Head - excessive head bobbing and shaking. Based on Genetics. Wingspan: 13 to 15 inches Their wingspan ranges from 46cm to 52 cm. 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. african grey parrot male and female difference, Difference between male and female african grey parrot, at what age do african grey parrots start talking, Description of the African Grey Parrot baby, how long does an african grey parrot live, how to feed parakeets fruits and vegetables, Conure lifespan in the wild and in captivity, How to Get Rid of Mites on Parakeets at home, The reproduction of the Catherine parakeet, All Different Types of Green Parrots (with Pictures). The Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) lives in smaller coastal areas of Africa, including Guinea, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. Features. African Grey Parrot Owners Manual. And when theyre frightened, they may incur further damage to themselves. Just like toddlers, birds may have tantrums as well. This means less dust flying into your face as you clean the bottom. Parrots. Obesity can lead to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease and liver problems. His bottom beak is very sharp and when he bites others that is the part that cuts people. The African Grey is a highly intelligent parrot species that predisposes them to boredom potentially leading to behavioral problems, such as plucking. The Congo Grey parrots vivid red tail is the most impressive finishing touch. African Grey Parrot Behavioral Problems. The best way to deal with an overgrown parrot beak is to find the causes of the problem and make the necessary changes to your bird's environment and . Another basic necessity you have to provide is the cage or housing. Hes a 6-year-old Congo African Grey owned by Nancy Gallegos from Illinois, U.S. Felix was able to construct logical words and statements. Cheryl Greenacre, in Small Animal Dermatology (Fourth Edition), 2017. Sammy's gap is almost that big and it is the tip of the lower beak that is overgrown, as in the picture. Equatorial Africa. African, It may seem harmless to find your parrot drooling, but this isn't the case. If your parrot is diagnosed with PBFD, quarantine it from other birds, treat any secondary infections it has, and maintain a consistent, nurturing routine. How long do African greys live? However, these indications are approximate and serve as an approximate guide, as the rate of growth of the beak varies somewhat depending on the species (the toucan's beak lengthens by about 0.25 cm per year), health, and size. The Congo is a bigger hen with a lighter shade with a dark beak and a crimson tail. Adoption may cost you around $500 to $1,000, but its still an excellent African gray parrot price. Let's stay updated! The more they hear sounds and noises, the more theyll imitate them. Every bird has unique preferences and tastes. This guy is a Timneh African Grey. There may be several reasons for this. Everything you need to know health diet nutrition, cage size, and toys, breeding, talking parrot, Parrot Flight Training. Here are some tips on how to raise an African grey parrot. Self-mutilation is painful for parrots, so why do African grey parrots pluck their feathers? African grey parrots can keep their beaks filed down with the following: Provide your parrot with the above items and ensure its diet is rich in protein, calcium, and magnesium. Now that you know how to trim a bird's beak, you can address this . . More dark feathers on the abdomen sit over a lighter grey plumage, creating a V shape. . If you've noticed symptoms of psittacine beak and feather disease in your African grey parrot, like feather loss, digestive issues, beak abnormalities, or listlessness, it's important that you take it to see a vet. What is a gray parrot? African greys make excellent pets because of their affectionate nature and intelligence, but theyre considered high-maintenance birds. We do not change a gray of Africa, we will say that it adapts to us, and again, only if we deserve it. The calcium level is then too low (hypocalcemia), and birds can die from this condition. Symptoms are similar to cold symptoms such as a runny nose, difficulty breathing, and inflamed eyes. Wow, that is a huge gap. Many breeds of macaws have black beaks, including hyacinth, Hahn's and blue and gold macaws. Many Parrots, like African Greys, can talk. Vets often treat grey parrots suffering from seizures presumptively with intravenous calcium gluconate, as well as with diazepam. Timneh grey parrot, Timneh African grey parrot, TAG. Rafiki has a great sense of humor and a vast vocabulary. At this time, I would clip the end off with a finger nail clipper. In the case of dysfunction, the breathing of your bird will be more heavy you will be able to see the tail getting up with each inspiration, the cycles (inspiration/breathing) will be also much higher. Despite not being cuddle bugs, African greys are social parrots requiring much human interaction. If the lower beak gets elongated at the front it can't close properly. I'm sure his beak is painful as there are nerve endings here. Youll know if your African grey is happy and healthy if he stands upright on his perch and has relaxed feathers. - This bird died in my tree more than a month ago but is still hanging on. Bird Type: African Grey Parrot; Cockatiel; Bird Cage Type: Floor It might take time with his age, but I also recommend switching him to a pellet as the main diet. In addition to identifying her favorite foods and commodities, Pepper could alsoaccurately describe objects and people. Gaurdian's new gf Angel is FINALLY HERE! Warm, moist environments frequently cause more infections PDD Sarcocystosis, NEED A VET?USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian. They learn basic words and commands, such as No, and they understand numbers. I had a question for my forum friends a while ago about Amigo's beak, his looked like it was flaking off in large scaly plates, which it did, and he now has a beautiful black beak so, that was normal. Many grow to be extremely sweet and affectionate toward their owners, and the species is known for being quite sociable. 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 . Another disease is aspergillosis, a respiratory disease caused by fungi. African greys love mimicking noises, so be ready because they can get obnoxious sometimes. The main culprits of respiratory infections are bacteria like Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. Factors that affect the price include: Usually, older parrots are more expensive because theyve been trained and socialized. He learned about 50 object names and over 100 words in the English language. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Distribution. An African greys nutritional requirements are varied. African greys usually start talking when theyre around 12 or 18 months. African Greys are the best talking breed of parrots. There are many Grey owners here. They are sophisticated parrots that are nevertheless rather sensitive and demanding. Injecting or supplementing the bird with vitamin A. Psittacine beak and feather virus is common among cockatoos, lovebirds, African grey, and. I had him about 9 years 'til he died at about 50 years old. Those who breed parrots would do well to have them checked annually by a veterinarian who has extensive experience with parrots. Ive got a 15-year-old blue and gold macaw, a 7-year-old African grey, and a 6-year-old Senegal parrot. African greys have continuously growing beaks that need regular filing to keep them healthy. book, you will be able to decide if an African Grey Parrot is right for you or not. Hi, I'm Carrie. Manzi's beak doesn't fit perfectly together. Yes, you see that wear pattern on birds in round cages who slide down the bars. 1.10 A Healthy Parrot. Birds use their beaks for numerous things, so anything could go wrong with it at virtually any time. A mature bird has pale yellow iris or corn. A healthy beak must be symmetrical, smooth, shiny and of a size adapted to the species. Interestingly, this particular area of the mouth gives up a lot of information about your bird's health. Just don't be in the room while they grind if the bird is alert, lots of anger afterwards for not stopping it. Timneh African greys are a darker grey than Congos. Welcome Guest. Vitamin A strengthens beak and nails. Its dark grey feathers have a bluish hue in some lighting. If youd give them toys and foraging toys, they can be busy and stimulated, and they may stop screaming. Sexual maturity: 4-6 years. Some birds suddenly lose their balance. Plastic perches with rough edges will cut your parrots feet, risking bumblefoot. A lifespan of 60 years in captivity, and barely 25 years in the wild. How do I know if my African grey is happy? The eye region is a dazzling white skin patch without any feathers. I Want My Free Ebook On Egg Laying Chickens, Origin and Natural Habitat of African Grey Parrot, African Grey Parrots Behavior and Personality, Talking Abilities of African Grey Parrots. A depressed or angry bird will screech its discontent. African Greys are a family of 2 types: Timnah African Grey, Congo African Grey. But what makes these birds even more interesting is they dont just mimic sounds; they appear to understand the meaning of words. Flying is the best source of exercise for parrots, and exploring the room is entertaining. 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. Either can be a sign of long-term illness, and should be checked out by your vet as soon as possible. He is a senior citizen who needs lots of TLC. The immune system is affected and all kinds of complications can arise. home.chilitech.net/~pstone/beakdamage.jpg, www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=15&cat=1829&articleid=2752. 1.10.1 10 signs that your parrot is sick. She was more scared than angry. They have dark grey feathers on the head, back, and upper chest. Iris color is black for the first 4 months of age, but changes fully to yellow by 4 years old. Other species, such as greenwing and Catalina macaws, have light-colored beaks. Also, African greys are notorious for picking out their favorite seeds (usually sunflower seeds). African Greys also love chewing things up. An African grey's beak length is also prone to this and may need trimming. (Athan and Deter, 2000; Faye, 2006) Captive African grey parrots thrive on a diet of seeds, grain, pellets, and fruits and vegetables. Most parrots die within six months to two years after being diagnosed with PBFD. ABOUT US Psittacus Erithacus Princeps: Also called Ghanaian gray, West African gray, or Boyd Alexander. 2. Some have even lived beyond 40 to 60 years in captivity. Some may think males are more aggressive, but you have to know that females can be territorial too. Gray makes an awful growl when hes scared. Parrot eat eggs that have vitamin A, D3, calcium, and proteins in them. African greys should get 1-2 hours of exercise daily to keep them fit and avoid obesity. They have a black bill, and adults weigh around 400 grams and can reach up to a length of 13 inches. Psittacus Erithacus Princeps: Also called Ghanaian gray, West African gray, or Boyd Alexander. Some African greys can survive being alone for up to 8 hours, but others need more attention and can be left alone for just a few hours. Like all stocky parrots (large body, small tail), it needs its feathers to maintain its balance. Regular disinfectants can be extremely toxic to birds. A deadly, highly contagious (air-borne disease). The nerves that control the gastrointestinal tract are affected. Provide lots of toys and foraging materials, Common Health Problems of African Grey Parrot. He therefore also needs vitamin D3 to help him assimilate calcium. This allows their pink blush to show whenever theyre excited, angry, or scared. On the other end, Vitamin D deficiency is a result of a poor diet. Once I was grown and learned more about birds, I was pretty sure his beak was like that due to heavy metal poisoning and liver damage. They are intelligent, curious and emotional. The PBFD virus is endemic in many free-ranging flocks of psittacines in Australia. More importantly, these birds are already accustomed to humans, so it should be easier for you to handle them. As a result, owners really should never try to trim their birds' beaks at home". Raising Goats The Complete How To Guide. For this reason, it is best to install his cage against a wall so that he can see what is going on in front of him without having to constantly watch his back. Extensive loss of feathers may result in bald spots and exposed skin. They may also get loud when hungry, bored, or frustrated. You can buy Zupreem in pet stores, but Greys do better with the higher calcium in the Harrison's HP. 5. Theyre similar parrots in many ways, but they have subtle differences. Take him outside for sunshine, if you can. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Weightloss, Undigested Seed in Droppings: PDS / PDD, Macaw Wasting Disease Terminal disease. Most birds that succumb to PBFD die due to secondary infections that overwhelm their immune system. To protect these species, the United States banned the importation of wild-caught African Grey specimens in 1992 under the Wild Bird Conservation Act. But on the brighter side, they usually offer free shipping, travel cages, and toys. He might need some more trimming off as the lower part can get quite elongated. What can I say, I was a dumb kid and avian vets were unheard of where I lived. For advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to inspect your parrot's feathers for signs of the disease, keep reading. So, they usually start screeching to get your attention and check up on you. According to Beauty of Birds, Timneh African greys weigh 300-360 grams. Rope and wood toys are particularly good for this type of beak problem. However, the other costs (food, large cage, toys, perches, dishes, and vet bills/insurance) can be up to $3,200 a year. Training African greys to be service parrots is totally doable. The brilliant Alex used English to communicate with other birds in Pepperbergs lab. Did you know that vitamin A is critical for an avians healthy immune system? Symptoms of secondary infections depend on where and how they manifest. Its larger than the Timneh, measuring 14-16 inches with a wingspan of 18-20 inches. Felix deserves mention too! Just to name a few you might find a Cockatiel, Cockatoo, Kakapo, Kea, Lory, Lovebird, Macaw, Parakeet, and of course a Parrot. Bad Feather / Beak Condition; Missing and Misshapen Feathers: Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). There may be several reasons for this. They may even curve inward. She does not get anesthesia for her dremeling. If you make the time for an African grey parrot, youll have a lifelong companion. Rinse off the cage with a hose, removable shower head, or a wet sponge. Your vet will run blood tests to figure out what's going on with your parrot, and they can recommend the best treatment plan. But Timneh has a more stable personality since they have a faster maturation rate. African greys, like all parrots, are messy birds. 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. A Timneh African grey parrot is slightly smaller. Theyre okay at normal room temperature. They poop a lot, sometimes defecating outside their cage. Parrots love to spend their free time pecking and knocking around on toys. They are slightly darker than those from the Congo. This bird species is beyond amazing in many ways, and they can make an excellent feathery companion. He can even be very dispassionate and curious. Unfortunately, theyre still widely traded in the Middle East, East Asia, and Africa. The beak has a pink tint with black sides. Opt to dispose of objects that are porous and difficult to disinfect (e.g., wooden perches) and replace them with new ones. You'll typically see them measuring in at around 10 inches in length with wingspans of 14 inches. They can pronounce some words and mimic sounds earlier, but the real talking and chatting begin later. The lower beak grows faster than the upper beak but the two parts usually keep each other in trim. The area around the eyes and above the nose lacks feathers, exposing a bright white skin patch. On the Timneh, the white scalloping on the head feathers is also more noticeable. Can an African GREY fly? Considerations include the following: Bar spacing is another essential consideration. 1. So, expect to see them sleeping from sunset to sunrise. It is a very curious bird that loves to learn and go to discover However, it quickly gets tired of an activity. Conditions related to parrot malnutrition, African grey Parrot love to munch on nuts,seeds and berries, Signsof goodhealthin an African grey parrot: lots of energy good appetite bright eyes, clean and shiny feathers, The veterinarians advice for Parrot African Grey HealthThe behavior of the African GreyFood and nutrition of African greyThe environment of the African greyChoose the right cageThe lightRoom temperature, Signsof goodhealthin an African grey parrot: lots of energy good appetite bright eyes, clean and shiny feathersHow Caring for your African grey parrot health The veterinarians advice for Parrot African Grey HealthThe behavior of the African GreyFood and nutrition of African greyThe environment of the African greyChoose the right cageThe lightRoom temperature. For advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to inspect your parrot's feathers for signs of the disease, keep reading. just wanted to let you all know that my bird is just fine he was shedding his beak so that a new beak could grow in thank you all for your help! document.write(CurrentYear) But since this genius bird species need a lifetime commitment, you have to weigh in carefully if you can commit before purchasing that Grey parrot with a red tail.