African Grey parrot husbandry guide and care

African Grey parrot husbandry guide and care

About

African Grey Parrots are one of the most intelligent birds ever studied, they can live up to 25-30 years old and are wonderful and affectionate. However, they are high maintenance and prefer routine schedules and lots of time with their owners.

Environment

They will need a large cage – enough space to be able to open both wings fully, and it needs to be clean (cleaned daily with a non-toxic cleaner), secure and safe.

Perches are a must; wood works well and try not to use plastic ones as this can be bad for their claws and feet.

They will need access to light, however away from any drafts.

Diet

African Grey Parrots eat a variety of fruits, nuts and vegetables, here are a few examples your parrot CAN eat:

• apples
• bananas
• citrus fruits
• broccoli
• kale
• sweet potato
• tomatoes.

Be careful though, here’s a list of things your parrot CAN’T eat/drink:

• avocado
• chocolate
• salty foods
• pizza
• tea
• coffee
• wine

Pellets are a good way to provide a more complete balanced nutrition.

Clean fresh water should be provided daily.

Health & common conditions

These beautiful birds, like other animals, can be prone to health issues and common conditions. African Greys are susceptible to:

• feather picking
• calcium deficiency
• respiratory infection
• nasal blockages
• PBFD virus.

Avian vet & insurance

Before you invest in an African Grey, make sure you know where the closest avian veterinarian is, as not all vets treat birds! Vet bills can also become very expensive, so to give you peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to get your African Grey Parrot insured.

British Pet Insurance Services offers a range of exotic pet cover levels, insuring; lizards, snakes, tortoises, parrots, birds of prey and small mammals. With up to £5,000 vet fees and a range of optional extras, select the level of cover to suit your needs.