The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot

Buying an African Grey Parrot is a significant investment. This bird can live for 50 years, so you'll want to ensure that you're ready to make the long-term commitment.

It is best to purchase an infant African Grey at a reputable pet store or breeder. You'll be aware that the parrot has been fully weaned.

Cage

A good cage is one of the most important purchases you make for your African Grey parrot. They are a very social species and they require lots of space to be content. They require a space in which they can exercise and play. It is crucial to have a large cage that is easy to clean. It should be made from a durable material such as stainless steel wire coated with powder. It is important to design it to prevent your bird from escaping, and should have a secure latch.

The cage must also be large enough to accommodate a number of perches. Parrots like to spend time in cages, but they must be able to return to their homes. The cage should also have enough space between the bars to keep your pet from becoming stuck. A cage that has 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 mix of seeds. This is usually high in fat and lacking in 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 get sick or die prematurely.

A healthy african grey parrot needs a regular diet, exercise and mental stimulation. They must also be taken to the veterinarian frequently to get vaccinations and checkups. However, they are not as expensive as a cat or dog. If you purchase exotic pet insurance, it will lower your veterinary costs.

Food

African grey parrots live for up to 80 years in captivity, so it's important to choose the right diet for your pet. Quality bird food can make an enormous difference in the health and well-being of your African gray parrot, and other animals you have at home. You can find a variety of parrot food in pet stores and online. You can also feed your African grey a variety of fruits, grains and vegetables. Avoid foods that contain a lot of salt and sugar.

In the wild, African grey parrots often roost together at night in large groups of thousands before dispersing into smaller flocks 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 do not have the same level of social interaction as they experience in the wild, and can be stressed by their isolation. This stress can cause them to self-harming behavior, such as cutting their feathers.

Parrots require a variety of nutrients to stay healthy and active. Idealy they should be fed a mix of seeds, grains and nuts, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. Safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, and linseeds are good sources of protein and vitamins. However, they are deficient in micronutrients and should not constitute 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 greens, spinach and dandelions are rich in calcium and a natural source of vitamin D. Other excellent vegetables include carrots, turnips and okra. Apricots, figs, and endive are also high in calcium. Hazelnuts and Filberts are an excellent source of calcium. However, be sure to offer them in moderation because they contain oxalic acid which blocks the absorption of some of your pet's other minerals.

Toys

African grey parrots require a variety toys, just like every other pet. They require to be stimulated mentally and kept occupied. They help avoid boredom as well as other destructive behavior such as feather picking chewing, biting and snorting. They also offer the opportunity to exercise outside their cage. Parrots who don't get enough mental stimulation may become anxious, depressed and withdrawn. They could even begin to lose weight.

Toys for an african gray parrot should be robust, safe, and made of non-toxic materials. The toys must be appropriate for the bird's age as well as level of activity. There are many 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 toys for parrots are affordable. Keep in mind that these toys need to be changed regularly and there's a constant cost.

It is important to know that if you see parrots available for sale at an unusually low cost or at an incredibly high price it could be an indication of fraud. Low prices might indicate a breeding mill or illegally obtained birds. Likewise, the high price could be related to genetic claims or a false identity. If you encounter this kind of situation, you should inquire about DNA results prior to making an purchase.

You might consider adopting an african gray parrot that requires a home if you want to reduce the cost of an animal. They are usually left behind by their previous owners because of an absence of time or funds. You can find them in rescue centers for parrots and adoption agencies. Although they are less expensive than buying from a breeder a significant investment will still be required in terms of time and money, as well as energy.

Health care

The African grey parrot is able to form strong bonds with humans. It is an intelligent bird. They have a natural ability to recognize and master human speech. This has made them very popular in the pet sector. These birds have been domesticated for thousands of years ago and are wonderful pets if they are properly cared for. However, these birds are very demanding and could cause stress to their owners if they don't get enough attention and love. Our Greeley veterinarians explain that these bird need plenty of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid health and behavioral issues.

To keep them busy they require an array of toys inside and outside the cage. Toys that require them to utilize their beaks such as chewable leather toys, and cardboard and newspaper to rip apart or foraging toys are popular. They require a variety of perches, and preferably a variety of sizes and widths. Water should always be readily available and it is recommended to use a shallow saucer for water to limit the possibility of bacterial infections.

The African grey parrot, just like any other pet, requires regular veterinary examinations to ensure their health. This includes a complete physical examination and nail trimming (if necessary) and laboratory tests. These annual checkups help avoid illness and detect potential nutritional, health and behavioral issues.

It is crucial to choose a veterinarian that specializes in avian animals as they have particular requirements. In addition to regular veterinary visits the pet's owner should have an first aid kit for avian species available to treat common ailments. To avoid fungus and bacterial infections, it is important to keep the living environment clean. The cage should be cleaned frequently, removing all soiled bedding and food debris and perches should be cleaned as often as necessary.

Training

African greys are known as intelligent and quick learners. They can live for up to 50 years, and are referred to as the most joyful bird in the room. They can be taught to label items such as toys, food and pieces of wood, and some can even use basic words and phrases. If you want your african grey to talk it's best to begin as a baby and train him to use the words "yes" and "no" when asked. This will help him be able to understand you and avoid repeated, negative phrases such as "shut up" and "no more".

Training sessions that are short but effective. They can be as simple as two five-minute sessions per day. During these sessions the bird should be praised and given rewards for their progress. Also, he should be allowed some time in the cage to rest and relax. It is recommended to introduce him to family members and friends so that he can become comfortable with different voices. You should also help your child adjust to loud sounds and not be scared.

Think about how much time you can dedicate to an african gray before buying one. They need a lot attention as well as regular meals and cleaning their cages. You might need to employ a bird sitter to care for them while you're away. It is important to avoid unnecessary stress and costs. Many people buy a parrot only to find that it is not the right pet for them, and they end up having to re-home it. This can be extremely stressful for the bird and cause health issues.