The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot
A large investment, buying an African Grey Parrot. This bird can live for 50 years, so you'll want to make sure that you're ready to make the long-term commitment.
It is recommended to purchase a baby African Grey at a reputable pet store or breeder. This way, you'll be able to tell that the pet has been fully weaned.
Cage
A good cage will be one of the best purchase you make for your African Grey Parrot. They are a social species and require plenty of space in order to be happy. They require a space in which they can exercise and play. A large cage is essential and should be easy to clean. It should be constructed of an enduring material like powder-coated or stainless steel wire. It should be designed to prevent your bird from fleeing, and have a secure latch.
The cage should be large enough to accommodate a variety of perches. Parrots love to be in their cages, but must be able to return to their home. The cage must also have enough space between the bars to prevent your pet from getting stuck. A cage that opens up and includes a playstand on top is a great option since it can be moved from room to room.
Many people feed their African Grey parrots a standard commercial seed mix. This is usually packed with fat and is deficient in the essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey Parrots are used to a varied diet that includes a variety of seeds as well as fruits. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seeds, they could become sick and even die early.
A healthy african grey parrot requires proper diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. They should also be taken to the vet regularly for examinations and vaccinations. They are cheaper to own than a cat or dog. Additionally, if you buy exotic pet insurance for your pet 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. Quality bird food can make huge difference to the health and well-being of your African gray parrot, just like other animals you 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 rich in salt and sugar.
In the wild, African grey parrots often stay together at night in groups of thousands before dispersing into smaller flocks during the day to hunt and gather. They are very social birds and have complex relationships in their flocks. Unfortunately many domesticated African greys don't have the same degree of social interaction as they experience in the wild, and can be stressed by their isolation. Stress can lead to self-harm behaviors like tearing away their own feathers.
Parrots require a variety nutrients in order to stay healthy and active. Idealy they should receive a mix of grains, seeds and nuts, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Seeds like safflower, sunflower seeds and linseed are a good source of vitamins and protein. However, they lack micro-nutrients and should not make up a large portion of an African grey's diet.
Vegetables high in beta-carotene should be a staple in any captive African grey's diet. Greens like kale, mustard greens, spinach and the dandelion-colored greens are rich in calcium and provide a natural source of vitamin D. Other excellent vegetables include carrots, turnips and Okra. In addition the fruits that are high in calcium include apricots, endive, and figs. Find Out More and Filberts are a good source of calcium. However, be sure to feed them in moderation as they contain oxalic acid, which hinders the absorption of some of the other minerals your pet needs.
Toys
Like any other pet, African grey parrots need lots of toys to keep them mentally stimulated and occupied. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviors like feather-picking and biting. These toys also allow the bird to exercise outside their cage. Parrots that don't receive enough stimulation in their minds can become depressed, anxious and withdraw. They could even begin to lose weight.
Toys for an african gray parrot must be robust, safe, and made from non-toxic materials. The toys must be appropriate for the bird's age as well as level of activity. There are a variety of toys available for African greys, ranging from foot toys to puzzles for foraging. Some of these toys are expensive however the majority of chewing and shredding toys for parrots are affordable. Keep in mind that these toys need to be replaced regularly, so there is a cost that will continue to increase.
It is important to know that if you find an animal available for sale at an unusually low cost or at an incredibly high cost, it could be an indication of a scam. Prices that are low could indicate the existence of a breeding facility or birds that were illegally acquired, while high prices may be due to genetic claims or an identity that is fake. If you find yourself in such a situation, be sure to request DNA test results before making an purchase.
You might consider adopting an african gray parrot in need of an appropriate home if you wish to save money on a parrot. They are frequently abandoned by their previous owners due the lack of time or funds. You can find them in parrot rescue centers as well as adoption agencies. They might be less expensive than purchasing from a breeder, but they will still require a significant investment in terms of money, time 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 inborn ability to learn and understand human speech, which has pushed them to popularity in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated for a number of thousands of years, and make excellent pets if they are provided with the proper care. 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 require plenty of mental stimulation as well as environmental enrichment to avoid health and behavioral issues.
These birds require plenty of toys in and outside their cages to keep them busy. Toys that require them utilize their beaks like chewable leather toys and cardboard and newspaper to rip apart or foraging toys are popular. They also require numerous perches within their cage, with varying widths and heights. Water should always be readily available and it is recommended to use a shallow saucer for water to limit the possibility of bacteria-related infections.
Like all pets like any other pet, the African grey parrot requires regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure that they are healthy. This includes a thorough physical examination, nail trimming (if required) and tests in the laboratory. These checks every two years help to prevent disease, as well as detect potential health, nutrition, and behavioral problems.
It is essential to find a vet who is specialized in avian species, as these animals have specific needs. A first aid kit for avian species should be kept in the possession of the owner to treat common illnesses. Keeping the living environment clean is also vital to avoid bacterial and fungal infections. The cage should be cleaned frequently by removing all bedding and food waste and the perches must be cleaned as often as necessary.
Training
African greys are known for their intelligence, and they can learn very quickly. They can live up to 50 years, and are referred to as the most joyful bird in the room. They can learn to label items like food, toys and pieces of wood, and some can even use basic phrases and words. If you want your african grey to talk it's best to begin as a baby and teach him the word "yes" and "no" when asked. This will help him understand you and prevent repetitive, negative words like "shut up" and "no more".
Training sessions are brief but efficient. They can be as simple as two five-minute training sessions per day. During these sessions, the bird should be praised and given rewards for his progress. You should also allow the bird time in the cage for resting and relaxing. Introduce him to family and guests to help him get used to hearing different voices. You should also teach him to acclimate to loudness and not be scared of loud noises or disturbances.
Before you purchase an african grey, think about how much time you could dedicate to him. They require lots of attention, regular meals, and regular cleaning of their cage. You may need to employ a bird-sitter to take care of them while you are away. It is important to avoid unnecessary stress and costs. Many people buy a pet only to discover that it's not the best pet for them and they have to re-home it. This is extremely stressful for the pet and can lead to health issues.