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Caring For an African Grey Parrot African grey parrots, like toddlers, can get bored easily and require mental stimulation to avoid behavioral problems. They can be destructive or even cry if they don't receive enough stimulation. Highly intelligent, they are arguably the most accurate mimics of all parrot species and can understand human speech. They are threatened by the trade in pets and habitat loss. Feeding The dietary requirements of African greys are slightly different from the other large psittacine species. They are omnivores but prefer seeds over fruit and vegetables. In captivity in captivity, they are more likely than not to eat seeds and fruit. It is also important to observe the quality and quantity of their food intakes since they are at risk of excess weight and calcium deficiency. Pellets or complete crumbles are suggested to make up 75% or a parrot's daily diet. Ideal diets should include a mixture of pellets and freshly prepared food items. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10% seed and 30% fresh foods. Kale, spinach and silverbeet are among the best options. Also, native plants and sprouting grasses like dandelion leaves, endive and sweetcorn are beneficial. But, stay clear of cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage as they are rich in oxalic acid. This could hinder the absorption of calcium into the body. Nuts are a great source of nutrients however they should be consumed in moderation due to their fat content. They are rich in protein as well as healthy fats, and a few vitamins and minerals. The rest of your diet should be made up of a mix of fruits and vegetables. Avocado is poisonous to Psittacines. Other common toxic food includes alcohol, coffee, chocolate and raw potatoes. If a parrot eats too many berries, they may develop yeast issues in the gastrointestinal tract. A balanced diet is a great option to keep an African grey parrot content and healthy. It is important to monitor the bird's weight, and introduce new foods in small amounts. Doing a daily weigh-in will allow you to quickly observe any changes and then correct them. It's also a great idea to give the bird fresh water on a regular basis. This will help prevent dehydration and bacterial infections. It is also essential to remove any uneaten food from the cage or play area because it will spoil and could lead to health problems for your parrot. Training Parrots are able to quickly learn to speak. However, it might take them a few days or weeks to repeat the words they hear. A parrot that is trained properly can also perform simple tricks and respond to signals. These activities keep the bird's mind stimulated and keep them from becoming bored. In the event of boredom, it can lead to undesirable behaviors like feather-picking or destructive chewing. These issues require intervention from a professional. It is essential to avoid over-bonding because a parrot that is too attached to a person can become territorial and aggressive towards others. This could be dangerous for children as well as the elderly or people with allergies. To avoid this, 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 become more comfortable with being touched by all members of family members and reduce the possibility that it could develop a protective behavior. buying an african grey parrot that is tied to one person will typically start biting and pecking at visitors or family members when they attempt to pet it or even touch it. To prevent this from happening family members should take turns in petting the bird or placing it in its cage. If a parrot exhibits aggressive behavior then it should be put back in its cage and not handled for a few minutes. During petting sessions be aware of the areas that are referred to as “blood feathers” or “pinfeathers.” These feathers are a source of blood supply, and can cause bleeding when they are brushed against. If a blood feather or pinfeather becomes exposed and bleeds, it should be removed immediately and replaced with an entirely new one. In addition to petting, family members should be taught to say goodbye and hello to the parrot. They should also be taught to teach the bird to label items, such as food or toys. This will allow you to teach the bird to speak, and will also allow it to communicate with family members, without having to be physically near them. Health While the African grey is among the most intelligent parrots in the world, it can become bored quickly and resort to destructive behavior if not given enough toys or other opportunities to stimulate its mind. It also requires a lot of mental stimulation in order to avoid self-mutilation and feather picks as well as excessive screams. Parrots are not inexpensive pets to have – the initial costs are costly and they require a constant supply of toys that are destroyed quickly, plus food. They are also prone to infections and can be expensive to treat. These social birds require a lot of interaction with humans, such as hours spent playing games, solving puzzles, and learning lessons. They also require a lot of exercise and time out of cage each day to build strength and remain healthy. Their cage should be large enough to allow them to spread their wings and move from perch to perch. It should be constructed of non-toxic, non-toxic materials and clean. It should include a variety of types of perches with varying heights and textures and be able to switch between them. They also require a roost, usually a tall wooden post or an elevated concrete perch in the corner of the cage. Parrots need access to clean water throughout the day and is recommended to replenish it regularly. They should be fed a variety dark leafy greens and other vegetables and treats should be limited to 10% of their diet. Also, you should offer various nuts and seeds. High-quality formulated pellets or crumble should constitute approximately 75% of the food. The majority of parrot health issues are caused by a long-term nutritional imbalance. Small irregularities can be manifested as poor growth, bad plumage quality or breeding performance. More severe changes could manifest themselves as specific disease entities. A lot of these can be prevented by regular checks from an avian vet and appropriate diet management. You can also learn how to take care of yourself. African greys need mental stimulation and plenty of attention to be content. If a parrot becomes bored, it could display negative behaviors like aggression, self-mutilation, or even feather picking. To ensure your pet's health, it is important to have regular veterinary examinations including fecal testing, vaccinations and feces. African greys are monogamous. They form dedicated pair bonds, incubating eggs for 21 to 30 days and caring for the babies until they are about 10 weeks of age. They can fly, and are one of the most intelligent species of avian. They have long lifespans and are often able to outlive their human owners, making them popular pets around the world. They are highly adaptable and will adjust well to different environments however, they prefer a natural setting with plenty of perches and trees to explore. They are able to use their feet – two facing back and two facing forward on each foot – to aid in perch and balance, just as humans use their hands. Their short beaks have an upper mandible with a curvature that fits neatly over the lower to assist in breaking open nuts and seeds, and their strong grip could tear through bark and wood. In the wild, African grays will eat dark leafy greens, fruits seeds and nuts as a part of an optimum diet. Seeds should not make up more than 5% and be supplemented by high-quality crumbles or pellets to avoid pickiness. Additionally it is recommended to provide an assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits and cooked beans and lentils. Fresh water should be available and cage cleaning is required daily. Supplements such as vitamin D and calcium may be necessary 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 protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Wild Bird Conservation Act in the United States and receive the highest level of protection under CITES (International Trade in Species Controlled). Learn more about these amazing birds in our parrot encyclopedia!