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Caring For an African Grey Parrot African grey parrots, just like toddlers, are prone to becoming bored easily and require mental stimulation to avoid behavioral problems. They could be destructive or shout if they don't get enough stimulation. Highly intelligent, they are the best mimics of all species of parrots. They can comprehend human speech. They are threatened by the trade in pet animals and habitat loss. Feeding The dietary needs of African greys are different from the other large psittacine species. While they are omnivorous in the wild, they are more attracted to seeds to fruit and vegetables. In captivity, they are more likely than not to consume fruits and seeds. They are also susceptible to obesity and calcium deficiencies so it is important for owners to keep an eye on the quality of their diets. Pellets or complete crumbles are recommended to comprise 75% of a parrot's daily diet. Ideally the diet should comprise a mix of pellets and fresh food. A good ratio would be 60% pellets, 10 percent seeds and 30% fresh foods. The best choices are spinach, kale, silverbeet, pakchoi, broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn. Native plants and spouting grasses like dandelion greens, okra and okra can also be beneficial. Avoid cruciferous veggies like cauliflower and cabbage, since they are high in levels of oxalic acids, which may hinder calcium absorption by the body. Nuts are a rich source of nutrients to the diet, but they should be consumed sparingly due to their fat content. They are high in protein, healthy fats as well as vitamins and minerals. The rest of the diet should consist of a mixture of fruits and vegetables. Avocado is harmful to Psittacines. Other common toxic food includes chocolate, coffee, alcohol and raw potatoes. Similarly, if a parrot eats too many berries they may suffer from yeast problems in their digestive tract. A balanced diet is the best way to keep your African grey parrot happy and healthy. It is essential to monitor the bird's weight and to provide new food items in small amounts. It is a good idea to weigh the bird every day so that any changes can be easily observed and corrected. It is also a good idea to offer the bird fresh water regularly. This will prevent dehydration and bacteria-related infections. Unfinished food in the cage or play area can spoil and cause health problems for your bird. Training Parrots can easily learn how to speak. However, it might take them days or weeks to repeat the words they hear. A parrot who has been trained well can also perform simple tricks and respond to cues. These activities keep a bird's mind stimulated and prevent them from becoming bored. In the event of boredom, it can lead to undesirable behaviors like feather picking or destructive chewing. These problems require the intervention of a professional. It's important to nip over the bonding process early, because if a parrot becomes totally attached to a single member of the family, it could become territorial and threatening to other people. This could be extremely dangerous for people with disabilities, children or people with allergies. To prevent this from happening everyone in the household should spend time each day with the bird in different ways. This will make the bird more comfortable with being touched by members of the family and decrease the possibility that it could develop an overprotective behavior. A bird that is tied to one person is likely to start biting and pecking at visitors or family members when they attempt to pet or touch it. To prevent this from happening family members should take turns rubbing the bird or putting it in its cage. If a parrot exhibits aggression then it should be put back in its cage and not handled for a period of time. During petting sessions be aware of the areas that are referred to as “blood feathers” or “pinfeathers.” These feathers have a blood supply, and can bleed when they are touched. If a bloody feather or pinfeather is exposed to the elements, it should be removed immediately and replaced by an entirely new one. Family members should also be taught to greet and say goodbye to the bird. The bird should also be taught to label toys or food. This will make it easier to train the bird to speak, and will also enable it to communicate with family members without being physically near them. Health The African grey parrot is considered to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world. However, it can get bored and turn to destructive behaviors if they are not provided with enough toys or opportunities to exercise their minds. It also requires a deal of mental stimulation to avoid self mutilation, feather picking and excessive screaming. Parrots are not inexpensive pets to own as the initial costs are costly and they require constant new toys that can be destroyed quickly, as well as food. They are also susceptible to infections, which can be expensive to treat. These social birds require a lot of interaction with humans, which includes hours of playing games, solving puzzles, and learning lessons. To remain strong and healthy they must exercise for hours a day and being outside of their cage. The cage should be big enough for them to move freely and spread their wings. It must be clean, safe and constructed from non-toxic materials. It should have many different kinds of perches that have different heights and textures, so that they can change them. They also need an roost, typically an elevated wooden post or a concrete perch at the corner of the cage. The parrots should always have clean water and it should be changed every day. They should be provided with a variety of dark leafy greens, fruits and vegetables and treats should be limited to no more than about 10% of the diet. It is also recommended to provide various nuts and seeds. Around 75% of their food should consist of high-quality pellets or crumbles. The majority of parrot-related diseases are caused by long-term dietary imbalance. Small irregularities can manifest as poor growth and development, poor quality plumage or breeding performance while more significant changes will manifest as specific disease entities. Many of these can be prevented by regular checks with an avian veterinarian, and correct diet management. baby african grey parrot can also read about how to care for yourself. As with all birds, African greys require lots of attention and mental stimulation to be content. If a parrot is bored it will become depressed and show negative behaviors like aggression, self-mutilation, or feather-picking. It is crucial to conduct regular veterinary examinations as well as fecal screening and vaccinations carried out to ensure your pet stays healthy. African greys form monogamous couples and lay eggs for 21 to 30 days. They care for their young until they are about 10 weeks old. They can fly and are one of the most intelligent species of avian. They live for a long time and often outlive their owners, making them a beloved pet in the world. They are extremely adaptable and can be adapted to many different environments however, they prefer a natural habitat with lots of trees and perches to explore. They are able to use their feet that are facing backwards and two facing front on each foot – to help balance and perch, much as humans do with their hands. Their short beaks feature a mandible that is curved and can be easily positioned over the lower one to help them crack open nuts and seeds, and their strong grip could cut through bark and wood. In the wild, African greys will eat fruits, nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens as a part of their balanced diet. Seeds should not comprise more than 5% and be supplemented with high-quality crumbles or pellets to prevent pickiness. Additionally they should be served with a variety fresh vegetables, fruits and cooked lentils and beans. Water that is fresh and clean should always be available and cage maintenance is essential on a regular basis. If the diet is not adequate, supplements like calcium or vitamin D may be required. The World Parrot Trust is working hard to protect Grey and Timneh Parrots and their habitats. However, their numbers are declining due to illegal trade. Fortunately, they are protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States as well as the Wild Bird Conservation Act. They also enjoy the highest level protection under CITES. Discover more about these amazing parrots in our parrot dictionary!