The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot

Buying an African Grey Parrot is a big investment. The bird can live for up to 50 years. You'll need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.

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

Cage

A quality cage is one of the most important purchases you make for your African Grey Parrot. They are a social animal and require plenty of space to be happy. They require a space where they can play and exercise. It is important to have a large cage that is easy to clean. It should be constructed of a durable material such as stainless steel wire or powder coated wire. It should be designed to prevent your bird from escaping, and should have a secure latch.

The cage should also be large enough to hold several perches. parrots african grey for sale love to be outside of their cages but must be able return to their home. Additionally the cage should be equipped with bar-spacing that is wide enough to prevent your bird from getting stuck. A cage that has an elevated playstand and that opens up is a good choice because it can be moved around.

Many people feed their African Grey Parrots a standard commercial mix of seeds. It is usually packed with fat and is deficient in essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey parrots have access to a variety of seeds and fruits, and they are adapted to a diverse diet. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seed mix, they may get sick or die prematurely.

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

Food

African grey parrots live up to 80 years in captivity therefore it is important to select an appropriate diet for your pet. A high-quality bird's food will improve the health of your African grey and other animals that you share your home with. Pet stores and online offer a wide variety of parrot foods. You can also give your African grey a variety of fruits, grains and vegetables. But, you should stay clear of foods rich in sugar and salt.

In the wild, African grey parrots often gather at night in large groups of thousands before dispersing into smaller flocks during the day to hunt and gather. They are extremely 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 get in the wild and can be stressed by their isolation. This stress can cause them to exhibit self-harm behavior, such as tearing away their own feathers.

Parrots need a wide variety of nutrients to stay healthy and active. Idealy they should receive a mix of grains, seeds, and nuts, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Seeds such as safflower seeds and sunflower seeds, as well as the linseed seeds are good sources of vitamin and protein. They are deficient in micronutrients and shouldn't make up much of an 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 dandelion greens are high in calcium and are an unnatural source of vitamin D. Other excellent vegetables include turnips, carrots and Okra. Apricots, figs, as well as endive are also rich in calcium. Filberts and hazelnuts are also an excellent source of calcium but be sure to offer them in moderation since they contain oxalic acid which hinders the absorption of certain of the other minerals your pet needs.

Toys

As with all pets, African grey parrots need plenty of toys to keep them mentally engaged and entertained. These toys prevent boredom, and other destructive behaviors, such as feather picking and biting. These toys also allow birds to exercise outside their cage. Parrots that don't receive enough mental stimulation can become depressed, anxious and withdrawn. They may even start to lose weight.

Toys that are used by African grey parrot must be safe, durable and made from non-toxic materials. They should also be appropriate for the bird's size as well as activity level. There are numerous toys for african grey parrot baby for sale greys, from foot toys to foraging games. Some of these toys are expensive, but the majority of chewing and shredding toys are reasonably priced. It is important to remember that these toys need to be replaced frequently, so there's an ongoing cost for this.

If you spot an animal being sold at a cost that is unusually high or low, it could be a sign of fraud. The low prices could be a sign of a breeding facility or birds that were illegally obtained or sold, while the high price could be a result of genetic claims or a fake identity. Ask for DNA test results in the event of this type of situation.

If you're looking for a way to lower the initial cost of an african grey jako parrot for sale, you might consider adopting one that requires an appropriate home. They are usually abandoned by their previous owners because of the lack of time or money. You can find them in parrot rescue centers as well as adoption agencies. They may be more affordable than purchasing from a breeder but will still require a significant investment in terms of money, time and energy.

Health care

The African grey parrot is a highly intelligent bird that has the ability to build strong bonds with humans. They have a natural ability to understand and learn human speech. This has made them very popular in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated since thousands of years and make wonderful pets if they are properly taken care of. However, these birds are highly demanding and may cause stress in their owners if they don't receive enough love and attention. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds need lots of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid health and behavioral issues.

To keep them occupied they require an array of toys inside and outside of the cage. Toys that require them to utilize their beaks, such as chewable leather toys, and newspaper and cardboard to tear apart, or foraging toys, are popular. They also need to have several perches in their cage, and preferably of various sizes and widths. Water should always be readily available and it is recommended to make use of a shallow saucer for water to minimize the chance of bacterial infections.

Like any pet like any other pet, the African grey parrot requires regular vet checkups to ensure that they are healthy. This includes a complete physical examination as well as nail trimming (if required) and laboratory tests. These semi-annual checkups help to prevent illness and spot potential nutritional, health and behavioral issues.

It is essential to select a veterinarian that specializes in avian animals, as they have particular needs. In addition to regular veterinary visits owners should have an Avian first aid kit in order to treat common ailments. Keeping the living environment clean is also essential to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. The cage should be cleaned regularly by removing all bedding and food debris and perches should be cleaned as often as necessary.

Training

African greys are believed to be smart and quick learners. They are often the most joyful parrot in the room and can live for up to 50 years in captivity. They can learn to label items like food, toys and pieces of wood, and some can even speak basic phrases and words. If you want your african grey to speak it is best to begin as a baby and train him to use the word "yes" and "no" when asked. This will help him understand you and avoid repetitive, negative words like "shut up" or "no more".

Short but effective training sessions. They can be as simple as two five-minute sessions per day. During these sessions the bird should be given praise and rewards for progress. It is also important to allow the bird time in his cage for relaxation and rest. Introduce him to family members and guests to help him get used to hearing different voices. You should also teach him to adjust to different noise levels and not be scared of loud sounds or disturbances.

Before you purchase an african grey, consider how much time you can devote to him. They need a lot attention as well as regular meals and cleaning their cages. They might also require a bird sitter take care of them when you are away. It is essential to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses. Many people buy a parrot and then discover it's not the right pet for their family. They are then forced to have it re-homed. This can be very stressful for the bird and can cause health problems.