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The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot A large investment, buying an African Grey Parrot. This bird can live up to 50 years. You'll need to be prepared for a long-term commitment. It's best to buy an infant African Grey at a reputable pet retailer or breeder. You'll be able to see that the parrot is fully weaned. Cage A good cage is one of the most important purchases you will make for your African Grey parrot. They are a social species and require a lot of space to be comfortable. They also need a place to play and exercise. A large cage is necessary, and it must 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 it must have a secure latch and hinges. The cage should be big enough to accommodate a variety of perches. Parrots love to get in cages, however, they need to be able to return to their home. In addition the cage should have bar-spacing that is large enough to keep your bird from getting stuck. A cage that has a playstand on top 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 is usually high in fat and lacking in key nutrients. In the wild, African Grey Parrots are used to a varied diet, which includes a variety of seeds as well as fruits. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seeds, they could become sick and even die early. A healthy african grey parrot requires a proper diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. They should also be taken to the vet on a regular basis for checks and vaccinations. But, they're not as expensive to own as a cat or dog. Furthermore, if you purchase exotic pet insurance for your bird you can drastically cut down on the expense of your vet. Food African grey parrots live up to 80 years in captivity so it's important to choose an appropriate diet for your pet. A quality bird food will improve the health of your African grey as well as the other animals you might share your home with. Pet stores and online offer many different bird food. african grey parrots on sale can also offer your African grey a wide variety of fruits, grains, and vegetables. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar and salt. In the wild, African grey parrots often roost together at night in large groups of thousands before dispersing into smaller flocks during the day to hunt and gather. They are social birds and manage complex relationships within their flocks. Unfortunately many domesticated African greys do not have the same degree of social interaction they would encounter in the wild and may be stressed due to their isolation. Stress can lead to self-harm behaviors like tearing out their own feathers. Parrots require a variety nutrients to stay healthy and active. Ideally, they should be given an assortment of grains, seeds and nuts, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. Seeds like safflower seeds, sunflower seeds and linseed are a good source of vitamins and protein. However, they lack micronutrients and should not constitute an overwhelming portion of a captive African grey's diet. Beta-carotene rich vegetables should be part of the diet of any African grey in captivity. Greens such as kale and mustard greens are rich in calcium and vitamin D. In addition the fruits that are high in calcium include apricots endive, and figs. Hazelnuts and filberts are a good source of calcium, but make sure to offer them in moderation because they contain oxalic acids, which blocks the absorption of certain of the other minerals your pet needs. Toys As with all pets, African grey parrots need a lot of toys to keep their minds stimulated and occupied. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviours such as feather picking chewing, biting and feather picking. They also give the opportunity to exercise outside of their cage. Parrots who aren't getting enough mental stimulation may be depressed, anxious and withdraw. They may even begin to lose weight. Toys for an african gray parrot need to be robust, safe, and made from non-toxic materials. They should also be appropriate for the bird's size and activity level. There are many toys for African greys, from foot toys to foraging games. Some of these toys can be expensive but most large chewing and shredding toys targeted for parrots are very affordable. It's worth remembering that these toys need to be replaced frequently, so there will be an ongoing cost for this. It is crucial to remember that if you find an animal being offered for sale at a remarkably cheap price or at an extremely high cost, it could be a sign 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 related to genetic claims or an identity that is fake. If you find yourself in this sort of situation, you should request DNA results prior to making an purchase. If you're trying to lower the initial cost of an African grey parrot, consider adopting one that needs an appropriate home. These animals are often left behind by their previous owners because of the lack of time or money. They are available in rescue centres for parrots and adoption agencies. They might be less expensive than buying from a breeder, however they will still require a significant investment in terms of time, money and energy. Health care The African grey parrot is an extremely intelligent bird that has the ability to build strong bonds with humans. They have a natural ability to comprehend and learn human speech. This is what makes them so popular in the pet sector. These birds have been domesticated for thousands of years, and make wonderful pets when given proper care. These birds are very demanding and can be stressful for their owners if not given enough love and attention. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds need lots of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid behavioral and health issues. They require plenty of toys in and outside their cages to keep them entertained. They love playing with toys which require their beaks, including chewable leather toys, newspapers and cardboard to rip, and foraging toys. They also require multiple perches in their cage, and preferably of different heights and widths. Always keep water in the cage. It is recommended to use shallow saucers to decrease the chance of contracting bacterial infections. The African grey parrot, just like every other pet, requires regular veterinary exams to ensure their health. This includes a complete physical examination as well as nail trimming (if required) and tests in the laboratory. These annual checks help to prevent illness and also identify potential health, nutrition, and behavioral problems. It is crucial to find a vet who specializes in avian species, since these animals have specific needs. In addition to regular veterinary visits, the owner should have an avian first aid kit on hand to treat common illnesses. Maintaining a clean living space is essential to avoid fungal and bacterial infections. The cage should be cleaned regularly by removing any food and bedding debris. The perches should be cleaned when needed. Training African greys are known for their intelligence and they can learn very quickly. They can live for up to 50 years, and are known as the happiest bird in the room. Some can even communicate with basic words and phrases. They can be taught to label things like food, toys, and even wood. Start training your african gray to speak when he's still a baby. Teach him to say “yes” or “no” whenever you ask him. This will help him understand your message and avoid repetition of negative words such as “shut up” or “no more”. Short, but effective training sessions. Two five-minute sessions per day are sufficient. During these sessions, the bird should be given praise and rewards for their progress. It is also important to allow him some time in the cage for resting and relaxing. It is a good idea to introduce him to family members and visitors so that he can become comfortable with different voices. You can also help him to acclimate to the volume of noise and not be afraid of loud voices or noise. Think about how much time you can devote to an african gray before purchasing one. They require a lot of attention, regularly prepared meals, and a clean cage. They may also require a bird sitter take care of them while you are away. This is important to avoid stress and unnecessary cost. Many people purchase a parrot only to discover that it is not the right pet for them and they have to find a new home for it. This can be very stressful for the parrot and can lead to health issues.