How To Know if an African Grey Parrot Is Right for You
African grey parrots can mimic sounds.They can make great companions, but they also have a lot of needs.Since parrots are intelligent and nervous, owners need to be prepared to give their birds a safe, predictable, and loving home.You'll know if an African grey parrot is right for you after you know what to expect, commit to providing care and attention, and calculate the costs of owning the bird.
Step 1: An intelligent pet is expected.
One of the smartest animals you can keep as a pet is the African grey parrots.Their reasoning skills are similar to those of a 3-year-old child, making them inquisitive and delightful to interact with.Like an actual toddler, they can be a handful.Ensure that your bird is well-stimulated to keep it healthy and happy.
Step 2: Prepare for a bird that speaks.
African greys are able to mimic human speech.This skill makes the birds popular, but you will need to work with your bird to help it learn to mimic.Different skill ranges can be found across individual birds.
Step 3: There is room for a large cage.
Unless you can supervise extended stays outside, your bird will spend most of the day in its cage.The cage needs to be large enough for the bird to fly around in.The cage should be at least 4 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and 3 feet long.The space should allow the bird access to the sun.You need to find a place that isn't too noisy or susceptible to disruptions, which could upset your bird.The living or dining rooms are a good location for a cage because your bird will want to be close to the action.Make sure your bird's cage is against a wall so that it feels secure.
Step 4: Plan for a pet that takes a lot of time.
It will take hours of care for your bird.African greys need a schedule and routine, so one may not work for you if your schedule varies, you work long hours, or you travel a lot.
Step 5: Each day you should spend time with your bird.
You need to spend at least an hour a day with your bird, talking to it, and letting it bond with you.Birds prefer spending more than an hour with their owners.If your schedule allows you enough time to spend with your new pet, consider it.African greys are social birds and you need to bond with them.Your bird can get stressed if you don't.Purchase a pair of opposite-sexed African greys to keep your bird socialized.
Step 6: Provide your parrot with a small amount of nuts and seeds.
The majority of your parrot's diet should be made up of pellets.This will make sure that your parrot gets what he needs.If you want to complement your parrot's diet with a small amount of seeds and nuts each day, you should avoid giving it parrot seed mixes.
Step 7: Cut up vegetables and fruit for your bird's food.
African grey parrots like to eat fresh fruit and vegetables.The food needs to be cut into small pieces.This needs to be done daily to make sure your pet's needs are met.Don't let your bird eat spoiled food.The bird's diet should include 25% fresh fruits and veggies.
Step 8: Prepare to let your bird exercise outside on a daily basis.
Your bird needs to spend time out of its cage every day so that it can stretch its wings.It's dangerous to leave a bird outside its cage alone while you're at home.Taking steps to keep your bird safe while it's out of its cage include covering exposed wires, turning off fans, removing breakables, and covering windows, mirrors and see-through doors.Shut the door if the room is not bird-proof.Don't allow children to be with the bird.If you have enough time in your schedule, you can supervise your bird.You need to accommodate the bird because it will have a routine.
Step 9: Birds can live up to 50 or 60 years.
Buying an African grey is a commitment.You will enjoy many years with your bird, but they are also responsible.
Step 10: The bird will sleep from sunset to sunrise.
African greys need a good amount of sleep.They sleep from dusk to dawn in the wild.If you work late, it could be difficult for you to give your bird the attention it needs while keeping it healthy.You can adjust your bird's sleep schedule by putting it to bed late and using cage covers or drapes to sleep past sunrise.How these needs fit into your schedule should be considered.
Step 11: To follow a routine, commit to it.
African greys are resistant to change.If you get away from your bird's routine, it can become upset and aggressive.To keep your bird happy, you need to keep it in a stable environment and follow a schedule.
Step 12: Purchase lots of bird toys.
African greys need a lot of stimulation, so you'll need to give them lots of toys.It's important that you keep the bird stimulated so that it won't become aggressive and start picking its feathers.It is possible to save money by cycling your bird's toys.To cycle, you put toys in groups.At a time, put one group into the bird's cage.If the bird starts to get bored with those toys, take them out and replace them with another group.Take the retired toys away and put them back in later.They'll be new again eventually.
Step 13: You should expect to clean frequently.
African greys are very messy.They like to destroy toys, paper, and wood when they play.You will need to clean the cage daily and provide fresh food and water.Your bird may cause more messes outside of its cage.
Step 14: Set up your bird habitat can be expensive.
The African grey needs a lot of time in its cage since it can't be left alone.Supplies and a cage are needed to keep the bird happy.The set-up costs add up quickly.Setting up a habitat for a large parrot like the African grey can cost up to $11,020.perches, branches, toys, and interactive features are required for your bird cage.You can find the actual prices at your local pet shop or online.You can find gently used pieces in the local classifieds.
Step 15: You can check the prices of parrots.
African greys can be expensive.Buying one in the $1,000-1,500 range is an investment.If you want to find someone who is selling their own pet for a lower price, you could look at local animal shelters or veterinary clinics.It will be easier to train a younger bird if you buy from a breeder.Older birds might not be able to speak or learn new words.New owners can benefit from older birds being more stable.Older birds that are fully trained may be found.Some of these birds can speak.After you bring home a new bird, you will need to suck it up.
Step 16: Recurring costs should be added up.
Purchase things like food, treats, cleaning supplies, cage liners, and new toys after you own your bird.Yearly costs for owning a large parrot like the African grey range from $650 to $1,275, which can take a bite out of your budget.You can check the prices at your local pet supplier or online.
Step 17: It's a good idea to take your parrot to the vet.
If you own an African grey parrot, you need to have it checked out at least once a year.It could require more visits depending on your parrot's health.You can get a cost estimate from a local vet.
Step 18: Determine if you can afford an African grey by making a budget.
Use the prices you've collected to add up the costs of owning a parrot.If the recurring costs of owning your parrot will fit into your household budget, then you should.You can decide if you can afford the bird now that you know how much it will cost.If you can't afford an African grey, you may be able to find a good deal by looking for owners who need to sell or give away their bird.