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Caring For an African Grey Parrot African grey parrots, much like toddlers, are prone to becoming bored quickly and require mental stimulation to avoid behavioral problems. They could become destructive or scream if they don't get enough mental stimulation. They are extremely intelligent and are able to mimic human speech. They are threatened by the trade in pet animals and habitat loss. Feeding The diet requirements of African greys differ from those of other large psittacines. They are omnivorous, but they prefer seeds over fruit and vegetables. In captivity they are more likely to eat fruit and leafy vegetables than seeds. It is also crucial to observe the quality and quantity of their diets as they are at risk of excess weight and calcium deficiency. Pellets or complete crumbles are suggested to comprise 75% of a bird's daily diet. Ideally the diet should comprise a mix of pellets and fresh food. A good ratio is 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30 percent fresh food. Silverbeet, kale and spinach are among the top choices. Also native plants and spurgeoning grasses like dandelion leaves, sweetcorn and endive are good choices. But, stay clear of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower as they are high in oxalic acids, which can block the absorption of calcium in the body. Nuts are rich in nutrients however, they should be eaten in moderation because of their high fat content. They are rich in 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 recommended to stay clear of avocado as it is toxic to psittacines. Other common toxic food includes alcohol, coffee, chocolate and raw potatoes. If a parrot eats too many berries, they may develop yeast problems in the gastrointestinal tract. A balanced diet is an excellent way to keep an African grey parrot happy and healthy. It is important to monitor the bird's weight and introduce new foods in small quantities. It is a good idea to weigh the bird daily so that any changes can be easily observed and be rectified. Offering the bird regularly water is an excellent idea too. This will help to avoid dehydration and bacterial infections. Unfinished food in the cage or in the play area may spoil and cause health problems for your bird. Training Parrots are easily taught to speak. However, it might take them days or weeks to repeat back the words they hear. A parrot that is trained properly can also perform simple tricks and respond to signals. These activities keep a bird's mind active and stop 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 important to nip over the bonding process early in the event that a parrot becomes totally attached to a single member of the family, it could become territorial and threatening to others. This can be very dangerous for children, elderly people or those with allergies. To prevent this from happening it is recommended that all members of the household should spend some time each day playing with and engaging with the parrot in different ways. This will make the bird more comfortable being handled by members of the family and reduce the chance that it will develop an overprotective behavior. A parrot that is bonded to a single person will usually start biting and pecking other family members or visitors when they try to pet or touch it. To prevent this from happening it is recommended that each family member take turns rubbing the bird before putting it in its cage. If a parrot is displaying aggression, it should be returned to its cage for a short time and not handled until it calms down. During petting sessions, be aware of areas that are thought to be “blood feathers” or “pinfeathers.” These feathers are a source of blood supply and may bleed when they are they are brushed against. If a blood or pinfeather feather is exposed, it should be promptly clipped and replaced with a fresh feather. Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. The bird should also be taught to identify food items or toys. This will make it easier for the bird to learn to speak and will allow it to communicate with other family members without needing to be physically present. Health The African grey parrot is considered to be one of most intelligent in the world. However, it is prone to get bored and resort to destructive behaviors if they are not provided with enough toys or methods to exercise their mind. 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 expensive, and they require a constant supply of toys that are quickly destroyed. They can also be susceptible to infections, which can be costly to treat. These highly social birds need lots of interaction with humans, including hours of playtime that includes games, puzzles and lessons. To stay strong and healthy they must spend hours each day exercising and escaping their cage. The cage should be big enough for them to move around freely and spread their wings. It must be safe, clean and made of non-toxic materials. It should include various perches with different heights and styles to allow birds to change between them. A roost is likewise required and is typically made of concrete or a wooden perch at the corner of the cage. The parrots should always have fresh water available and this should be changed daily. They should be offered an assortment of dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, with treats limited to a maximum of 10% of the diet. You should also offer a variety of seeds and nuts. About 75% of their diet should be made up of high-quality pellets or crumbles. The majority of parrot health issues are caused by a long-term nutritional imbalance. Small irregularities can be manifested as poor growth, poor plumage quality or breeding performance. More severe changes could appear as distinct diseases. Many of these can be prevented through regular check-ups by an avian veterinarian and proper diet management. Care African greys require mental stimulation and plenty of attention to be happy. If a parrot becomes bored, it can become depressed and exhibit negative behaviors such as aggression, self-mutilation and feather-picking. It is crucial to conduct regular veterinary examinations as well as fecal screening and vaccinations done to ensure that your pet stays healthy. african grey parrot care are monogamous. They form dedicated pair bonds which incubate eggs for up to 30 days, and caring for the young until they fledge at about 10 weeks old. They fly and are among the most intelligent species of birds. They can live a long time and often outlive their owners, which makes them a beloved pet in the world. They are extremely adaptable and will adjust well to a variety of environments However, they prefer a natural habitat with plenty of perches and trees to explore. They are able to utilize their feet with two faces facing back and two facing forward on each foot – to help balance and perch, much as humans do with their hands. Their beaks are short and have an upper mandible that fits over the lower. This allows them to crack open nuts, seeds and wood. In the wild, African greys will eat nuts, fruits seeds, dark leafy greens as part of their balanced diet. But, seeds should make less than 5percent of the total diet and should be supplemented by high-quality formulated pellets or crumbles that prevent the emergence of pickiness. Additionally, they should be offered a variety fresh fruits, vegetables as well as cooked beans and lentils. Fresh water should be available, and cage cleaning is essential every day. Supplements such as calcium and vitamin D may be necessary if the diet is not nutritionally balanced. The World Parrot Trust works tirelessly to protect Grey and Timneh parrots and their habitats, however, their population is declining due to illegal trade and captive breeding. Fortunately, they are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Wild Bird Conservation Act in the United States and receive the most protection under CITES (International Trade in Species Controlled). Learn more about these fascinating birds in our parrot Encyclopedia!