addition to a diet, but should be fed sparingly because of their fat content. They provide protein, healthy fats and some vitamins and minerals. The rest of your diet should be made up of a mix of vegetables and fruits. Avocado is poisonous to psittacines. Other food items that are toxic include chocolate, coffee, alcohol and raw potatoes. If a parrot eats too many fruits, they could develop yeast-related problems in the gastrointestinal tract. A balanced diet is an excellent way to keep an African grey parrot happy and healthy. It is essential to monitor the bird's weight and to provide new food items in small amounts. The bird's weight is measured every day. This will enable you to swiftly identify any changes and rectify them. It is also a good idea to offer the bird fresh water on a regular basis. This will help to avoid dehydration and bacterial infections. It is also essential to take away any food items that are not consumed from the cage or play area as it will spoil and could cause health issues for your pet. Training Parrots are highly intelligent and are able to easily learn to speak, although they may take days or even weeks to repeat back words they hear. A parrot that is trained well can also do simple tricks and respond to cues. visit the following post keep the bird's mind stimulated and keep them from becoming bored. Boredom can lead to unwelcome behavior like feather picking and destructive chewing. These problems require professional intervention. It is essential to avoid over-bonding, as a parrot that is too attached to a person may become territorial and aggressive towards other animals. This can be very risky for elderly people, children or those with allergies. To prevent this from happening it is recommended that all members of the household should spend time each day playing with and engaging with the parrot in various ways. This will allow the bird to become more comfortable with being touched by everyone in family members and reduce the likelihood that it will develop over protective behavior. If a parrot is in a relationship to a single person it may bite and scratch at family members or guests who try to touch or pet it. To avoid this, each family member should take turns petting the bird and putting it in its cage. If a parrot is displaying aggressive behavior, it should be returned to its cage for a period of time and not handled until it calms down. Be aware of “pinfeathers” or “blood feathers” during petting sessions. These feathers contain a blood supply, and could bleed when they are touched. If a blood or pinfeather feather is exposed, it should be promptly clipped and replaced with a new feather. In addition to petting, family members should be taught how to say goodbye and hello to the parrot. The bird should also be taught to label toys or food. This will help the bird to learn to speak, and will allow it to communicate with other family members without needing to be physically present. Health While the African grey is one of the most intelligent parrots in the world, it can become bored quickly and use destructive behaviors when it is not provided with enough toys or other ways to exercise its mind. It also requires a lot of mental stimulation to avoid self-mutilation and feather picks as well as excessive screams. Parrots are expensive pets to have. The initial costs are expensive, and they require a constant supply of toys that get destroyed quickly. They are also susceptible to infections and are expensive to treat. These highly social birds require lots of interaction with their humans, including hours of playtime that includes games and puzzles as well as lessons. To stay healthy and strong they should spend hours each day exercising and out of their cage. alex the african grey parrot should be big enough for them to move freely and spread their wings. It should be made of non-toxic, non-toxic substances and clean. It should have many different kinds of perches that have different heights and textures, so that they can change them. A roost is likewise required typically made of concrete or a wooden perch in the corner of the cage. The parrots should have fresh water available and this should be refilled daily. They should be offered an assortment of dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables and treats should be limited to no more than about 10% of the diet. They should be provided with a wide range of nuts and seeds, as well. High-quality, formulated pellets or granules should constitute approximately 75% of the diet. Most disease problems in parrots are caused by long-term diet imbalances. Small irregularities can be manifested as poor growth, bad plumage quality, or poor breeding performance. More significant changes may be a sign of specific diseases. Many of these issues can be avoided with regular well-checks by an avian veterinarian and appropriate diet management. You can also read about how to take care of yourself. As with all birds, African greys require lots of attention and mental stimulation in order to be happy. If a bird is bored, it will become depressed and exhibit negative behaviors such as aggression, self-mutilation, or feather-picking. It is crucial to conduct regular veterinary exams including fecal screening, vaccinations and feces performed to ensure that your pet stays healthy. African greys form monogamous groups and incubate eggs for 21-30 days. They tend to their babies until they reach approximately 10 weeks old. They can fly and are among the most intelligent species of birds. They can live a long time, and often outlive their owners, making them a beloved pet in the world. They are extremely adaptable and will adjust well to many different environments However, they prefer a natural environment with plenty of perches and trees to explore. They can use their feet to balance and perch – with two faces back on each foot and two facing forward on each foot, just like humans do. Their beaks are short and have an upper mandible which fits over the lower. This helps them crack open nuts, seeds and wood. In the wild, African greys will eat fruits, nuts seeds, dark leafy greens as part of their balanced diet. Seeds should not make up more than 5% of the total and be supplemented with high-quality crumbles or pellets to prevent pickiness. They should also be provided with various fresh vegetables, fruits and cooked legumes and beans. Water that is fresh and clean should always be available, and cage cleaning is essential every day. Supplements such as vitamin D and calcium may be required if the diet is not nutritionally complete. The World Parrot Trust is working tirelessly to protect Grey & Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their numbers are decreasing due to illegal trade. They are, however, protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also enjoy the highest protection under CITES. Find out more about these incredible birds in our parrot encyclopedia!