Should You Buy a Grey Parrot?
African grey parrots can create bonds with humans. They are intelligent birds. However these birds aren't suitable for pet owners with no experience because they require a lot of attention and exercise to prevent health or behavioral issues.
In the wild, African Greys are social animals that form groups to accomplish daily tasks. If left alone or isolated they can be destructive and even feather pluck.
Health
African grey parrots have been known to live up to 80 years in captivity and are among the world's smartest creatures. They are very social and can learn to speak a variety of words and phrases. However, they can be very loud and require plenty of mental stimulation. This is why it's important to consider whether you're able to manage the volume of noise produced by these birds, before you purchase one.
If you decide to buy an African gray, ensure that your lifestyle is compatible with their requirements. If you work long hours and spend long periods away from home, be aware of whether an African gray is right for you. They're not likely to be happy in a solitary setting and could become bored.
It is also worth considering whether you and your family are able to handle the noise levels of an African grey. They are vocal birds and they make lots of whistles, calls and very loud screeches! This is a part of their natural instincts and allows them to communicate with their flock members in the wild. If they're feeling unhappy or bored then they may end up screaming and biting.
If you can manage these noises, and give your African grey plenty of interaction with humans you'll find that they are very loving and sweet. They are also a joy to have. They are also extremely loyal and will bond with their owner for the rest of their life.
Sadly, due to the popularity of African gray parrots and their increasing numbers in the wild are decreasing. This is due to the over capture of these birds to the pet market as well as the destruction of forests in several parts of the range. If you're still keen to acquire an African Grey, you should make sure you purchase from a reputable breeder. They can 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
Parrots can be an excellent companion and can provide a profound understanding. It can form bonds with you that will last for a lifetime. They are extremely intelligent and can learn to speak, whistle and mimic. They can also learn to speak and respond to certain commands and questions. This is a wonderful and special bond that can be both satisfying and frustrating.
Parrots need constant interaction and care to remain happy and healthy. They enjoy playing and learning new things and will be extremely connected to you. They will learn to recognize your voices and will frequently greet you with chirps when you come home from school or work. They will also be attracted to their favorite food, toys and music.
Many people worry that their parrot will be so over bonded to them that they'll behave in a hostile way towards other members of the family or even strangers. It is possible, but it is important to train your pet from the very beginning to be tolerant of all members of the household. This will prevent the pet from becoming too attached to a single person, and will help to train the bird to to interact with other animals.
The training should be started as early as possible so that the bird has time to understand the commands. If you begin training too late, your pet will have a tough to establish trust you and will eventually become nervous. You should first teach your pet to recall by walking and then start training it to perform simple tricks.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method to train your pet. You can reward your pet with a small reward after it follows each instruction. This will encourage the bird to follow the command, and will reinforce good behavior as well in reprimanding bad behavior.
The African grey is a stunning bird with a unique vocabulary and intelligence. This beautiful and playful bird will win your heart and be a part of your family for all of. It is important to note that the wild populations of these birds is threatened because of the demand for their beauty and ability. They are often snatched from the wild by poachers, and also impacted by the loss of forests.
Care
African grey parrots are intelligent, and they form a strong connection with humans. They can learn 1,000 words and speak sentences when taught correctly. In reality they are considered one of the smartest birds in the world. Since the beginning of time, they were kept as pet birds. They can be very sensitive towards their handlers. In the wild they are a target for large cats and snakes. In a lot of areas they also face destruction of their habitats.
The bird is a popular pet in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East because of its long life span and ability to mimic human speech. Their population is declining because of the over-tightening of birds for the pet industry and destruction of habitats in Africa.
They require a high-quality pellet diet, and fresh vegetables and fruits. They should also have clean, fresh water available at all times. Some vets for avian species recommend the addition of dietary supplements, but they should be handled with care.
They require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and if they don't get enough, they can start to behave in a variety of undesirable ways such as self-mutilation, or screaming. If casco parrot for sale of purchasing an African grey, it's crucial to talk to your veterinarian for avian health prior to making the decision.
These animals love to play, and they will enjoy toys, puzzles and playing with their owners. They also need to spend at least some time a day out of their cages which is why a medium-sized or large cage is needed to provide them with the space they require.
Ideally the African grey should be kept in a house with other birds. They are not suitable for children who aren't yet of five, since they can be destructive or bite. They can also be territorial and they will react aggressively when they feel their territory is being threatened.
They can live to be as old as 80 years in captivity and are prone to being sensitive to changes in the environment. They might become jealous of a new baby in the family, or might be irritated by the arrival of a new partner or spouse. If they're unhappy they might scream or gnaw at their own feathers.
Diet
In their natural habitat African greys are part of multi-family groups and display altruistic behaviours such as grooming and re-ingestion of food to feed other birds. In captivity, this requirement for companionship is fulfilled by offering social interaction with a variety of toys and chewable branches. You can also meet this need by providing a healthy diet that is rich in pellets fruit and vegetables.
Pellets are an essential part of a parrot's diet. They should comprise 75-80% of its total intake of food. These pellets are very digestible and have a lovely texture. They also add flavor to the diet of the parrot. Nuts, seeds and a variety of vegetables must also be included. The diets available for African grays are well-balanced and reduce the risk of nutritional deficiency.
In the wild, African grays are natural foragers. They can travel long distances in search of grubs or insects on tree bark or a variety of fruits. It is possible that they may consume animal protein and meat however I haven't observed my birds exhibit any interest in. It is acceptable to give young birds a small portion of cooked drumstick chicken flesh, however, it is best to avoid it because it could cause stomach upsets.
The nutrient content of fresh foods changes all through the year and captive parrots should be provided with an annual menu. This will allow the parrots to enjoy the full spectrum and texture of the wild rainforest counterparts, without paying too much for non-seasonal, special products.
Vegetables are essential for healthy parrots. A balanced diet should contain plenty of dark greens, e.g. kale, water-grass and cress. The high levels of calcium found in these plants are essential for the health of parrots. Deficiency in calcium can lead to seizures and feather plucking within certain species.
Fruits should be consumed in smaller quantities than vegetables, as sugars can cause yeast issues (a common issue for immune-compromised parrots) and can cause obesity. The content of nutrients in fruits can also vary between countries, and tropical varieties such as mangos, papayas, and the pomegranates have more benefits than temperate bananas and apples.
