The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot The purchase of an African Grey Parrot is a significant investment. This bird can live for 50 years, so you'll need to make sure that you're prepared to make the long-term commitment. It's best to buy a baby African Grey at a reputable pet retailer or breeder. You'll be able to tell that the parrot is completely weaned. Cage A well-designed cage is one of the most important purchases you make for your African Grey parrot. They are a very social animal and require plenty of space to be comfortable. They also need a place to play and exercise. A large cage is essential and should be easy to clean. It should also be constructed from a sturdy material such as stainless steel or powder-coated wire. It should be designed so that your bird can't escape, and should have a secure latch and hinges. The cage should be large enough to accommodate a variety of perches. Parrots love to get in cages, however, they need to be able to return to their homes. In addition the cage should be equipped with bars that are wide enough to keep your bird from getting stuck. A cage that has an upper playstand and that opens up is a good option because it can be moved around. Many people feed their African Grey parrots a standard commercial seed mix. This mix is often high in fat, and deficient in essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey parrots have access to a wide variety of fruits and seeds and they can be adapted to diverse diets. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seeds, they could get sick or die prematurely. A healthy african grey parrot requires 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 will reduce your veterinary costs. Food African grey parrots can last up to 80 years in captivity. It is therefore crucial to provide your pet with the right diet. A high-quality bird food can make a huge difference to the health and well-being of your African gray parrot, and other animals you have at home. Pet stores and online retailers offer an array of parrot foods. You can also give your African grey a wide variety of fruits, grains and vegetables. It is best to avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar. In the wild, African gray parrots often form large groups in the evening to roost, before dispersing throughout the day into smaller groups to hunt and gather. They are social birds that manage complex relationships within their groups. Many domesticated African grays are unable to enjoy the same level of social interactions as they do in the wild, which can lead to stress. Stress can lead to self-harming behaviors, like tearing out their feathers. Parrots require a variety of nutrients to stay healthy and active. Ideally they should receive an assortment of grains, seeds, and nuts, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. Safflower seeds, sunflowers seeds and linseeds are great sources of vitamins and protein. They lack micro-nutrients, and shouldn't constitute the majority of the African grey's food. Beta-carotene rich vegetables should be part of the diet of any African grey residing in captivity. Greens like kale and mustard greens are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Apricots, figs, as well as endive are also rich in calcium. Hazelnuts and filberts also contain calcium, but they must be consumed with caution as they contain oxalic acids that block the absorption of various minerals. Toys As with all pets, African grey parrots need plenty of toys to keep their minds stimulated and occupied. They can be used to 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 for their minds may become depressed, anxious and withdraw. They might even begin to lose weight. Toys 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 a variety of toys for African greys from foot toys to puzzles for foraging. Some of these toys are costly however the majority of chewing and shredding parrot toys are reasonably priced. It's important to keep in mind that these toys need to be replaced on a regular basis, meaning there's an ongoing cost for this. If you see an animal being sold at a price unusually high or low, it could be an indication of a scam. The low prices could be a sign of the existence of a breeding facility or birds that were illegally acquired or sold, while the high price could be a result of genetic claims or an identity that is fake. If you do encounter this sort of situation, be sure to ask for DNA test results prior to making an purchase. If you're seeking a way to cut down on the initial cost of a African grey parrot, you might consider adopting one that needs a new home. They are frequently abandoned by their previous owners due to a lack of time or resources. They are available in parrot rescue centers as well as adoption agencies. While they might be less expensive than buying from a breeder, it is still a substantial investment be required in terms of time and money as well as energy. Health care The African grey parrot is able to establish strong bonds with humans. It is an intelligent bird. They also have an inherent ability to learn and understand human speech, which has helped propel them to a renown in the pet sector. These birds have been domesticated for a number of thousands of years, and they make excellent pets if they are given the right care. They are extremely demanding and can be stressful for their owners if not given enough love and care. Our Greeley veterinarians explain that these birds require plenty of mental stimulation and environment enrichment to prevent health and behavioral issues. These birds need plenty of toys in and outside their cage to keep them busy. They enjoy playing with toys that require their beaks, like chewable leather toys, newspapers and cardboard to tear and foraging toys. They need several perches, with preferably various heights and widths. Always keep water in the cage. It is recommended to use shallow saucers to reduce the chance of contracting bacterial infections. As with all pets, the African grey parrot requires regular veterinary checkups to ensure they are healthy. This includes a thorough physical exam, grooming (fingernail and toenail trimming when required) as well as laboratory tests (as necessary). These annual checks help to in preventing illness, and can also help detect potential health, nutrition, and behavioral problems. It is crucial to choose an avian veterinarian who is specialized in avian species, since they have particular needs. In addition to regular visits to the vet, the owner should have an Avian first aid kit on hand to treat common ailments. To avoid fungus and bacterial infections, it is important to keep the environment clean. The cage should be cleaned frequently by removing all bedding and food particles, and the perches should be cleaned out as needed. Training African greys are believed to be intelligent and very quick learners. They can live for up to 50 years, and are referred to as the most joyful bird in the room. Some even speak basic phrases and words. They can be taught to label things like food, toys, and wood. If you want your african grey to talk it's best to begin when he's a toddler and teach him to use the word "yes" and "no" when asked. This will help him comprehend your message and avoid repetition of negative words like "shut up" or "no more". Short but effective training sessions. Two five-minute sessions a day is sufficient. During these sessions the bird should be praised and given rewards for progress. Also, he should be allowed some downtime in his cage to relax and rest. Introduce him to family and visitors to get him used to hearing different voices. You can also help him to adjust to different noise levels and not be scared of loud sounds or disturbances. Before you purchase an african grey, think about how much time you could dedicate to him. They require a lot of care as well as regular meals and cleaning of their cages. They might also require a bird carer to take care of them while you are away. It is important to avoid stress and costs. Many people buy a parrot only to discover that it is not the right pet for them, and they have to re-home it. This can be extremely stressful for the bird and cause health issues.
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