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Caring For an African Grey Parrot African grey parrots, much like toddlers, are prone to becoming bored easily and need mental stimulation to prevent behavioral problems. If they aren't stimulated, they could be destructive or start screaming. Highly intelligent, they are arguably the most accurate mimics of all species of parrots. They can comprehend human speech. They face threats from the trade in pet animals and habitat loss. Feeding The dietary requirements of African greys are a little different from the other psittacine species. While they are omnivorous in the wild, they are more attracted to seeds over vegetables and fruits. In captivity, they are more likely to consume fruit and leafy vegetables than seeds. They are also prone to calcium deficiencies and obesity which is why it is essential for owners to monitor the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles should comprise 75% of a parrot's diet and it is recommended that they be purchased from reputable brands such as Harrisons, Murphy's or Vetafarm. Ideal diets should consist of a mixture of pellets and freshly prepared food items. A good proportion is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30 percent fresh foods. Silverbeet, spinach, and kale are some of the best options. Native plants and spouting grasses like dandelion greens, okra and okra are also beneficial. But, stay clear of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower as they are rich in oxalic acid. This can hinder the absorption of calcium into the body. Nuts are a great source of nutrients however they should be eaten in moderation because of their high fat content. They provide protein, healthy fats, as well as minerals and vitamins. The rest of the diet should consist of a mix of fruits and vegetables. It is best to stay clear of avocado as it is toxic to psittacines. Other food items that are toxic include chocolate, coffee, alcohol and raw potatoes. In the same way, if a parrot eats too many berries they can suffer from yeast problems in their digestive tract. A balanced diet is a great way to keep an African grey parrot happy and healthy. It is important to monitor the bird's weight and introduce new food in small amounts. Doing a daily weigh-in will allow you to observe any changes and then correct them. It is also a good idea to provide the bird with fresh water on a regular basis. This will help to avoid dehydration and bacterial infections. Food that is not consumed in the cage or play area could spoil and cause health problems for your bird. Training Parrots are extremely intelligent and are able to speak, however it may take days or even weeks to repeat back words they hear. A parrot who has been trained well can also do simple tricks and respond to signals. These activities keep a bird's mind stimulated and prevent them from becoming bored. Boredom can lead to unwelcome behaviors such as feather picking and destructive chewing. These issues require intervention from a professional. It's crucial to prevent over-bonding, as a parrot that becomes too attached to a person may become territorial and aggressive towards other animals. This can be very dangerous for children, elderly people or those suffering from allergies. To avoid this, everyone in a household must spend time each day playing with the parrot and interacting with it in various ways. This will make the bird more at ease being touched by members of the family and lessen the likelihood that it will develop an overprotective behavior. When a parrot is bonded to a single person it may bite and scratch at other family members or guests who try to touch or pet it. To prevent this from happening family members should take turns rubbing the bird or placing it into its cage. If a parrot exhibits aggression, it should be returned to its cage for some time and not handled until it calms down. During pet-loving sessions, be aware of areas that are considered “blood feathers” or “pinfeathers.” These feathers have a blood supply and can bleed if brushed against. If a blood or pinfeather feather is found to be exposed, it must be removed immediately and replaced with a new feather. Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. They should also be instructed to teach the bird how to label items, such as toys or food items. This will help the bird to learn to speak, and will also allow it to communicate with family members without having to be physically present. Health While the African grey is among the most intelligent parrots around the world, it can get bored quickly and use destructive behaviors when it is not provided with enough toys or other methods to exercise its brain. It also requires lots of mental stimulation in order to avoid self-mutilation, feather picks and excessive screaming. Parrots are expensive pets to have. The initial costs are high, and they require constant new toys that are quickly destroyed. They also are susceptible to infections and are costly to treat. grey african parrot need lots of interaction with their humans, including hours of playtime that includes games, puzzles and lessons. To remain strong and healthy, they need to spend hours each day exercising and out of their cage. The cage should be big enough for them to move around freely and spread their wings. It should be constructed from nontoxic, non-toxic materials and clean. It should come with a variety of kinds of perches, with different sizes and textures and be able to change between them. They also require the roost, which is usually a wooden post that is tall or a concrete perch in the corner of the cage. The parrots must always have fresh water available and this should be changed daily. They should be offered a variety of dark leafy greens, vegetables and fruits, with treats limited to a maximum of 10% of their diet. They should be provided with a wide range of nuts and seeds as well. The best quality formulated pellets or crumble should constitute approximately 75% of the diet. The majority of the problems with parrots are the result of a long-term dietary imbalance. Small irregularities can manifest as slow growth and development, poor quality plumage or breeding performance while more marked changes will manifest as specific diseases. Many of these are preventable by regular checks with an avian veterinarian and proper diet management. You can also read about how to care for yourself. African greys need mental stimulation and plenty of attention in order to be content. If a parrot becomes bored, it may display negative behaviors, such as aggression, self-mutilation or even feather picking. To ensure your pet's health, it is important to have regular veterinary examinations including fecal testing, vaccinations and feces. African greys are monogamous. grey african parrot form dedicated pair bonds which incubate eggs for up to 30 days and caring for the babies until they reach 10 weeks of age. They can fly, and are one of the most intelligent avian species. They live for a long time and are often able to outlive their owners, making them a popular pet worldwide. They are highly adaptive and are able to adapt to different environments. However they prefer a natural habitat with plenty of trees and perches. They can use their feet to balance and perch, with two faces back on each foot, and two facing forward on each foot, exactly as humans do. Their short beaks feature a curved upper mandible that is a perfect fit over the lower one to aid in cracking open seeds and nuts, and their strong grip can rip through wood and bark. In the wild, African greys will eat nuts, fruits, seeds and dark leafy greens as part of their balanced diet. Seeds should not make up more than 5% of the total and be supplemented by high-quality pellets or crumbles to prevent excessive pickiness. They should also be provided with various fresh fruits, vegetables as well as cooked legumes and beans. Fresh water should always be available, and cage cleaning is essential every day. If the diet isn't sufficient, supplements such as vitamin D or calcium may be required. The World Parrot Trust is working tirelessly to protect Grey & Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their numbers are decreasing due to illegal trade. Fortunately, they are protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also receive the highest protection under CITES. Learn more about these incredible parrots in our parrot dictionary!