The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot
The purchase of an African Grey Parrot is a big investment. This bird can live up to 50 years. You'll need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.
It is best to buy a baby African Grey from a reputable breeder or pet store. You'll be able to tell that the parrot has been fully weaned.
Cage
A good cage will be one of the best purchase you make for your African Grey Parrot. They are a social species and require plenty of space to be comfortable. They require a place in which they can play and exercise. It is essential to have a big cage that is easy to clean. It should be constructed of an extremely durable material, such as stainless steel wire or powder coated wire. It must be designed to stop your bird from fleeing and should have a secure latch.
The cage must be large enough for a variety of perches. Parrots enjoy time out of their cages, but they should be able to come back to their home. In addition the cage should be equipped with bars that are wide enough to prevent your bird from becoming stuck. A cage with an upper playstand and that opens up is a great option since it can be moved around.
Many people feed their African Grey Parrots a standard commercial mix of seeds. It is typically high in fat and lacking in the essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey Parrots are accustomed to a varied diet, which includes a variety seeds and fruits. If you give your African Grey parrot a seed mix that is too apex, they will become sick and may die prematurely.
A healthy african grey parrot requires regular diet, exercise and mental stimulation. They should also be seen by a vet regularly for checkups and vaccinations. They are more affordable to own than a cat or dog. If you buy exotic pet insurance, it will reduce your veterinary costs.
Food
African grey parrots live up to 80 years in captivity so it's important to choose a healthy diet for your pet. A quality bird food will improve the health of your African grey, as well as other animals that you share your home with. Pet stores and online offer an array of bird food. You can also feed your African grey a wide selection of fruits, grains and vegetables. But, you should stay clear of foods high in sugar and salt.
In the wild, African grey parrots often roost together at night in a swarm of thousands before dispersing into smaller flocks during the day to hunt and gather. They are social birds and have complex relationships within their flocks. Many domesticated African grays aren't able to enjoy the same level of social interactions as they do in the wild, and this can lead to stress. This stress can cause them to exhibit self-harm behaviors such as ripping away their own feathers.
Parrots require a variety of nutrients in order to stay healthy and active. Ideally they should be fed a mixture of seeds, grains, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables. Seeds such as safflower seeds, sunflower seeds and Linseed are excellent sources of vitamin and protein. However, they lack micro-nutrients and should not make up a large portion of an African grey's diet.
Beta-carotene-rich vegetables should be a part of the diet of any African grey in captivity. Greens such as kale, mustard greens, spinach and dandelion greens are high in calcium and an unnatural source of vitamin D. Other excellent vegetables include carrots, turnips and Okra. Apricots, figs, as well as endive are also high in calcium. Hazelnuts and filberts are good sources of calcium. However, be sure to give them in moderation since they contain oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of a few of your pet's other minerals.
Toys
African grey parrots require a variety toys, just like any other pet. They need to be mentally stimulated and entertained. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviors, such as feather picking and biting. These toys also allow the bird to exercise outside of their cage. Parrots who don't get enough stimulation in their minds can be depressed, anxious and withdraw. They may even start to lose weight.
Toys for an african gray parrot should be durable, safe and made of non-toxic materials. The toys must be suitable to the bird's age and level of activity. There are a range of toys available for African greys, from foot toys to puzzles for foraging. Some of these toys can be expensive, however the majority of chewing and shredding toys that are marketed for parrots are very budget friendly. It's important to keep in mind that these toys will have to be replaced on a regular basis, meaning there's an ongoing cost associated with this.
It is important to know that if you find parrots for sale at an unusually low price or an exceptionally expensive price, it could be an indication of a scam. Prices that are low could be a sign of a breeding mill or illegally acquired birds, and the high price could be related to genetic claims or a fake identity. If you do encounter such a situation, make sure to ask for DNA results prior to making a purchase.
Consider adopting an African gray parrot that needs a home if you are looking to lower the cost of the purchase of a parrot. These animals are often abandoned by their previous owners due the lack of time or resources. They are available in parrot rescue centers and adoption agencies. Although they are cheaper than buying from a breeder, an investment of significant size will be required in terms of time and money, as well as energy.
Health care
The African grey parrot is a highly intelligent bird that has the ability to build strong bonds with humans. They also have an inherent ability to comprehend and learn human speech, which has helped propel them to a renown in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated for thousands of years and make fantastic pets if properly taken care of. african grey parrots on sale are very demanding and can be stressful for their owners if not given enough love and attention. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds require plenty of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid behavioral and health issues.
They require plenty of toys in and outside their cage to keep them entertained. They love playing with toys which require their beaks, such as chewable leather toys, newspapers and cardboard to rip and foraging toys. They also need to have multiple perches in their cage, and preferably of various sizes and widths. Always have water available. It is best to use shallow saucers to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
The African grey parrot, just like any other pet, needs regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their health. This includes a complete physical examination as well as nail trimming (if required) and tests in the laboratory. These checks every two years help to prevent disease, and can also help detect any potential health, nutritional, and behavioral problems.
It is important to find a veterinarian who is specialized in avian species since they have special needs. A first aid kit for avian species must be kept by the owner to treat common illnesses. Maintaining a clean living space is also vital to avoid bacterial and fungal infections. The cage needs to be cleaned regularly by removing bedding and food waste. The perches should also be disinfected when necessary.
Training
African greys are renowned for their intelligence, and they can learn very quickly. They can live for up to 50 years, and are referred to as the most joyful bird in the room. They can learn to identify items such as toys, food items and wood pieces, and some can even use basic words and phrases. Start teaching your african gray to speak as a baby. Teach him to use "yes" or "no" whenever you ask. This will help him comprehend your message and avoid repetition of negative words such as "shut up" or "no more".
Training sessions are brief but effective. They can be as simple as two five-minute sessions a day. During these sessions, the bird should be praised and given rewards for progress. You should also give him some time in the cage to relaxation and rest. It is recommended to introduce him to your family members and guests so that he can become comfortable with different voices. It is also important to teach your child to adjust to loud noises and not be scared.
Before you purchase an african grey, take into consideration the amount of time you can devote to him. They need a lot attention regularly fed and regular cage cleaning. You may need to employ a bird sitter to look after them while you are away. It is essential to avoid stress and costs. Many people purchase a parrot only to find out that it's not the best pet for them, and they have to find a new home for it. This can be extremely stressful for the bird and cause health problems.