The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot
A large investment, buying an African Grey Parrot is a significant purchase. The bird's lifespan can be as long as 50 years, so you'll need to make sure that you're ready for the long-term commitment.
It is best to buy an infant African Grey from a reputable pet store or breeder. This way, you'll be able to tell that the parrot is fully weaned.
Cage
A well-designed cage is one of the most important purchases you can make for your African Grey Parrot . They are a social species and they require lots of space to be content. They also require a space to play and exercise. It is essential to have a big cage that is easy to clean. It should be constructed from an enduring material like stainless steel wire coated with powder. It must be designed to stop your bird from fleeing, and it should be secured with a latch.
The cage should be large enough to accommodate a variety of perches. Parrots like to spend time outside their cages but they should be able to come back to their home. In addition, the cage should have bar-spacing that is large enough to keep your bird from getting stuck. A cage that opens and includes a playstand on top is a good choice since it can be moved from room-to-room.
Many people feed their African Grey parrots a standard commercial seed mix. This is usually high in fat and deficient in key nutrients. In the wild, African Grey parrots have access to a wide variety of seeds and fruits, and they are adapted to eating an extensive diet. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seeds, they could become sick and even die prematurely.
A healthy african grey parrot requires a regular diet, exercise and mental stimulation. They also need to visit the vet regularly for checkups and vaccinations. They are more affordable to own than a cat dog. Moreover, if you get exotic pet insurance for your bird you can drastically cut down on your veterinary bills.
Food
African grey parrots can live up to 80 years in captivity, so it's important to choose the right diet for your pet. A high-quality bird food can make a difference in the health of your African grey as well as the other animals that you be sharing your home with. You can find a variety of parrot food in pet stores and online. You can also feed your African grey a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains. However, you should steer clear of foods that are high in salt and sugar.
In the wild, African grey parrots often gather at night in a swarm of thousands before dispersing into smaller groups during the day to hunt and gather. They are extremely social birds and have complex relationships in their flocks. Many domesticated African grays are unable to have the same social interactions as they do in the wild, which can cause stress. Stress can lead to self-harming behaviors, like cutting their feathers.
Parrots require a variety nutrients in order to remain active and healthy. Ideally they should be fed a mix of seeds, grains and nuts, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Safflower seeds, sunflowers seeds and linseeds are great sources of protein and vitamins. However, they lack micro-nutrients and should not make up a large portion of a captive African grey's diet.
Beta-carotene-rich vegetables should be a part of the diet of any African grey living in captivity. Greens like kale, mustard and other greens contain calcium and vitamin D. Apricots, figs, as well as endive are also full of calcium. Hazelnuts and Filberts are a good source of calcium. However, be sure to give them in moderation since they contain oxalic acids, which blocks the absorption of certain of your pet's other minerals.
Toys
African grey parrots require a variety toys, just like any other pet. They need to be stimulated mentally and kept occupied. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviours like feather picking, biting and chewing. They also provide an opportunity to exercise outside their cage. Parrots that don't receive enough stimulation for their minds may become depressed, anxious and withdrawn. They might even begin to lose weight.
Toys for an african gray parrot need to be durable, safe and made of non-toxic materials. The toys must be suitable for the bird's age as well as level of activity. There are numerous toys for African greys, ranging from foot toys to foraging games. Some of these toys can be expensive but most large chewing and shredding toys that are marketed for parrots are very cost-effective. Keep in mind that these toys need to be changed regularly and there is an ongoing cost.
If you see the sale of a bird at a cost that is unusually high or low, it could be a sign of a scam. Prices that are low could be a sign of a breeding mill or illegally obtained birds. Likewise, high prices might be linked to genetic claims or a fake identity. If you encounter this sort of situation, you should inquire about DNA test results prior to making an purchase.
You might consider adopting an african gray parrot that requires a home if you want to save money on the purchase of a parrot. These animals are often left behind by their previous owners because of an absence of time or funds. They can be found in parrot rescue centers and adoption agencies. They may be more affordable than buying from a breeder, but they will still require a substantial investment in terms of money, time and energy.
Health care
The African grey parrot can form strong bonds with humans. It is a highly intelligent bird. They are able to recognize and master human speech. This has made them very popular in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated for many thousands of years. They make wonderful pets if they are properly cared for. They are extremely demanding and can cause stress to their owners if not given enough love and attention. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds need plenty of mental stimulation as well as environmental enrichment to avoid behavioral and health issues.
These birds require plenty of toys inside and outside their cage to keep them entertained. Toys that require them use the beak such as chewable leather toys and cardboard and newspaper to rip apart or foraging toys are very popular. They also require numerous perches within their cage, and preferably of different heights and widths. Always have water available. It is recommended to use shallow saucers to reduce the risk of infection by bacteria.
Like any pet like any other pet, the African grey parrot needs regular veterinary checkups to ensure they are healthy. This includes a thorough physical exam as well as grooming (fingernail and toenail trimming if necessary), and tests in the laboratory (as required). These semi-annual checks help prevent disease, and can also help detect any potential health, nutritional, and behavioral problems.
It is crucial to choose a veterinarian that specializes in avian species, since they have specific needs. A first aid kit for avian species must be kept in the possession of the owner to treat common illnesses. Keeping the living environment clean is also essential to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. The cage should be cleaned regularly by removing any bedding and food debris. The perches should be cleaned when needed.
Training
African greys are believed as intelligent and quick learners. They can live up to 50 years, and are considered to be the most happy bird in the room. Some even speak basic phrases and words. They can be taught to label objects such as food, toys and wood. Begin to teach your african gray to speak when he's still a baby. Learn to teach him to say "yes" or "no" whenever you ask him. This will help him to be able to understand you and avoid repeated, negative phrases like "shut up" and "no more".
Training sessions that are short but effective. They can be as simple as two five-minute sessions per day. During these sessions the bird should receive praise and rewards for his progress. It is also important to allow him time in the cage for resting and relaxing. Introduce him to family members and guests to help him get used to hearing different voices. You should also teach your child to adjust to loud noises and not be afraid.
Before you purchase an african grey, consider how much time you could dedicate to him. They require lots of attention, regularly cooked meals and cleaning of their cage. They might also require a bird carer to take care of them while you are away. It is important to avoid stress and expense. Many people purchase a pet only to find out that it's not the best pet for their family. They end up having it re-homed. This can be extremely stressful for the pet and can lead to health issues.