African Greys For Adoption
African greys are smart social birds that require regular interaction and a lifelong dedication to their wellbeing. Adopting rather than buying is an excellent way to provide these birds the home they deserve.
Intelligent parrots can master an extensive vocabulary and are renowned for their ability to communicate. For their mental and physical well-being having a large cage, toys and enrichment is vital.
Intelligence
African grey parrots are considered to be one of the most intelligent pet species. Irene Pepperberg's research and that of others has shown African Greys are able to learn and use a vast variety of words, unlike other bird species. This Old World species is popular because of its intelligence.
These intelligent animals are able to do basic subtraction and addition as well as identify colors and shapes as well as objects. They are known to request specific items, such as long yellow or corn, showing that they are able to connect words with objects. In fact African Greys have also been considered to be similar to the cognitive abilities of dolphins and chimps as well as human toddlers.
This level of intelligence is what makes the African Grey one of the most popular species of parrots that can be that are kept as pets. However it also means these birds can have complex emotional needs, and aren't a good choice for people who don't have time to dedicate to them. These birds are flock-oriented, and can develop behavioral issues, such as excessive screeching and feather plucking if they don't receive enough stimulation in their minds or interact with others.
Due to their high levels of intelligence, African Greys need plenty of opportunities to play and interaction with other humans. Owners should provide toys as well as chewable objects to keep the birds entertained. It is important to ensure that the toys are free of toxic metals hooks, sharp objects and other items that could hurt the birds if they consumed them. Birds also enjoy playing with puzzles and games, and regular interaction with them will prevent them from becoming bored or developing behavior problems.
These intelligent animals could become emotionally sensitive, and form bonds with one person over all other species. This can result in a problem called "one-person ownership" when the bird begins acting out in a negative way towards family members, and even strangers. If not addressed, this could lead to a traumatizing rehoming or euthanasia when the parrot becomes difficult to take care of or manage.
Affection
The African Grey parrot has a reputation as being among the most intelligent birds in world. The species is able to learn more than 1,000 words or phrases, as well as sentences. They also mimic sounds and recognize human emotions. African Greys are known to form a strong bond with one person and can be extremely attuned to their handlers. These social animals are usually extremely talkative and love to play.
However, the one-on-one bond can make them prone to a hostility towards other people or pets. This can be a problem if you have children or spouses. In addition the birds are susceptible to become bored and be agitated if they are not provided with enough stimulation and interaction. The best way to avoid this is to provide your Grey with lots of toys, puzzles, and other activities that will keep him or her engaged.
If you decide to adopt a parrot, ensure that you visit a reputable parrot rescue center to find a bird that will be suitable for your lifestyle and living situation. The volunteers and staff can tell you more information about the bird's personality, health and background. They can also provide advice and tips on how to care for the parrot.
Apart from a large cage and plenty of toys, African Greys need a diet that is high in nutrients and protein. They also require a variety of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy and active. Avoid feeding your Grey a diet high in seeds since these can lead to picking and a deficient nutritional diet. Choose a high-quality pellet or crumble diet.
African Greys need regular veterinary visits just like every other pet. These annual checks help to ensure that your Grey remains healthy and happy. During these visits, the veterinarian will perform an examination of the body as well as trim nails and perform laboratory tests if necessary. The veterinarian can also recommend and suggest the best diet for your Grey. The vet can also detect and address any behavioral issues your Grey may be experiencing.
Socialization
African greys are intelligent birds, with the ability to communicate, and even mimic human speech. They usually bond with a single person, and tend to become high-strung. They may also have objectionable vocalizations that are difficult to get rid of. Adopting a young bird is the most effective option because it is less likely that they will suffer from these issues. Even young birds require daily interaction with their owners.
African greys aren't the best pets for all. They don't want cuddling as much as Cockatoos or Macaws do, and aren't as playful. They do not have the same freedom or choice as other parrots, and they must spend lots of time in their cages each day to exercise and play.
In the wild, African greys are preyed on by snakes and large cats. Humans also hunt them for the commercial pet trade and destroy their habitats. Many of these beautiful birds end up being captured and transported far away from their natural habitats. They are then faced with health, housing and socialization issues that are difficult to overcome.
This is why a lot of these beautiful birds are in rescue facilities and require new homes. It is important to be aware of how long a Grey has been in its current home prior to making a decision to adopt it. This will help you determine its past and emotional state. It is also helpful to check the availability of training classes and online forums for African Greys.
Giving branches and toys to chew is an excellent way to keep an African grey amused. Make sure that the branches are safe and that they do not have sharp edges or hooks. You can buy toys that are specifically marketed for African greys or use larger chew toys made for other large birds. These are usually an ongoing expense and need to be replaced on a regular basis as they are discarded or worn out.
A trusted breeder can assist you to select a healthy and happy African grey to adopt. african grey birds for sale can also provide an picture of the expenses that come with owning this gorgeous bird. Make sure you inquire for boarding if you need to leave your bird in a quiet place for long periods of time as well as pet insurance is recommended for all bird owners.
Training
African Greys are smart and playful, as well as extremely adaptable. Their intelligence can cause them to become bored, and they'll need different toys and stimulation. They are also prone chewing and require durable chew toys that are free of harmful metals, hooks and sharp objects. Freshly cut branches of nontoxic, pesticide free trees are a great way for your pet to be happy and mentally stimulated.
There are ways to cut the cost of owning an African Grey. One alternative is to adopt an adult parrot that has been rehomed by its previous owner. This can be a much more affordable option to own an African Grey than buying a parrot from a pet store.
There is also the possibility of finding an energetic, healthy young African Grey at a shelter. The birds are placed in shelters when their original owners move away, suffer a death in the household or become too busy to care for them or take care of them. It is important to know that these birds aren't in shelters due to being unhealthy.
The majority of shelters provide a comprehensive list of what the parrot requires to be happy and healthy with a large cage and many toys. Certain toys might require a monthly fee such as the cost of replacement. Another potential cost is food. While a parrot can live on a basic vegetable, nut and seed diet, they'll require more nutrients to remain healthy. It is crucial to purchase high-quality food for your parrot like Harrisons or Pretty Bird.
Not to be forgotten, there are costs associated with the cage and the accessories. A large, sturdy cage is a must for an African Grey. In addition, it is essential to have a variety of toys to keep them entertained and encourage natural foraging behavior. Many of these toys can be purchased on a tight budget, as most toys targeted towards larger parrots are appropriate for African Greys. To cut down on costs, consider purchasing a chewable toy that is made from recycled materials.