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The Cost of Buying an African Grey Parrot Buying an African Grey parrot is a big investment. The bird can live for up to 50 years. You'll need to be prepared for long-term commitment. It is best to buy an infant African Grey from a reputable breeder or pet store. This way, you'll know that the pet has been fully weaned. Cage A well-designed cage is among the most important purchases you will make for your African Grey parrot. They are social animals, and they need plenty of space in order to be comfortable. They also need a place to play and exercise. A large cage is necessary, and it should be easy to clean. It should also be constructed from a sturdy material like stainless steel or powder-coated wire. It should be designed in a way that your bird can't escape, and it should have a secure latch and hinges. The cage should be big enough for a variety of perches. Parrots enjoy spending time outside of their cages but must be able to return to their home. Additionally the cage should be equipped with bar-spacing that is wide enough to keep your bird from becoming stuck. A cage with an elevated playstand and that opens is a good choice 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 lacking in important nutrients. In the wild, African Grey Parrots are used to a varied diet that includes a variety of seeds and fruits. If you feed your African Grey parrot too much seeds, they could be sick or even die prematurely. A healthy african gray parrot needs an adequate diet, mental stimulation and physical activity. They must also be taken to the veterinarian frequently for checkups and vaccinations. However, they're not as costly to own as a dog or cat. Furthermore, if you purchase exotic pet insurance for your bird, it can significantly reduce your veterinary bills. Food African grey parrots can live up to 80 years in captivity. It is therefore important to provide your pet with an appropriate diet. Quality bird food can make an enormous difference in the health and well-being of your African gray parrot, as will other animals you have at home. Pet stores and online retailers offer many different bird food. You can also feed your African grey a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables. You should avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar and salt. In the wild, African grey parrots often gather at night in groups of thousands before dispersing into smaller flocks during the day to hunt and gather. They are social birds and have complex relationships in their flocks. Many domesticated African grays are unable to enjoy the same level of social interaction that they have in the wild, and this can lead to stress. Stress can lead to self-harm behaviors such as ripping feathers from their own. Parrots require a variety of nutrients in order to remain active and healthy. Ideally they should be fed a mix of grains, seeds as well as nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables. Safflower seeds, sunflower seeds and linseeds are excellent sources of protein and vitamins. However, they lack micro-nutrients and shouldn't constitute a the majority 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, mustard greens, spinach and dandelion greens are high in calcium and provide a natural source of vitamin D. Other excellent vegetables include carrots, turnips and Okra. Additionally to these, fruits that are high in calcium include apricots, endive and figs. Filberts and hazelnuts are also a good source of calcium. However, be sure to give them in moderation as they contain oxalic acid which blocks the absorption of a few of your pet's other minerals. Toys Like any other pet, African grey parrots need lots of toys to keep their minds stimulated and occupied. These toys help prevent boredom and other destructive behaviours like feather-picking chewing, biting and snorting. These toys also allow birds to exercise outside their cage. Parrots that don't receive enough stimulation for their minds may be depressed, anxious and withdraw. They might even begin to lose weight. Toys for an african gray parrot need to be durable, safe and made of non-toxic materials. They should also be suitable for the bird's size as well as activity level. There are numerous 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 to parrots are cost-effective. Keep in mind that these toys need to be changed regularly and there is a cost that will continue to increase. If you notice the sale of a bird at a cost that is unusually low or high it could be a sign of fraud. The low prices could be a sign of a breeding facility or birds that were obtained illegally or sold, while the high price could be a result of genetic claims or a fake identity. Get DNA test results if you come across this kind of situation. Consider adopting an African gray parrot that needs a home if you are looking to lower the cost of a parrot. They are usually left behind by their previous owners due to a 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 but it will still require an enormous investment in terms of money, time and energy. Health care The African grey parrot has the ability to establish strong bonds with humans. It is a highly intelligent bird. They have a natural ability to understand and learn human speech. This has made them very popular in the pet industry. These birds have been domesticated for many thousands of years. They make excellent pets if properly taken care of. However, these birds can be very demanding and could cause stress to their owners if they don't get enough attention and affection. Our Greeley vets explain that these birds need lots of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment to avoid health and behavioral issues. To keep them entertained they require a variety of toys both inside and outside the cage. They love playing with toys that require them to use their beaks, including chewable leather toys, newspaper and cardboard to rip and foraging toys. They require a variety of perches, preferably with various heights and widths. Always keep water on hand. It is best to use shallow saucers to reduce the risk of infection by bacteria. The African grey parrot, just like every other pet, requires regular veterinary exams to ensure their health. This includes a thorough physical examination, grooming (fingernail and toenail trimming if necessary) as well as lab tests (as necessary). These checkups every two years help avoid illness and detect potential nutritional, health and behavioral problems. It is essential to select an animal veterinarian who specializes in avian animals as they have special needs. A first aid kit for avian species needs to be kept by the owner to treat common ailments. Cleaning the living space is essential to avoid fungal and bacterial infections. The cage should be cleaned frequently by removing all bedding and food debris. The perches should be cleaned as needed. Training African greys are renowned for their intelligence, and they can learn very quickly. They can live up to 50 years, and are considered to be the most happy bird in the room. Some even speak basic phrases and words. They can be taught to label objects like toys, food and wood. Start training your african gray to speak as a baby. Train him to use “yes” or “no” whenever you ask him. This will allow him to understand your message and avoid repetition of negative words like “shut up” or “no more”. Short, but effective training sessions. They can be as simple as two five-minute sessions a day. During these sessions, the bird should be rewarded and praised for making progress. It is also recommended that he receive some time in his cage to relax and unwind. It is a good idea to introduce him to family members and friends so that he gets used to different voices. You should also teach your child to adjust to loud sounds and not be scared. Think about how long you can dedicate to an african gray before buying one. They require a lot of care, regular meals and cleaning their cages. They might also require a bird sitter care for them when you are away. This is important to avoid stress and unnecessary cost. Many people purchase a parrot and then discover it's not the right pet for their family. They are then forced to have it relocated. This can be extremely stressful for the bird and cause health problems.