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Caring For an African Grey Parrot Similar to toddlers, African grey parrots can be bored quickly and require plenty of stimulation to avoid problems with their behavior. If they aren't stimulated, they could be destructive or start screaming. They are extremely intelligent and are able to mimic human speech. They are threatened by the trade in pet animals and habitat loss. Feeding The diet requirements of African greys differ from other large psittacines. While they are omnivorous in the wild, they prefer seeds to fruit and vegetables. In captivity they are more likely to eat fruits and leafy greens rather than seeds. They also are prone to calcium deficiencies and obesity which is why it is essential for owners to keep an eye on the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles should make up 75% of a bird's diet and it is recommended that they be sourced from quality brands like Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm. Ideal diets should include pellets as well as freshly prepared meals. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30 percent fresh food. Kale, spinach and silverbeet are among the best choices. Native plants and spouting grasses such as dandelion-like greens, endive and okra can also be beneficial. However, avoid cruciferous veggies like cauliflower and cabbage as they are rich in oxalic acid. This can hinder the absorption of calcium by the body. Nuts are a rich source of nutrients to your diet, but they should be eaten sparingly due to their fat content. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, as well as minerals and vitamins. The rest of your diet should comprise the combination of vegetables and fruits. It is best to stay clear of avocado since it can be toxic to the psittacines. Other common toxic foods include alcohol, chocolate, raw potatoes and coffee. If a parrot is consuming 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 essential to monitor the bird's weight, and to offer new foods in small amounts. The bird's weight is measured every day. This will allow you to identify any changes and rectify them. It is also a good idea to give the bird fresh water on a regular basis. This will help prevent dehydration and bacteria-related infections. It is also essential to take away any food items that are not consumed from the cage or play area since it can spoil and cause health issues for your parrot. Training Parrots are extremely intelligent and are able to speak, however it may take days or even weeks to repeat the words they hear. A parrot that has been trained well can also perform simple tricks and respond to cues. These activities keep the bird's mind stimulated and stop them from getting 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 crucial to stop bonding in the bud as if a bird becomes completely attached to one person in a family it may become territorial and aggressive to other members of the family. This can be very dangerous for people with disabilities, children or those with allergies. To avoid this, all members of the household should spend some time every day with the parrot in various ways. This will make the bird more at ease being loved by the family and decrease the chance that it will develop an overprotective behaviour. If a parrot is in a relationship to a single person, it will peck and bite at other family members or guests who try to pet or handle it. To prevent this from happening, family members should each take turns petting the bird or placing it in its cage. If a bird is showing 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 pet-loving sessions. These feathers contain a blood supply and may bleeding when touched. If a bloody feather or pinfeather becomes exposed to the elements, it should be removed immediately and replaced with an entirely new one. Family members should also be taught how to greet and say goodbye to the bird. The bird should be taught to identify food items or toys. This will make it easier for the bird to learn to speak and it will also enable it to communicate with family members without needing to be physically present. Health The African grey parrot is considered to be one of the smartest animals in the world. However, it can get bored and resort to destructive behaviors if not provided with enough toys or opportunities to exercise their mind. It also requires a large amount of mental stimulation to prevent self-mutilation excessive screaming and feather picking. Parrots aren't cheap pets to own as the initial costs are costly and they require constant new toys that are destroyed quickly, and food. They are also susceptible to infections, and are costly to treat. These highly social birds need lots of interaction with human counterparts, which includes hours of playtime that includes games and puzzles as well as lessons. They also require a lot of exercise and free time every day to build strength and remain healthy. The cage should be big enough for them to move freely and spread their wings. It should be constructed from nontoxic, non-toxic materials and clean. It should be equipped with various perches with different heights and textures so that the birds can switch between them. They also require an roost, typically an elevated wooden post or a concrete perch at the corner of the cage. The parrots must always have clean water and this should be changed daily. They should be fed a variety dark leafy greens and other vegetables, with treats being limited to 10 percent of their diet. They should be served various seeds and nuts as well. High-quality, formulated pellets or granules should comprise about 75% of the diet. The majority of parrot disease issues are caused by a long-term nutritional imbalance. Minor problems will manifest as slow growth and development, bad quality plumage or breeding performance, while more severe changes will manifest as distinct diseases. african grey parrots for adoption of these issues can be avoided with regular well-checks by an avian veterinarian and proper diet management. You can also learn how to care for yourself. Like any other bird, African greys require lots of focus and stimulation to be happy. If a parrot is bored it will be depressed and show negative behaviors, such as aggression, self-mutilation, or feather picking. It is important to have routine veterinary exams, fecal screening and vaccinations done to ensure that your pet is healthy. African greys form monogamous couples and lay eggs for 21 to 30 days. They take care of their children until they reach around 10 weeks old. They are able to fly and are among the most intelligent species of birds. They live long and can often outlive their human owners, which makes them popular pets around the world. They are extremely adaptable and can be adapted to a variety of environments however, they prefer a natural environment with lots of trees and perches 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, exactly like humans do. Their short beaks have a curved upper mandible that is a perfect fit over the lower to help them crack open nuts and seeds, and their strong grip can cut through bark and wood. In the wild, African greys will eat nuts, fruits, seeds and dark leafy greens as a part of their balanced diet. Seeds should not constitute more than 5% and be supplemented with high-quality pellets or crumbles to prevent the possibility of picking. They should also be provided with various fresh fruits, vegetables, and cooked beans and legumes. Fresh water must always be available, and cages must be cleaned daily. If the diet is not adequate, supplements like calcium or vitamin D may be required. The World Parrot Trust works tirelessly to safeguard Grey and Timneh parrots as well as their habitats, however, their population is declining due to illegal trade and captive breeding. They are, however, protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also receive the highest level protection under CITES. Learn more about these incredible parrots in our parrot dictionary!