The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot
Buying an African Grey Parrot is a significant investment. This bird can live up to 50 years. You'll need to be prepared for an extended commitment.
It's best to purchase an infant African Grey from a reputable pet store or breeder. This way, you'll know that the parrot is fully weaned.
Cage
A well-designed cage is among the most important purchases you will make for your African Grey parrot. They are a social animal, and they need a lot of space to be comfortable. They need a place in which they can play and exercise. A large cage is essential and should be easy to clean. It should also be constructed from a sturdy material like stainless steel or powder-coated wire. It should be designed so that your bird can't escape, and it must have a secure latch and hinges.
The cage must be large enough to accommodate many perches. Parrots enjoy spending time outside of their cages but must be able to return to their home. In addition the cage should have bar-spacing that is wide enough to prevent your bird from becoming stuck. A cage that opens up and has a play stand on top is a great choice since it can be moved from room-to-room.
Many people feed their African Grey Parrots a standard commercial mix of seeds. This is usually high in fat and deficient in the essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey parrots have access to a variety of seeds and fruits, and they are adapted to eating diverse diets. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seed mix, they may be sick or even die early.
A healthy african grey parrot requires a regular diet, exercise and mental stimulation. They also need to be seen by a vet regularly for examinations and vaccinations. They are less expensive to own than a cat or 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 to 80+ years in the wild. It is therefore crucial to feed your pet a healthy diet. Good bird food can make huge difference to the health and well-being of your African gray parrot, and other animals that you may have at home. Pet stores and online offer an array of food items for parrots. You can also feed your African grey a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains. But, you should stay clear of foods that are high in sugar and salt.
In the wild, African grey parrots often gather at night in groups of thousands before dispersing into smaller flocks during the day to hunt and gather. They are social birds and manage complex relationships within their group of birds. Unfortunately, many domesticated African greys don't have the same degree of social interaction they would experience in the wild, and can be stressed by their isolation. Stress can cause them to exhibit self-harm behavior, such as tearing out their own feathers.
Parrots require a broad range of nutrients to stay healthy and active. Ideally they should receive a mix of grains, seeds, and nuts, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Seeds like safflower seeds and sunflower seeds, as well as linseed are a good source of vitamins and protein. However, they are deficient in micronutrients and should not constitute a large portion of an African grey's diet.
Beta-carotene-rich vegetables should be a part of the diet of any African grey in captivity. Greens such as kale, mustard greens, spinach and the dandelion-colored greens are rich in calcium and provide an unnatural source of vitamin D. Other great vegetables include turnips, carrots and okra. Apricots, figs, and endive are also high in calcium. Filberts and hazelnuts are also rich in calcium, however they should be consumed with caution as they contain oxalic acid that hinder the absorption of other minerals.
Toys
African grey parrots require a variety of toys, just like any other pet. They require to be stimulated mentally and entertained. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviors like feather-picking and biting. They also provide an opportunity for exercise outside of their cage. Parrots who aren't getting enough stimulation for their minds may be depressed, anxious and withdraw. They could even begin to lose weight.
Toys that are used by African grey parrot must be safe, durable and made of non-toxic materials. The toys must also be appropriate for the bird's age as well as level of activity. There are many toys for African greys from foot toys to foraging puzzles. Some of these toys are expensive, but the majority of large chewing and shredding toys are affordable. It's important to keep in mind that these toys will need to be replaced on a regular basis, meaning there will be an ongoing cost associated with this.
If you spot an animal being sold at a price that is unusually low or high, it could be an indication of a scam. Prices that are low could be a sign of the existence of a breeding facility or illegally obtained birds and the high price could be related to genetic claims or a fake identity. Get DNA test results if you encounter this kind of situation.
You might consider adopting an african gray parrot that requires a home if you want to reduce the cost of the purchase of a parrot. They are frequently abandoned by their previous owners due to a lack of time or resources. You can find them in rescue centers for parrots and adoption agencies. They might be less expensive than buying from a breeder but will still require a significant investment in terms of time, money and energy.
Health care
The African grey parrot is a highly intelligent bird that is able to form strong bonds with humans. They also have an inherent ability to comprehend and learn human speech, which has catapulted them to a renown in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated since thousands of years and make wonderful pets if they are properly cared for. These birds are very demanding and can cause stress to their owners if they don't receive enough love and care. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds need lots of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid behavioral and health issues.
To keep them occupied, they need an array of toys in and out of the cage. Toys that require them to use the beak, such as chewable leather toys, as well as cardboard and newspaper to rip apart or foraging toys are popular. They require a variety of perches, and preferably different heights and widths. Always have water available. It is recommended to use shallow saucers to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
Like any pet, the African grey parrot needs regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure that they are in good health. This includes a thorough physical examination and nail trimming (if necessary) and tests in the laboratory. These checks every two years help to prevent illness and also identify potential health, nutrition and behavioral issues.
It is essential to select a veterinarian that specializes in avian animals as they have specific requirements. A first aid kit for avian species needs to be kept by the owner to treat common ailments. Keeping the living environment clean is also vital to avoid fungal and bacterial infections. The cage should be cleaned regularly by removing bedding and food debris. The perches should be cleaned as needed.
Training
African greys are known for their intelligence, and they learn very quickly. They are often the most joyful parrots in the room, and can live up to 50 years in captivity. They can learn to identify items such as toys, food items and wood pieces, and some will even communicate using basic phrases and words. Start teaching your african gray to speak when he's still a infant. Train him to say "yes" or "no" whenever you ask him. This will help him comprehend your message and avoid repetition of negative words like "shut up" or "no more".
Short, but effective training sessions. They can be as simple as two five-minute training sessions per day. During these sessions, the bird must be rewarded and praised for making progress. You should also give the bird time in the cage to relaxation and rest. It is recommended to introduce him to family members and friends so that he gets comfortable with different voices. You can also help him to acclimate to the volume of noise and not be afraid of loud sounds or disturbances.
Think about how much time you can devote to an african gray before you purchase one. They require a lot of care as well as regular meals and cleaning of their cages. They might also require a bird sitter take care of them when you are away. This is crucial to reduce stress and unnecessary costs. Many people purchase a parrot, only to discover that it's not the ideal pet for their family. blue african grey parrot end up having it relocated. This can be very stressful for the bird and cause health problems.