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This Month's Topic: Loveable African Greys
By Elizabeth Henderson
African Grey Parrots are highly intelligent, loyal, and long lived companions. They have been kept as pets for centuries and were prized by the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Though they may not be as common as dogs or cats, they make excellent pets. Their ability to mimic voices is astounding and they generally form a tight bond with their owners. They have even been known to scare off intruders.
African Greys hail from the rainforests of West and Central Africa. They are considered one of the most intelligent birds and can live over 40 years. In the wild they feed primarily on seeds and fruits. On average, African Greys are 10-14 inches in length and weigh between 300 and 550 grams when fully grown. As their name implies, they are predominantly grey with accents of white and red. Greys, and all parrots, are zygodactyl, meaning they have four toes on each foot, two front and two back. As of 1992, it is illegal to import wild caught Greys into the United States. Fortunately captive bred Greys are available and generally healthier and easier to train than their wild caught counterparts.
While all African Greys are Psittacus erithacus, they can be of one of two subspecies, either Psittacus erithacus erithacus, the Congo African Grey Parrot, or Psittacus erithacus timneh, the Timneh African Grey Parrot. The Congo African Grey is larger, has an all black beak with a bright red tail. The Timneh African Grey is smaller, generally a darker grey, has a light colored upper beak, and a darker, maroon tail. Some aviculturists recognize a third and fourth subspecies, but these are not recognized scientifically.
The Right Cage
A cage is a captive bird's home, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your new pet. There are a plethora of cages available and choosing the right one can be a challenge. Round cages should be avoided as they can cause disorientation and confusion for your Grey. Square or rectangular cages are both good choices and larger is almost always better than smaller. It is important that the bars of the cage are sturdy and properly spaced so that your pet can climb on them, but not so wide as it can get its head through them.
It is also a good idea to get a cage that can be easily cleaned.
Most cages come equipped with perches; however you may wish to replace these, particularly if you have a young parrot. Most perches that come with cages are made of hard and smooth dowelling rod, which can be difficult to climb on. Replacing these with softer perches that are shaped more like natural tree branches can encourage your pet to climb and improve confidence. It's also a good idea to have perches for your bird in other areas of the house. This will give your pet an opportunity to spend more time with you as well as explore their new home comfortably. Because Greys are so intelligent, they can get bored easily, so it is important to provide them with many toys. Make sure to only buy safe toys as all toys will be chewed on and thoroughly explored.
Proper Nutrition
Food and water should be made available to your pet at all times. A quality pellet should make up most of your bird's food. In addition to pellets, a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, including leafy greens, should be offered regularly. A ratio of 75% pellets and 25% fruits and vegetables is often recommended. Make sure to remove the pits from fruits as well, as seeds from apples, as both can contain cyanide which could be harmful to your pet. Grains and seeds should also be offered, but as these are not very well balanced nutritionally, they should be a treat. Greys are prone to calcium deficiency so it is important to supplement them appropriately. One way to encourage them to consume more calcium is by sneaking some powdered calcium supplement in with their favorite soft food. Proper diet plays an important role in your pet' s health. Improper diet can lead to hyperactivity, bad temper, poor feather quality, and feather plucking. It is also important to make sure that any snacks you give your Grey are safe. Parrots should never be fed chocolate, avocado, or foods containing caffeine or alcohol.
Training Your Grey
As with any house pet, some training will likely be needed to help your Grey become a happy family member. Without proper training, Greys can quickly get themselves into trouble by 'exploring' with their beaks. Fortunately, Greys are quick learners and generally eager to please. There are numerous books available that can help you get your bird on the right track early. Since behavior issues can be symptoms of health problems, it's a good idea to talk with your pet's veterinarian as well as the breeder you got your bird from if a problem arises.
If you' re looking for a pet that can lay down, roll over and really speak, check out African Greys!
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