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The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot Buying an African Grey parrot is a major investment. The bird's lifespan is up to 50 years, so you'll want to make sure that you're ready for the long-term commitment. It is recommended to purchase a baby African Grey at a reputable pet retailer or breeder. This way, you'll know that the parrot has been fully weaned. Cage A quality cage is one of the best purchase you make for your African Grey Parrot. They are a social species and require plenty of space to be happy. They require a place where they can play and exercise. A large cage is required, and it should be easy to clean. It should also be constructed of a durable material, like stainless steel or powder-coated wire. It should be designed so that your bird is unable to escape, and it should have a secure latch and hinges. her latest blog must be large enough to accommodate a variety of perches. Parrots enjoy time out of their cages, but they must be able to return to their homes. In addition the cage should have bar-spacing that is wide enough to keep your bird from getting stuck. A cage that has an upper playstand and that opens is a good option because it can be moved around. Many people feed their African Grey parrots a standard commercial seed mix. The mix is often packed with fat and deficient in essential nutrients. In the wild, African Grey Parrots are familiar with a diverse diet that includes a variety of seeds and fruits. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seed mix, they may be sick or even die early. A healthy african gray parrot requires an adequate diet, mental stimulation and exercise. They must also be taken to the veterinarian frequently for vaccinations and checkups. However, they are not as expensive as a dog or cat. If you purchase exotic pet insurance, it will lower the cost of veterinary care. Food African grey parrots can live up to 80 years in captivity therefore it is important to select the right diet for your pet. A high-quality bird's food will make a difference in the health of your African grey and other animals you might be sharing your home with. There are a wide range of parrot food at pet stores and online. You can also feed your African grey an assortment of grains, fruits, and vegetables. But, you should stay clear of foods rich in sugar and salt. In the wild, African gray parrots often form large groups at night to roost before dispersing throughout the day into smaller flocks to hunt and gather. They are extremely social birds and manage complex relationships within their flocks. Unfortunately, many domesticated African greys do not have the same level of social interaction that they experience in the wild, and may be stressed due to their isolation. This stress can lead them to self-harming behavior, such as cutting their feathers. Parrots need a wide variety of nutrients to remain healthy and active. Ideally, they should be fed a mix of seeds, grains, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables. Safflower seeds, sunflower seeds and linseeds are great sources of vitamins and protein. They are deficient in micronutrients and shouldn't make up much of an African grey's food. Vegetables rich in beta-carotene should be the staple of any captive African grey's diet. 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 turnips, carrots and Okra. Apricots, figs, and endive are also full of calcium. Hazelnuts and filberts are a good source of calcium. However, be sure to feed them in moderation as they contain oxalic acids, which blocks the absorption of certain of the other minerals your pet needs. Toys African grey parrots need a variety of toys, just like every other pet. They need to be mentally stimulated and entertained. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviors like feather picking and biting. They also give the opportunity to exercise outside of their cage. Parrots who don't get enough mental stimulation may become depressed, anxious and withdrawn. They might even begin to lose weight. Toys for an african gray parrot must be durable, safe and made of non-toxic materials. The toys should also be appropriate to the bird's age and level of activity. There are numerous toys for African greys, ranging from foot toys to foraging games. Some of these toys are expensive, but the majority of large chew and shredding toys marketed to parrots are affordable. It's important to keep in mind that these toys need to be replaced on a regular basis, meaning there's an ongoing cost to this. If you spot the sale of a bird at a price unusually low or high it could be an indication of fraud. Low prices might indicate the existence of a breeding facility or illegally obtained birds. Likewise, the high price could be related to genetic claims or a false identity. If you encounter this sort of situation, be sure to request DNA test results prior to making an purchase. If you're seeking a way to lower the initial cost of a African grey parrot, you might consider adopting one that requires an appropriate home. They are frequently 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, it is still a substantial investment be required in terms time, money and energy. Health care The African grey parrot is able to form strong bonds with humans. It is an intelligent bird. They also have an inherent ability to learn and understand human speech, which has pushed them to a renown in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated for thousands of years, and they are wonderful pets if provided with the proper care. These birds are very demanding and can be stressful for their owners if they don't receive enough love and care. Our Greeley veterinarians explain that these bird need lots of mental stimulation as well as environmental enrichment to avoid behavioral and health issues. These birds need plenty of toys both inside and outside their cages to keep them entertained. They enjoy playing with toys that require their beaks, including chewable leather toys, newspaper and cardboard to tear, and foraging toys. They require a variety of perches, preferably with various sizes and widths. Always keep water in the cage. It is best to use shallow saucers to reduce the risk of infection by bacteria. The African grey parrot, as every other pet, requires regular veterinary exams to ensure their health. This includes a thorough physical exam, grooming (fingernail and toenail trimming if needed) and lab tests (as necessary). These semi-annual checks help in preventing illness, and also detect any potential health, nutritional and behavioral issues. It is important to choose an avian veterinarian who is specialized in avian species, since they have specific needs. A first aid kit for avian species needs to be kept by the owner to treat common ailments. Keeping the living environment clean is also vital to avoid fungal and bacterial infections. The cage needs to be cleaned regularly and should be cleaned of all bedding and food waste, and the perches should be cleaned out as needed. Training African greys are known for their intelligence and they can learn very quickly. They can live 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 objects like food, toys, and even wood. If you want your african grey to speak, it's best to start when he is a baby and teach him the word “yes” and “no” when asked. This will allow him to understand your message and avoid repetition of negative words like “shut up” or “no more”. Training sessions are short, but efficient. They can be as simple as two five-minute training sessions per day. During these sessions, the bird should be praised and given rewards for his progress. It is also important to allow him some time in his cage for taking a break and relaxing. It is recommended to introduce him to family members and visitors so that he can become comfortable with different voices. You should also help your child adjust to loud sounds and not be afraid. Before you buy an african grey, consider the amount of time you could dedicate to him. They need a lot attention regularly fed and regular cage cleaning. You may need to employ a bird-sitter to take care of them while you're away. This is crucial to avoid stress and unnecessary expense. Many people purchase a pet, only to discover that it's not the ideal pet for their family. They then have it re-homed. This can be very stressful for the pet and could cause health problems.