5 Ways to care for African gray parrots that you should know

The African gray parrots is a smart bird that can mimic human voices accurately, making it a favorite among bird enthusiasts. Many people are curious about how to properly care for these birds, including their price. In this article, Oh My Pet will provide you with essential tips on caring for African gray parrots. Let’s find out with Petlandlove!

Learn about the characteristics of African gray parrots

African gray parrots are medium-sized birds, mostly gray with a black beak and red tail. On average, they weigh around 400 grams, have a wingspan of 46-52cm, and a body length of about 33cm. The Congo species has lighter colors, with dark gray on the neck and wings, and a bit of white on the head feathers.

Through artificial breeding, some African gray parrots now have red coloring. It can be tricky to tell males and females apart, but males are generally larger with rounder eyes and a slightly pointed tail, while females are smaller and more slender.

Young African gray parrots look similar to adults but may have grayer or darker eyes. With proper care, these birds can live up to 40-60 years, much longer than in the wild where they typically survive for about 23 years. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, nectar, berries, and fruits.

African gray parrots are decent flyers, though not as colorful as other parrot species. They are highly intelligent and can be trained easily within 15-20 hours. These birds can mimic human speech and even imitate other animal sounds like dogs, cats, and coughs.

When it comes to their living environment, African gray parrots don’t require a lot of space and are well-suited for apartment living. They make less noise compared to other parrots and prefer a cool environment with toys and human interaction.

Instructions on how to care for African gray parrots

African gray parrots require special attention, proper nutrition, and good hygiene to thrive. Young African gray parrots typically consume nutritious and easily digestible foods. At around 1 month old, it’s recommended to separate them from their parents and start feeding them powdered food. Since the young parrots may not have opened their eyes yet, they won’t recognize their parents, making it easier for you to feed them and teach them to talk. Separating the young parrots also allows the parent birds to focus on breeding.

Instructions for feeding young African gray parrots

The ideal feeding time for young African gray parrots is around 4-6 hours. It’s important to keep their environment at a temperature below 35 degrees when they are still young. Make sure to clean their nests daily to maintain a clean living space and avoid any contamination.

Around 90 days old, young African gray parrots will start weaning off, so it’s best to feed them with specialized parrot food. Be cautious not to give them brightly colored foods as they may be too tempting for them.

Observe your African gray parrot’s behavior, mood, and droppings during the raising process. Supplement their diet with seeds like imported peanuts and sunflowers, as well as chopped fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, etc.

Check out recommended feeding formulas for African gray parrots, ensuring that the ingredients won’t cause allergies or any harm. Consider the age of your parrot when purchasing food products to provide the necessary nutrients.

Maintaining cleanliness in the cage is crucial for the health of African gray parrots, so make sure to regularly clean the space and change the water daily.

To train your African gray parrot to talk, practice speaking with them daily. Schedule regular visits to the vet for check-ups or if you notice any unusual symptoms. If you observe any abnormal signs, seek immediate medical attention for timely treatment.

Instructions on how to manage and train African gray parrots

In order to establish your authority with African gray parrots, it’s important to let them know that you are the leader.

African gray parrots require serious training from a young age due to their natural group living tendencies. Training these birds is similar to raising a child and should be taken seriously.

When handling an African gray parrot, they may try to nibble on your fingers. It’s crucial to immediately correct this behavior and continue to do so until the parrot learns.

Avoid letting African gray parrots perch on your head as they may see it as a sign of dominance, making training less effective. Since these birds thrive in social settings, it’s not ideal to keep them cooped up in a cage all day. Instead, interact with them, engage in playtime, and even sing together to keep them happy and stimulated.

How much does an African gray parrot cost?

Many bird enthusiasts wonder about the cost of an African gray parrot, as these birds are highly sought after for their unique qualities. These parrots are not cheap, typically ranging from 15-19 million VND per bird, with prices varying based on factors like quality and market demand.

Caring for African gray parrots requires knowledge of their specific needs and characteristics. The information provided above aims to assist you in properly caring for these beloved birds.