African Grey Health


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Parrot prevention

African Grey Health

A healthy parrot, The African Grey Parrot is one of the most intelligent birds ever studied by humans. He has an extraordinary ability to assimilate and imitate with great precision the words and expressions of man as well as the sounds emitted in his environment. and African Grey Health depends a great deal on how well it is fed. A lot of the health problems associated with low calcium levels, As a pet parrot owner it is your responsibility to observe carefully and keep a check on health signs in African Grey Parrot!

It is an animal that can be very affectionate, captivating and grateful to its owner. However, he is a special companion whose physiological, environmental and nutritional needs must be well mastered to provide him with a reasonable comfort of life.

It is a very “routine” animal that needs a stable environment, whether it be its cage or its home. He needs regular interactions throughout the day to develop a peaceful and trusting relationship.

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The veterinarian’s advice for Parrot African Grey Health

The peculiarities of the African Grey species

  • Also called Congo parrot, the African Gray Parrot belongs to the family of Psittacidae grouping parrots, parakeets, lovebirds, etc.
    It is represented by two subspecies:
  • Psittacus erithacus Erithacus Linnaeus, known as the Congo parrot: it is larger with light gray plumage, a black beak, and a bright red tail.
  • Psittacus erithacus Timneh Fraser, known as the Timneh parrot: smaller, its plumage is dark gray, its flesh-colored beak on the upper half and its dark brown tail.
  • Average weight: 350 to 500gr.
    The irises of young parrots’ eyes are dark gray and turn pale yellow around the age of one.
  • Sexual maturity: between 2 and 4 years.
  • Life expectancy: 30 years (up to a maximum of 50 years or more)
  • Origins: Central and West Africa

The behavior of the African Grey

  • The African Grey Parrot is very exclusive, they bond mainly with a member of the family and reject the others.
  • They are relatively fearful and intolerant of strangers
  • Newborns educated by parents tend to be more balanced than those educated completely by humans when they reach maturity (problems of aggression, lack of fear of humans, chronic pecking, etc.).
  • Parrots that are comfortable in an environment with humans will adapt better to a new environment and new activities, this is why they must be socialized from early childhood to people and other animals, as well as ‘to the daily chores of the house.
  • The African Grey Parrots are very intelligent, curious and like to explore their environment.
  • They need an environment enriched with games, perches, and drills in order to feel good and limit the risk of behavioral problems.
  • The African Grey Parrots are very routine animals who have difficulty accepting changes in their environment. This is why the new perches and games should be placed outside and gradually moved inwards.
  • The Grays of Gabon show their discontent through loud “grunts”.

Food and nutrition of a Gabonese gray

  • Wild parrots eat fruits, nuts, and plants.
  • A varied diet close to that of their wild colleagues is recommended.
  • A seed-based diet is not recommended as the main food but can be given in small quantities (parrot seeds)
  • Commercial food in granules is available, providing a complete and balanced ration and avoiding sorting. They should constitute at least 75% of the parrot’s ration.
  • Vegetables and fruits should make up 20-25% of the ration. These foods should be removed if they have not been eaten during the day.
  • Treats and delicacies should not exceed 5% of the parrot’s ration.
  • The water should be changed very regularly and kept clean and fresh. It is recommended to provide a drinking trough external to the cage to prevent the animal from dropping inside.

The environment of the Gabon Gray Parrot

African Grey Health

African Grey Parrot Health

Choose the right cage

  • The cage should be as wide as possible so that the parrot spreads its wings without touching the bars.
  • It must be clean, secure, constructed of solid material and not toxic to the animal.
  • Natural wood perches are preferred. Try to vary the sizes, sizes, and heights. To avoid mold, avoid placing them under the feeder and water.

The light

  • It is better to opt for natural light, with an ultraviolet lamp in less sunny areas to avoid hypocalcemia and pathologies of the plumage.

Room temperature

  • Parrots get used to temperature changes relatively well if they are gradual, but avoid too large temperature differences.

Does the African grey support loneliness?

  • When you are away, the parrot should be in its cage or in a dedicated room adapted to its needs.
  • This animal is not suitable for people who have variable hours or busywork, requiring repeated or prolonged trips or absences (whether daily or throughout the year).

Autonomy in a house?

  • Animals without access restrictions are more at risk for household accidents, poisoning, and assaults.

Preventive care and veterinary consultations in African Grey Parrot

  • A clinical examination should be done every 6 months / 1 year by a veterinarian.
  • Consult and do not hesitate to ask a veterinarian specializing in avian medicine.
  • There is a vaccine against polyomavirus which can be carried out on the recommendation of the veterinarian.
  • Claw cutting can be performed if necessary.

Common pathologies are:

Behavioral disorders, particularly aggression, lack of fear of humans and chronic pecking.
Respiratory pathologies (for example fungal infections).
Hypocalcemia syndrome (low calcium level in the blood).
Beak and feather disease (circovirus).
Congestion and nasal mass (caused by reactions to bacterial and fungal infections).
Proventricular dilation disease (PBD).

To make sure your Parrot is healthy, it should be observed carefully

African Grey parrot Health

Do not get too close to him.

Do not make big movements keep your arms around your body.

Do not tap on the cage to get his attention.

African Grey Health

Signs of good Parrot health include:

1) The parrot must have a beautiful plumage that he has maintained. He must have all his feathers. The parrot can pull out its feathers when it is stressed, depressed or bored and stitching is a behavioral problem that is almost impossible to treat!
In addition, the feathers must not be twisted, curled or twisted (especially signs of vitamin A deficiency).

2) The look is sharp.

3) The parrot sleeps normally (ie on one leg) and its belly does not rest on the bar.

4) He breathes calmly without opening his beak. The nostrils are dry (without any flow) and unobstructed.

5) He eats or ate the food at his disposal.

6) The droppings are two-colored and there is no diarrhea at the bottom of the cage.

Remember that if the parrot cries and hides in the bottom of the cage when you approach, it is certainly a wild parrot import.

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