However, they dont spend all day screaming, only doing so when necessary. African greys need between 12-14 hours of sleep. This guy is a Timneh African Grey. Last Updated: July 8, 2020 No cure. Youll know if your African grey is happy and healthy if he stands upright on his perch and has relaxed feathers. Behavior and character of the African grey n This bird needs to feel safe in the environment in which it evolves. Feathers will fall off of a parrot infected with the sickness. Weight: 330-500 gm. Wingspan: 18 to 20 inches Psittacus Erithacus Princeps: Also called Ghanaian gray, West African gray, or Boyd Alexander. How To Take Care Of African Grey Parrots [A Full Guide]. The Congo and the Timneh are the two principal sub-species of the African Grey parrot. Related Post: The body language of African Grey parrot, ABOUT US Hi, I'm Carrie. A lot of the health problems associated with low calcium levels can be prevented by providing. I know I will have to stay on top of it because it grows fast. 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. Also, African greys are notorious for picking out their favorite seeds (usually sunflower seeds). I had him about 9 years 'til he died at about 50 years old. Disinfect the cage. Its also known as Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, and Angola grey. 2. Prospective owners want to know, are African grey parrots hard to take care of? Well, theyre recommended for experienced owners. These parrots can be very messy because they tend to poop a lot and tear up their toys. When a bird's beak begins overgrowing after years of appearing normal, it's usually a nutritional problem. . Size: 14 to 16 inches If your parrot stands upright, the wings glued to the body at equal height, the eyelids open and the eyebright then it has a normal attitude. These African parrots both have the intellectual capacity of a 5-year-old child, and their emotional level is comparable to a 2-year-old child. You can tell by the bone color of the beak instead of the black that a Congo has. Supplementing the parrots diet with calcium and Vitamin D, and providing access to natural light are important factors in preventing this problem. You are using an out of date browser. They will be weaned on a healthy diet of organic pellets and vegetables. The frequency of respiratory movements varies: according to the size of the bird: the smaller the bird, the higher its breathing rate will be. Jealousy is hard to train out of parrots, but you can reduce it by teaching them not to nip or vocalize at people. However, other parrots are afraid of the dark. This is common in birds that have only eaten seeds for years. African grey parrots are good pets for experienced owners. There are two types of African grey: the timneh and Congo. This bird produces a fine powder to maintain its plumage. Timneh African greys are a darker grey than Congos. Thats quite a feat for a bird. Took him to avian vet about 3 months ago and they dremmeled the beak and improved it somewhat, but beak was still unable to close all the way. Aspergillus grows readily in warm and moist environments. What is a gray parrot? You should never force a gray to do what he does not want, he could even develop phobic behaviors. Can an African GREY fly? What is the best age to buy an African grey parrot? ). If the lower beak gets elongated at the front it can't close properly. Take him outside for sunshine, if you can. Most African grey parrots sleep on perches, so newspaper is only required to keep the bottom of the cage clean. life span: 25-30 years. Common Diseases and Syndromes in African Grey. For example, move the cage to a quieter location or provide more toys and perches. When I was a kid, I had a parakeet with a fast growing upper beak. It is easy enough to differentiate that depending on whether an African Grey developed these red feathers over time (which would be an indication of health problems), or whether they were born with it, which would point towards genetics / mutation. How big is the gap in your bird's beak? On the Timneh, the white scalloping on the head feathers is also more noticeable. It's recommended to wipe down your African Grey's cage daily with a damp cloth. They can easily fall into depression and may develop aggressive behavior if they lack mental stimulation. African Parrot is your guide to adopt this wonderful pet bird . African greys have bright red tails, which are instantly recognizable against their light grey plumage. Mar 31, 2012. Appearance: 'Congo' sub-species, from the western coast, are silver-grey with a bright red tail and a dark beak. A Timneh African grey parrot is slightly smaller. Most bird keepers think that an expert bird enthusiast should only keep a grey. Rope and wood toys are particularly good for this type of beak problem. Thats why infected birds should undergo isolation. If they cant do this, theyre at risk of overgrowth. They become very attached to their owners, leading to jealousy toward other animals and people. 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. !. So, you may wonder, how much does an African grey cost? You are doing the correct thing by trying to keep him quiet and as calm as possible. Mine ate all kinds of fruit & veggies, plus seeds, nuts & pellets. One of the most common is probably that . The disease is fatal, but it is possible to manage your birds discomfort and keep it comfortable. But both parents are attentive to their chicks and tend to their needs by providing food for them. African Parrot is your guide to adopt this wonderful pet bird . The TAGs beak feature pink-horn color with blackish sides on the Maximilla, while its mandible is black. Wingspan: 18 to 20 inches. Here are some tips you can try to stop your birds from screaming. 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. The Congo Grey parrots vivid red tail is the most impressive finishing touch. There is often boredom, but there can also be medical reasons. Apply a disinfectant to all surfaces of the bird cage as well as everything inside of it, and leave it on for five to ten minutes. Join More Than 15,000 Chicken Enthusiasts Who Have Already Subscribed. You must log in or register to reply here. Most birds will be fine without being covered, as long as theyre in the dark, quiet place at night. Your vet will run blood tests to figure out what's going on with your parrot, and they can recommend the best treatment plan. Because a bird's beak is made of keratin and continues to grow throughout the bird's life (much like human hair and fingernails) these trims may be necessary from time to time in cases where the bird fails to properly file its beak on perches . Vets often treat grey parrots suffering from seizures presumptively with intravenous calcium gluconate, as well as with diazepam. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. (Athan and Deter, 2000; Faye, 2006) Captive African grey parrots thrive on a diet of seeds, grain, pellets, and fruits and vegetables. Without training or the right living conditions, African greys are prone to behavioral problems, including: . African greys have a, Parrots aren't always seen as affectionate, but they're very loving animals. Suspected beak infections must be biopsied and cultured so that proper medications (i.e., antibiotics vs. antifungal drugs) can be administered. Place one perch in the middle, away from food and water. But aside from diet and nutrition, what factors could shorten their lifespan? "Blushing" refers to the white patch of skin turning pink on grey parrots. Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. The price of an African grey parrot ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. African Parrot is your guide to adopt this wonderful pet bird . So, they usually start screeching to get your attention and check up on you. Weight: 350 to 650 grams. Toe Deformities (genetic) Hematuria in association with lead poisoning. More importantly, these birds are already accustomed to humans, so it should be easier for you to handle them. Congo African grey parrots have wingspans that extend up to 20 inches. 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. Extensive loss of feathers may result in bald spots and exposed skin. African gray is more thoughtful, suspicious, and therefore more fearful than other parrot species. The bird plucks or plucks its own feathers. They require lots of care to avoid boredom, but they make loyal, friendly, communicative, and affectionate pet birds. In all the above cases and if you have any doubts about the health of your parrot, it is advisable to contact an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. Of the two subspecies, the Congo African grey is more commonly encountered in the pet trade. Just like toddlers, birds may have tantrums as well. Its larger than the Timneh, measuring 14-16 inches with a wingspan of 18-20 inches. Princip Island and Fernando Po in the Gulf of Guinea. Young grey parrots are more commonly infected by psittacine beak and feather disease than adults. Theyre similar parrots in many ways, but they have subtle differences. Before recognizing a behavior indicating a health problem, it is imperative to know how to recognize a parrot in a state of full health. More dark feathers on the abdomen sit over a lighter grey plumage, creating a V shape. Have fun with him. But Timneh has a more stable personality since they have a faster maturation rate. If youll raise a young African grey by yourself and feed him, youll be able to develop a stronger bond. Wow, that is a huge gap. Since African gray parrots are prone to Vitamin A deficiency, theyll benefit from eating foods with loads of beta-carotene like sweet potato and fresh kale. He may favor the person he prefers to the point of excluding all other family members. Where the feathers are darker or the lightest silver, they have a white scalloped edge. These parrots love toys they can chew, swing, and climb on. How long do African greys live? Congos are less expensive than Timnehs. Respiratory Signs, Chronic Depression, Weightloss: Aspergillosis (fungal disease), bacterial infections / pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies (Hypovitaminosis A) (please refer to african grey nutrition), inhaled toxins (please refer to tttt Sarcocystosis. African grey parrot price will vary depending on the type, age, and gender, but you can expect to pay around $500 to $4,000 for a best-in-class, quality bird from breeders. Now that you know how to trim a bird's beak, you can address this . He must also have a good balance. Obesity: African grey parrots are prone to obesity if they are fed a diet that is high in seeds and low in fruits and vegetables. According toVCA Hospitals, inadequate nutrition is the leading cause of many health conditions. Not too happy about it as he has to get general ansthesia. Your email address will not be published. Gray, more than other parrots, needs a calm, safe and peaceful environment. Please visit our website for full detailed info on these babies -- www.Jcaviary.com-- Please . Another disease is aspergillosis, a respiratory disease caused by fungi. It almost looks like there is some type of curved wear marks on the edge as well? These birds are often bought by people who dont have the time and resources to commit to them. Is he overly attached to that cage or could you get him a new one? 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. They can pronounce some words and mimic sounds earlier, but the real talking and chatting begin later. The disease occurs mainly in birds under three years of age.The main phenomena are symmetrical baldness, and because the feathers are affected, the beak becomes shiny instead of a dull color. Older birds may also suffer from arteriosclerosis, also due to insufficient nutrition. The grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), also known as the Congo grey parrot, Congo African grey parrot or African grey parrot, is an Old World parrot in the family Psittacidae . There are a surprising number of bird beak problems which occur fairly commonly across the globe. 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. Immature birds (less than a year old) have the iris of the dark gray, almost black eye. He's a beautiful bird! Much smaller than Congo or Ghana. Since the visit to the vet, the lower beak has . 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.