There is also a good possibility of sickness, malnutrition (please refer to african grey nutrition), liver disease or kidney problems. So, youd have to clean their cage daily, replace their food and water and provide durable toys and perches. Now lets get into the African greys talking abilities. He learned about 50 object names and over 100 words in the English language. Look for green coloring in your bird's droppings, which is another possible sign of PBFD. Pet birds like African greys need at least 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise outside their cage. They prefer to forage in groups of usually fewer than 50 birds. How long should an African Grey be out of its cage? On common they weigh round four hundred to 650 grams and are about 12 to fourteen inches long from tail to beak. African Parrot is your guide to adopt this wonderful pet bird . Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. 1.12 2 - The head. Provide lots of toys and foraging materials, Common Health Problems of African Grey Parrot. How big is the gap in your bird's beak? Male and female Congo African greys look identical because theyre monomorphic, and both sexes can learn to talk. African grey parrots dont need to be given a bath. In the wild, his diet is rich in vegetable fats protein, and vitamin A. So, if youre planning to keep an African grey or already have one, dont forget to give him plenty of mentally-challenging toys like foraging and puzzle toys. Furthermore, it restricts airflow and makes the birds feel stressed because they feel trapped. 2. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. It is the part of the palate that serves as a barrier between the throat and the nasal passages. Timneh: smaller body, darker-grey coloration, flesh-colored top half of beak, and dark maroon tail feathers. When theyre unstimulated, they turn to feather plucking to self-soothe. You may also give them treats like Nutri Berries, which offers a quality blend of grains, and seeds in the form of a berry. Older birds may also suffer from arteriosclerosis, also due to insufficient nutrition. See in detail how to trim a parrot beak with a Dremel and nail file, by Dr. G. There are so many things to discover about this species. These parrots can repeat words and phrases after hearing them twice. Regarding its talking ability, Timneh can start speaking short sentences as early as six months of age, while Congo starts talking when theyre one year old. It is capable of remarkably reproducing a multitude of sounds, including the human voice. That will help his beak. The plumage of the feathers occurs regularly with red reds. Your African greys will love it if you can give them an outdoor aviary with toys that looks similar to their home in the wild. Some may think males are more aggressive, but you have to know that females can be territorial too. Symptoms of secondary infections depend on where and how they manifest. Wingspan: 18 to 20 inches. Beautyofbirds.com's team of experts includes veterinarians, biologists, environmentalists and active bird watchers. Click here to remove banner ads from this forum. Their beaks may become sharp, long, and brittle. Now that you understand how to provide the optimum environment for your African grey, its time to learn about other aspects of their care needs. 11-13 inches (28-33 cm) Weight. 4.9. A bird should have a normal length of beak to function and survive. Most birds that succumb to PBFD die due to secondary infections that overwhelm their immune system. Many breeds of macaws have black beaks, including hyacinth, Hahn's and blue and gold macaws. The bird plucks or plucks its own feathers. These parrots arent the best bird choice for beginners because theyre brilliant and need a lot of mental stimulation. The tail feathers range in color from dark red to brown or maroon, and the undertail-coverts are stained with dark red or maroon. He has the gift of taking refuge in mutism to make you pass for the greatest of the mythomaniacs! African gray needs a lot of stimulation in its environment. African Greys are the best talking breed of parrots. In winter, the installation of Neon-like Vita-Lite or Verilux Tru-bloom will play the same role. A depressed or angry bird will screech its discontent. Commercial pellet foods contain the nutrients and vitamins your parrot needs. He is a senior citizen who needs lots of TLC. But Timneh has a more stable personality since they have a faster maturation rate. This starts with giving parrots toys to play with when youre not around. It might take time with his age, but I also recommend switching him to a pellet as the main diet. Birds can contract this disease due to reduced resistance and incorrect food (only seeds). Much smaller than Congo or Ghana. Your pet bird will love it too if youd share your breakfast toast and salad with them or reward them with treats like nuts and healthy foods like steamed green buns. Most parrots die within six months to two years after being diagnosed with PBFD. Digestive issues can also be a sign of bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies, or other terminal illnesses (e.g., Avian Ganglioneuritis). It is the commonest cause of central nervous disease in African grey parrots. In fact, one of the reasons why theyre so charismatic is their ability to speak and mimic words and sounds. African Grey Parrot Behavioral Problems. Give your African Grey a 1/2 cup of parrot pellet mix and 1/4 cup of fruits daily. Some African greys can survive being alone for up to 8 hours, but others need more attention and can be left alone for just a few hours. Size: 14 to 16 inches They're widely considered among the most intelligent species and must be kept entertained to stave off boredom. Even if every household member socializes with the grey from the start, it still has the potential to become a one-person bird.. These will be his favorite places to be comfortable in order to give his best vocal performances (speaking, singing). african grey parrot male and female difference, Difference between male and female african grey parrot, at what age do african grey parrots start talking, Description of the African Grey Parrot baby, how long does an african grey parrot live, how to feed parakeets fruits and vegetables, Conure lifespan in the wild and in captivity, How to Get Rid of Mites on Parakeets at home, The reproduction of the Catherine parakeet, All Different Types of Green Parrots (with Pictures). Ive got a 15-year-old blue and gold macaw, a 7-year-old African grey, and a 6-year-old Senegal parrot. Pellets should make up around 70% of their diet. Symptoms are similar to cold symptoms such as a runny nose, difficulty breathing, and inflamed eyes. Everything you need to know health diet nutrition, cage size, and toys, breeding, talking parrot, Parrot Flight Training. Blushing refers to the white patch of skin turning pink on grey parrots. There are a surprising number of bird beak problems which occur fairly commonly across the globe. The Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) lives in smaller coastal areas of Africa, including Guinea, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. In the jungle, they live up in the canopy, and need sun for better health. The Congo African grey comes from Congo, but they can also be found in the southeastern Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Tanzania. African Grey Parrots. So, expect to see them sleeping from sunset to sunrise. The condition is caused by high levels of calcium in the diet. Beak malformations are a condition that affects birds. 1.10.1 10 signs that your parrot is sick. use made by the bird. Theyre similar parrots in many ways, but they have subtle differences. His eyes are round and shiny. After a year, the iris fades and turns pale gray, then takes on its final color. thank you for the tips like i said i am new to owning a african gray we are taking him in on thursday ill post what they say incase it happens to your birds. There are many Grey owners here. Yes, African grey parrots are capable flyers, but they don't always do it as much as other birds. Sadly, ill parrots . Thats quite a feat for a bird. Beak and nail problems: African grey parrots' beaks and nails can become overgrown if they are not trimmed regularly . African Grey Parrot Care, Interaction, Feeding, Training and Common Mistakes. And when they finally find their pair, theyll look for pre-existing tree cavities where theyll make a nest and lay their eggs. Unfortunately, psittacine beak and feather disease can't be cured, but your vet can prescribe medication and recommend supplements to help manage secondary infections. To protect these species, the United States banned the importation of wild-caught African Grey specimens in 1992 under the Wild Bird Conservation Act. Without strong socialization, all that is not familiar to the bird automatically refers to the first category. African greys love mimicking noises, so be ready because they can get obnoxious sometimes. So, make sure youre giving him the right and healthy food. According to Beauty of Birds, Timneh African greys weigh 300-360 grams. So, they usually start screeching to get your attention and check up on you. Now that you know how to spot a healthy bird, it will be easier for you to analyze the signs of weakness in your parrot. Did you know that the African grey parrot is the Einstein of the bird world? He might need some more trimming off as the lower part can get quite elongated. Timneh grey parrot, Timneh African grey parrot, TAG. Its larger than the Timneh, measuring 14-16 inches with a wingspan of 18-20 inches. About 36 cm long, 450 to 600 grams. Did you know that vitamin A is critical for an avians healthy immune system? Are African grey parrots messy? Many grow to be extremely sweet and affectionate toward their owners, and the species is known for being quite sociable. This bird is also appreciated for its great sensitivity and its incredible empathy with its humans. Their feathers are darker on the head, gradually lightening to a silvery grey towards the chest and legs. His digestive system is perfectly suited to this kind of diet. As soon as the problem is removed, theyll quieten down. What kind of toys do African grey parrots like? So, you must spend time playing with them and keeping them occupied. Beautyofbirds.com is a labor of love. Theres no wonder why their popularity skyrocketed, and theyve established a good reputation in the avian community. The acute form of circovirus occurs mainly in parrots less than six months old. If you look closely, many silver feathers have the same white tips as the darker ones, giving the impression of having a white-scalloped edge. Most bird keepers think that an expert bird enthusiast should only keep a grey. From a food point of view, African gray has a high need for vitamin A and calcium. Is he overly attached to that cage or could you get him a new one? Other expenses to consider when buying a parrot is the cost of the following: African grey parrots are highly intelligent birds that make affectionate, friendly, and loyal pets. Below is a video of a vet performing a beak trim on an African Grey parrot: Depending on the type of bird, beaks can be trimmed with anything from an emery board to a motorized Dremel drill. Monty has always had problems with his beak, as with his feet and flight feathers. Its contagious. When frightened, the Gabon gray emits an impressive growl. Thats why theyre best suited for experienced avian keepers with lots of patience. Infected birds may show symptoms such as loss of appetite, fluffy . African grey parrots are among the parrot familys most advanced and talented speakers. African Grey Parrot Behavior can become the best companion in the world, as long as we respect his needs and nature. Suspected beak infections must be biopsied and cultured so that proper medications (i.e., antibiotics vs. antifungal drugs) can be administered. Naturally, for the bird to have access to these heights, it is essential that it can fly. Another disease is aspergillosis, a respiratory disease caused by fungi. Then adjust the amount based on his appetite. Talk to your vet about the options. The Congo grey has a black beak, silver-grey body that is lighter around eyes . Balance - falling off its perch and huddling at the bottom of cage. African gray is rightly considered the champion of all categories in the avian world. Of the two subspecies, the Congo African grey is more commonly encountered in the pet trade. It is the commonest cause of seizures and central nervous disease in the breed so it is important to be aware of it. African greys are the most intelligent of the parrot species. Have fun with him. Signs of Possible Illness in an African Grey parrot, The respiratory system of birds is composed differently from ours, especially with the presence of air sacs.A healthy bird with gentle, regular, fluid, and noiseless breathing. These talkative birds do tend to chatter throughout the day. When a bird's beak begins overgrowing after years of appearing normal, it's usually a nutritional problem. Warm, moist environments frequently cause more infections PDD Sarcocystosis, NEED A VET?USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian. How do I bond with my African grey parrot? Approximate ready in March/April for pick-up or shipping. It looks a lot like Congo, but a little smaller. He must also have a good balance. Immature birds (less than a year old) have the iris of the dark gray, almost black eye. Before recognizing a behavior indicating a health problem, it is imperative to know how to recognize a parrot in a state of full health. If I were you I would take to a vet for a health exam and have a calcium level drawn to see if he is getting enough. The Timneh grey parrot has a horn-colored beak, dark grey body, maroon tail, and white around the eyes. Placing chew toys ( like our favorite option here) in your parrot's cage is a simple yet highly effective way to help prevent overgrown beaks. (eg ostrich = 5 breath/breath cycles per minute versus 97 cycles in robin) according to its activity: obviously, this frequency increases strongly during the flight or during a strong emotion. He feels our deepest emotions, moods, moods, energies, and these are reflected in his behavior. Many possible sicknesses here! Brilliant-minded birds need constant mental stimulation. Merlin, my Grey, also likes a bit of Golden Feast thrown in, which you can buy at My Safe Bird Store, along with the pellets. And now he is currently practicing other skills like counting and the alphabet. Some parrots enjoy interacting with their owners and preening them as much as they enjoy being groomed. Theyre quieter than other species, but if youd put them in a noisy and stressful environment, theyll probably scream a lot. Furthermore, birds like African grey produce lots of parrot dust that protects them from water, wear and tear. African grays prefer lowland rainforest through most of their range, venturing into surrounding savanna, mangroves, and agricultural land for food. Common Diseases and Syndromes in African Grey. He is a very good climber. Chew on This! This suspicion is practically chronic in the African gray. I guess he has to make another trip to the vet. 5,048 . In 2003, the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) study estimated that around 660,000 African Greys were sold in the international market from 1982 to 2001. Grays only respond well to positive reinforcement. He can even be very dispassionate and curious. If you notice secretions on the feathers or the skin surrounding the eye, then consult a veterinarian (this may be conjunctiva ).The ears are located on the lateral parts of the skull, these are just two orifices behind the eyes. What is the best age to buy an African grey parrot? Although easy to breed, they are not so easy to find in stores.Also, in captivity, it is said to be threatened by the few . The signs of stress in African grey parrots include: Think about how you can improve the situation. African greys have a, Parrots aren't always seen as affectionate, but they're very loving animals. Can an African GREY fly? The timneh African grey parrot (Psittacus Erithacus timneh) lives in Central Africa, including Liberia, the Ivory Coast, and western Africa. His ever-alert mind will then eagerly seek other stimuli. But sadly, theres no treatment for the disease, and it can be fatal. Some birds suddenly lose their balance. Psittacus erithacus Timneh parrot: Gray African Timneh parrot. In addition, as the first reflex of a scared bird is to fly away, more than other parrots, the gray needs all its flight feathers. But they can be very loud if they want to. The nerves that control the gastrointestinal tract are affected. home.chilitech.net/~pstone/beakdamage.jpg, www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=15&cat=1829&articleid=2752. Keeping a grey 10 African Grey Parrot Care Facts Read More The ideal temperature for African grey parrots is 70-80F. Birds may be hypersensitive to noise or movement. Parrots preen, Mental stimulation is a critical component of care for African grey parrots. Beak growths need to be biopsied and/or removed as well, to determine what they are and how they should be treated (e.g., with chemotherapy, radiation, etc. It lives in the tropical forest under the canopy between 15 and 25 meters from the ground. Please visit our website for full detailed info on these babies -- www.Jcaviary.com . The species is largely frugivorous, eating seeds, nuts, and fruit from multiple genera, including Bombax, Ficus, Macaranga, and Raphia, with a special preference for the fruit of the . Other smoking substances such as cleaning products, scented candles, deodorant or flea spray, as well as cigarette and cigar smoke, can also be harmful to birds. It is then up to us to be reliable, not to try to dominate him, and to learn to develop with him a relationship of friendship and respectful cooperation. It could also be due to an illness or pain, so its best to take your pet to the vet to know if theres an underlying medical issue. Like all stocky parrots (large body, small tail), it needs its feathers to maintain its balance. The main culprits of respiratory infections are bacteria like Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. The nails and beak are solid black, while the bright red tail contrasts against the rest of the plumage. I, too, inherited a Grey from my grandfather that was a "senior citizen bird". Your bird looks around him, following your movements This is a good sign since attention is an excellent marker of good health. It is very short acting, but not without risks. You can learn a lot. This is a great lab to use if you are working on a bird unit, or even talking about animal adaptations with your students. Diseases can be caused by viruses, among others. First-hand experience and research have taught me so much about these characterful birds. African Grey Parrots Conservation Status, Common Questions About African Grey Parrots.