The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot

Buying an African Grey Parrot is a major investment. The bird's lifespan can be as long as 50 years, so you'll want to make sure that you're prepared to make the long-term commitment.

It is recommended to purchase an infant African Grey from a reputable pet store or breeder. This way, you'll know that the parrot has been fully weaned.

Cage

A quality cage is among the most important purchases you will make for your African Grey parrot. They are a social animal and require lots of space to be happy. They also require a space to play and exercise. A large cage is necessary, and it must be easy to clean. It should also be constructed from a sturdy material like stainless steel or powder-coated wire. It should be designed to prevent your bird from fleeing and have a secure latch.

The cage must also be large enough to hold many perches. Parrots love to be outside of their cages but must be able to return to their homes. Additionally the cage should have bar-spacing that is large enough to prevent your bird from getting stuck. A cage with an upper playstand and that opens is a good choice because it can be moved around.

Many people feed their African Grey parrots a standard commercial seed mix. This mix is often high in fat and deficient in essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey Parrots are used to a varied diet that includes a variety of seeds and fruits. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seed mix, they may be sick or even die prematurely.

A healthy african grey parrot requires a regular diet, exercise and mental stimulation. They must also be taken to the veterinarian regularly for checkups and vaccinations. However, they are not as expensive to own as a cat or dog. If you purchase exotic pet insurance, it can reduce your veterinary costs.

Food

African grey parrots can last up to 80 years in captivity. It is therefore important to feed your pet an appropriate 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. There are many varieties of parrot food at pet stores and on the internet. You can also feed your African grey various grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, you should avoid foods high in salt and sugar.

In the wild, African grey parrots often roost together at night in a swarm of thousands before dispersing into smaller groups during the day to hunt and gather. They are very social birds and they manage complex relationships within their flocks. Unfortunately, many domesticated African greys don't have the same degree of social interaction that they encounter in the wild and may be stressed due to their isolation. This stress can lead to self-harm behaviors such as ripping out their own feathers.

Parrots require a variety of nutrients in order to remain healthy and active. Ideally, they should be fed a blend of grains, seeds, fruits, nuts, and fresh vegetables. Seeds like safflower, sunflower seeds and Linseed are excellent sources of vitamins and protein. They lack micronutrients, and shouldn't comprise a significant portion of an African grey's diet.

Beta-carotene rich vegetables should be part of the diet of any African grey residing in captivity. Greens such as kale and mustard greens contain calcium and vitamin D. Apricots, figs, as well as endive are also rich in calcium. Hazelnuts and Filberts are an excellent source of calcium. However, be sure to feed them in moderation as they contain oxalic acids, which hinders the absorption of some of your pet's other minerals.

Toys

African grey parrots need a variety of toys, just like every other pet. They require to be mentally stimulated and kept occupied. These toys can help to prevent boredom and other destructive behaviours like feather-picking chewing, biting and feather picking. These toys also allow birds to exercise outside their cage. Parrots who aren't getting enough mental stimulation may be depressed, anxious and withdrawn. They may even start to lose weight.

Toys that are used by African grey parrot must be safe, durable and ideally made of non-toxic materials. They should also be suitable to the bird's size and activity level. There are many toys for African greys, ranging from foot toys to foraging games. Some of these toys are expensive, but the majority of large chew and shredding toys marketed to parrots are affordable. Remember that these toys need to be replaced regularly which means there is an ongoing cost.

If you see a parrot being sold at a price unusually low or high it could be an indication of fraud. Prices that are low could indicate an establishment for breeding or birds that were illegally acquired and high prices could be due to genetic claims or a fake identity. Get DNA test results if you come across this type of situation.

Consider adopting an African gray parrot that requires a home if you are looking to lower the cost of an animal. 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 are less expensive than buying from a breeder, it is still a substantial investment be needed in terms of time, money and energy.

Health care

The African grey parrot is able to establish strong bonds with humans. It is a highly intelligent bird. They also have an inborn ability to understand and learn human speech, which has catapulted them to a renown in the pet sector. These birds have been domesticated for a number of thousands of years, and make wonderful pets when provided with the proper care. They are extremely demanding and can be stressful for their owners if not given enough love and care. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds require plenty of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid health and behavioral issues.

They require plenty of toys in and outside their cage to keep them busy. They enjoy playing with toys which require their beaks, including chewable leather toys, newspaper and cardboard that they can tear, and foraging toys. They also require numerous perches within their cage, preferably of various sizes and widths. Always have water available. It is best to use shallow saucers to minimize the risk of infection by bacteria.

Like all pets like any other pet, like all pets, the African grey parrot needs regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy. This includes a complete physical examination and nail trimming (if necessary) and tests in the laboratory. These checks every two years help to in preventing illness, and also identify potential health, nutrition, and behavioral problems.

It is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in avian species since these animals have particular needs. A first aid kit for avian species must be kept on hand by the owner to treat common ailments. Cleaning the living space is essential to avoid bacterial and fungal infections. The cage should be cleaned frequently by removing all food and bedding debris. The perches should be cleaned when needed.

Training

African greys are known for their intelligence, and they learn very quickly. They can live for up to 50 years and are considered to be the most happy bird in the room. Some even use basic phrases and words. They can be taught to label things like toys, food and even wood. Begin to teach your african gray to speak when he's a infant. Teach him to use "yes" or "no" whenever you want to. This will allow him to be able to understand you and avoid repetitive, negative words like "shut up" and "no more".

Training sessions are short, but effective. Two five-minute sessions a day are enough. During these sessions, the bird should be recognized and rewarded for his progress. Also, he should be allowed some time in his cage to relax and rest. It is beneficial to introduce him to family members and visitors so that he gets comfortable with different voices. You should also teach him to acclimate to loudness and not be scared of loud sounds or noise.

Think about how long you could devote to an african gray before buying one. They require lots of attention, regularly prepared meals, and regular cleaning of their cage. They may also require a bird sitter to take care of them when you are away. It is essential to avoid stress and expense. Many people purchase a pet and then discover it's not the best pet for their family. They end up having it re-homed. This can be very stressful for the pet and can lead to health issues.