The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot
Buying an African Grey Parrot is a big investment. The bird's lifespan can be as long as 50 years, so it's important to ensure that you're ready for the long-term commitment.
It is best to buy an infant African Grey from a reputable breeder or pet store. You'll be able to tell that the parrot is fully weaned.
Cage
A quality cage is among the most important purchases you will make for your African Grey parrot. They are a very social animal and require lots of space to be happy. They need a place in which they can play and exercise. A large cage is essential, and it must be easy to clean. It should also be made of a strong material like stainless steel or powder-coated wire. It should be designed to prevent your bird from escaping, and it should be secured with a latch.
The cage should be large enough to accommodate several perches. Parrots love to get out of their cages, but they must be able to come back to their home. The cage should also have enough space between the bars to keep your pet from becoming stuck. A cage that has an elevated playstand and that opens up is a great option since it can be moved around.
Many people feed their African Grey parrots a standard commercial seed mix. This is usually high in fat and lacking in key nutrients. In the wild, African Grey Parrots are accustomed to a varied diet that includes a variety of seeds as well as fruits. If you give your African Grey parrot a seed mix that is overly rich and nutrient-dense, they could become sick and possibly die early.
A healthy african grey parrot needs a regular diet, exercise and mental stimulation. They also need to visit the vet frequently for checkups and vaccinations. But, they're not as expensive to own as a cat or dog. Moreover, if you get exotic pet insurance for your pet it will significantly lower the cost of veterinary care.
Food
African grey parrots can last up to 80 years in captivity. It is therefore important to provide your pet with an appropriate diet. Good bird food can make an enormous difference in the health and well-being of your African gray parrot, and other animals that you may have at home. You can find a variety of bird food in pet stores as well as online. You can also feed your African grey a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables. You should avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar and salt.
In the wild, African grey parrots often stay together at night in a swarm of thousands before dispersing into smaller groups during the day to hunt and gather. They are social birds and they manage complex relationships in their flocks. Unfortunately the majority of domesticated African greys don't have the same degree of social interaction that they encounter in the wild and are often stressed due to their isolation. Stress can lead to self-harming behavior, such as cutting their feathers.
Parrots require a variety nutrients to remain healthy and active. Idealy, they should be given a mixture of seeds, grains and nuts, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Seeds such as safflower seeds, sunflower seeds and Linseed are excellent sources of vitamin and protein. However, they lack micro-nutrients and should not make up the majority of a captive African grey's diet.
Beta-carotene rich vegetables should be part of the diet of any African grey residing in captivity. Greens like kale, mustard and other greens provide calcium and vitamin D. Apricots, figs and endive are also full of calcium. Filberts and hazelnuts are also rich in calcium, however they should be consumed with caution as they contain oxalic acids which hinder the absorption of other minerals.
Toys
Like all pets, African grey parrots need lots of toys to keep their minds stimulated and occupied. They can be used to prevent boredom and other destructive behaviors such as feather-picking and biting. These toys also allow the bird to exercise outside of their cage. Parrots who don't get enough stimulation for their minds may become anxious, depressed and even withdrawn. They might 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 suitable to the bird's age and level of activity. There are numerous toys for African greys, ranging from foot toys to foraging games. Some of these toys are expensive however, the majority of large chewing and shredding parrot toys are affordable. Be aware that these toys have to be replaced regularly and there's a constant cost.
If you spot an animal being sold at a price that is unusually high or low, 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. Likewise, high prices could be connected to genetic claims or a fake identity. Request DNA test results in the event of this type of situation.
Consider adopting an African gray parrot that needs a home if you want to save money on the purchase of a parrot. They are usually left behind by their previous owners due to an absence of time or funds. They are available in parrot rescue centers and adoption agencies. Although they may be less expensive than buying from a breeder, an investment of significant size will be required in terms time and money, as well as 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 learn and understand human speech, which has pushed them to a renown in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated for thousands of years and make excellent pets if they are given the right care. However, these birds can be highly demanding and may cause stress to their owners if they don't receive enough attention and love. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds require plenty of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid health and behavioral issues.
To keep them entertained, they need a variety of toys both inside and outside of the cage. They love playing with toys that require their beaks, such as chewable leather toys, newspapers and cardboard to tear and foraging toys. They need several perches, preferably with a variety of sizes and widths. Water should always be available, and it is best to make use of a shallow saucer for water to reduce the risk of bacteria-related infections.
Like any pet, the African grey parrot needs regular veterinary checkups to ensure that they are in good health. This includes a thorough physical examination as well as grooming (fingernail and toenail trimming when necessary), and tests in the laboratory (as required). These checkups every two years help avoid illness and detect potential health, nutritional, and behavioral issues.
It is essential to find a veterinarian who is specialized in avian species, as these animals have specific requirements. A first aid kit for avian species should be kept in the possession of the owner to treat common ailments. 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 debris and perches should be cleaned as often as necessary.
Training
African greys are believed as intelligent and quick learners. 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 such as food, toys and pieces of wood, and some can even use basic words and phrases. If you want your african grey to speak it is best to begin when he's a toddler and teach him to use the words "yes" and "no" when asked. This will help him comprehend you and stop repetitive, negative words such as "shut up" and "no more".
Training sessions that are short but effective. Two five-minute sessions per day are enough. During these sessions the bird should be given praise and rewards for progress. It is also important to allow him time in the cage to resting and relaxing. Introduce him to family and guests to help him get used to hearing different voices. You should also help your child adjust to loud sounds and not be scared.
Think about how much time you can devote to an african gray before you purchase one. They need a lot attention as well as regular meals and cleaning their cages. You might need to employ a bird sitter to take care of them while you're away. This is important to avoid stress and unnecessary expense. Many people purchase a parrot, only to discover that it's not the best pet for their family. They then have it re-homed. This can be extremely stressful for the pet and could cause health issues.