11-13 inches (28-33 cm) Weight. Psittacus Erithacus Princeps: Also called Ghanaian gray, West African gray, or Boyd Alexander. The earlier you intervene, the more you can reduce the effects of the pathology. 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. A lifespan of 60 years in captivity, and barely 25 years in the wild. What is the best age to buy an African grey parrot? Young grey parrots are more commonly infected by psittacine beak and feather disease than adults. He seems to classify any human or object around him in two categories: 1) Dangerous.2) Possibly dangerous.3) Normal and safe. Take him outside for sunshine, if you can. This bird species is beyond amazing in many ways, and they can make an excellent feathery companion. He learned about 50 object names and over 100 words in the English language. African grey parrots dont need to be given a bath. Based on Genetics. Bird Filter Profile Pics. If you feel like an African Grey is a high-maintenance bird to keep, check out this low-maintenance mini parrot that can surely brighten up your home and aviary! In 2012, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (or IUCN) listed both Congo and Timneh African Grey as vulnerable in their Red List of Threatened Species. The toenails and beaks are also black. Nikko got her beak dremeled a bit today. To make the food more interesting, you may create a salad for your bright bird to keep him thriving and growing. Did you know that the African grey parrot is the Einstein of the bird world? The blood supply in an overgrown beak tends to be even longer than it is in a normal beak. African greys, like all parrots, are messy birds. One of the most important things you should know is that African grey needs 10 to 12 hours of sleep. If they can't do this, they're at risk of overgrowth. Unfortunately, breeders or resellers tend to insist only on THIS talent for mimicry to sell this bird and this is what makes it so desirable for the buyer. Without strong socialization, all that is not familiar to the bird automatically refers to the first category. Supposedly round cages can also give birds emotional problems, although at his age he is probably used to it. Without training or the right living conditions, African greys are prone to behavioral problems, including: . This means less dust flying into your face as you clean the bottom. Because of the density of the rainforest, the gray must fly above the trees, sometimes up to an altitude of 700 meters. African gray needs a lot of stimulation in its environment. He is a very good climber. His eyes are round and shiny. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Just like toddlers, birds may have tantrums as well. African Grey parrots are monogamous. So, they usually start screeching to get your attention and check up on you. Merlin, my Grey, also likes a bit of Golden Feast thrown in, which you can buy at My Safe Bird Store, along with the pellets. How long do African greys live? Your vet will run blood tests to figure out what's going on with your parrot, and they can recommend the best treatment plan. Yes, African grey parrots are capable flyers, but they don't always do it as much as other birds. hi every one about 2 months ago we got our african gray from my grandpa who passed away. Hes the only bird who has ever asked his owner what color he was. Their innate high intelligence is on par with a 5-year-old child. So, youd have to clean their cage daily, replace their food and water and provide durable toys and perches. . The brilliant Alex used English to communicate with other birds in Pepperbergs lab. African greys should get 1-2 hours of exercise daily to keep them fit and avoid obesity. Since theyre creatures of habit, a sensitive grey might become upset by even the slightest deviation in routine. At this time, I would clip the end off with a finger nail clipper. Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. Now lets get into the African greys talking abilities. Signs of Possible Illness in an African Grey parrot, by their genetic background, tend to hide their weaknesses.so its very hard to determine Signs of Possible Illness in an African Grey parrot. Appearance: 'Congo' sub-species, from the western coast, are silver-grey with a bright red tail and a dark beak. They require lots of care to avoid boredom, but they make loyal, friendly, communicative, and affectionate pet birds. 1. Let us show you in detail what that means! How Much Do African Grey Parrots Cost? 7.4.2019. More dark feathers on the abdomen sit over a lighter grey plumage, creating a V shape. Warm, moist environments frequently cause more infections PDD Sarcocystosis, NEED A VET?USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian. Feathers will fall off of a parrot infected with the sickness. Vitamin A strengthens beak and nails. This starts with giving parrots toys to play with when youre not around. Beak malformations are a condition that affects birds. However, they dont spend all day screaming, only doing so when necessary. It's important to watch them as they age for things like foot problems, eye problems, and calcium issues (as others have told you). Even his own jokes may make him laugh. When you are away, the parrot should be in its cage or in a dedicated room adapted to its needs. Psittacine beak and feather virus is common among cockatoos, lovebirds, African grey, and cockatiels. Feather Disorders, General African Grey InformationIndex of Bird Diseases Symptoms and Potential Causes Bird Health Care Glossary of Avian Medical Terms Medications Used in Avian and Exotic Medicine and Pharmaceutical Terms How to administer oral medications to a bird. They eat pellets, seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries. However, other parrots are afraid of the dark. If they cant do this, theyre at risk of overgrowth. The African Grey Parrot - a highly intelligent bird that is popular as a pet - has been eliminated from much of its west African range and the largest popula. he is about 32 years old and i have noticed he has a weird discoloring on the tip and side of his beak he doesn't seem to be in any pain and it doesn't seem to bother him I'm just wondering if its something to worry about or if its normal? All our babies are very well socialized, tame and sweet. So, expect to see them sleeping from sunset to sunrise. Gray can only accept novelty very slowly drop by drop. Watch out for lead poisoning by eating lead, which is often found at the bottom of net curtains. We do not change a gray of Africa, we will say that it adapts to us, and again, only if we deserve it. This disease is also contagious for humans (and is, therefore, a zoonosis). Regarding its talking ability, Timneh can start speaking short sentences as early as six months of age, while Congo starts talking when theyre one year old. The mites cause a mange-like condition on the face or legs of affected birds. She came running to me when the vet put her on the table, so luckliy she doesn't blame me. Sometimes it needs to be trimmed but he has always had a slight gap. Wingspan: 18 to 20 inches African grey parrots voluntarily helped a partner get a food reward by giving the other bird a . Birds in their natural habitat take a shower daily, so you should offer your African grey a bath every day. It is the commonest cause of seizures and central nervous disease in the breed so it is important to be aware of it. For his balance, both psychic and physiological, he needs a companion of his kind. Eyes - appear dull and / or squinting; redness, swelling or loss of feathers around the eyes. 5. Flying is the best source of exercise for parrots, and exploring the room is entertaining. African greys have the following characteristics: African greys tend to develop a strong bond with one family member, sometimes rejecting the others. The problem . These parrots can repeat words and phrases after hearing them twice. 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. There are so many things to discover about this species. 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. In addition to identifying her favorite foods and commodities, Pepper could alsoaccurately describe objects and people. There may be several reasons for this. Black Bengal Goat: Characteristics, Feeding & Health, Keeping Pests Out of Your Birdcage: A Complete Guide, How to Introduce New Birds to a Flock: A Simple Guide, Origin and natural habitat and how to take care of them to help him thrive despite the captivity, Types of African grey and the features and characteristics that set them apart, The proof that their talking abilities are truly A+ to help you realize their potential. The disease can also present symptoms such as an . However, raising African greys require lots of time, effort, and money. . Add toys and climbing frames to prevent boredom. Naturally, for the bird to have access to these heights, it is essential that it can fly. A parrot affected by the disease will begin losing feathers, and the feathers that do grow in will be abnormal, according to Avian Biotech. It would eventually poke into his neck. Dull plumage may indicate poor condition. 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. [Understanding Canker in Parrots]. Their wingspan ranges from 46cm to 52 cm. About 36 cm long, 450 to 600 grams. It's recommended to wipe down your African Grey's cage daily with a damp cloth. In addition, as the first reflex of a scared bird is to fly away, more than other parrots, the gray needs all its flight feathers. Parrot beak color is predominantly dependent upon a parrot's species. These birds nestle and thrive in savannas, coastal mangroves, dense forests, and edges of forest clearings. But if you want to make your bird happier, you must provide a bigger one so he can have enough space to move, climb and fly. However, theyre high-maintenance birds that require entertainment and mental stimulation. The African Grey is a highly intelligent parrot species that predisposes them to boredom potentially leading to behavioral problems, such as plucking.