AFRICAN GREYS
Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Pet Business News by Jean Pattison Use Browser BACK ButtonThe African Grey (Psittacus Eerithacus) is perhaps the most well known and sought after parrot of all the species, and more misinformation is perpetuated about this bird than any other. It is essential when selling an African grey to a new bird owner that accurate information is passed to the customer. This will ensure a better and safer situation for both owner and pet.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that African greys are clumsy birds. However, if allowed to fly for a few weeks during weaning, they will learn how to hover, turn on a dime, balance by one toenail and land anywhere they set their minds to. When this is allowed, they will remain as agile in or out of their cage after their wings are clipped.
When weaning, put the African grey in a cage of limited height and with perches placed just high enough for the bird to crawl under comfortably. Then the birds will not be forced to climb to heights where they may be injured should they fall from the perch or the high comers of the cage.
Falling from a perch can cause African greys to become less confident which, in turn, can lead to unsteadiness while climbing around in the cage. African greys need confidence to become agile and well balanced.
Wing clipping for the heavy-bodied African grey should consist of removing just the outer five primary wing feathers. This type of clip will help the grey to not fall and injure itself. Keep in mind to only take the grey outside in a cage or carrier.
Another questionable practice with pet owners is nurturing dominance. Nurturing is fine, but with the African parrot's dominance definitely is out. African greys react very strongly to any type of negativity and they never forget. A grey thrives on being treated with tender respect.
When these birds display negative behaviors, gently guide them from the negative behaviors and don't make a scene when they're acting inappropriately. Changing the subject by using positive distractions works well with these birds.
Due to the sensitive nature of the African grey, expose these birds to a variety of toys and situations early on. They can settle into a routine and habits that later may be very hard to change, so avoid them by providing much variety in their lives.
As a general rule, African greys are suited to adult families; young energetic children seem to make most greys nervous, and pets running around can have the same effect. African greys tend to "think" of themselves as part of the human family, so the need for a feathered companion often is a wasted effort. In fact, owners should only include a second pet bird for themselves, not for the bird. Otherwise it can result in resentment or insecurity on the part of the grey.
As with anything else, there are exceptions. There are many African greys that do marvelous with children, and actually chase family dogs. Much will depend on the grey's temperament and careful introduction to these situations. An African grey can learn to adjust and become quite comfortable in these family settings.
All family members should interact and play with the African grey if they want a very social bird. In a family situation, it is not always better to place the grey's cage in the most active area of the house. A play area consisting of a play stand with food and water bowls and some fun toys best serves the purpose. The bird's cage then may be placed off to the side of the family gathering place.
African greys seem to need their "own space" for parts of the day; a place where they can retreat for time alone or the occasional nap. The minimum appropriate size cage is 20" x 20" x 29". Many greys do well with a small sleep cage in another area of the home, in which to retreat to for the night's sleep.
African Advice
Adult African greys do well on a seed mix and pellet diet with some vegetables as treats. Vegetables should consist of the dark yellow and orange types such as sweet potatoes and carrots for their beneficial natural vitamin A, as well as broccoli and the other dark green vegetables. And, as with all pets, fresh water is essential.
We encourage customers to take their grey for an annual check up; advise them to have a calcium level test performed, too. Although a gram scale may seem like an unnecessary investment, it is a good idea to weigh a pet bird weekly. The first indication of a problem usually is weight loss. When visiting the veterinarian for the first time, we tell customers to take their scale along to compare it to the one at the veterinarian's clinic.
Advise new owners that a just-weaned baby may experience minor weight loss when placed into a new environment. A bird can lose 20 grams overnight, just from the move. An African grey can weigh anywhere from around 400 grams (14.28 oz.) to more than 600 grams (21.42 oz.), and they average 12 to 14 inches from the top of the head to the tip of the tail.
Undeniably, African greys are exquisite mimics. Very few greys will not talk; however, there are no guarantees. Their natural noises include a multitude of clicks, beeps and whistles. It is unusual for most greys to start talking much before age 1, but once they do start mimicking words, they can learn for the rest of their lives.
In teaching an African grey to talk, owners should talk in human tones and with lots of animation and inflection. This is one reason birds pick up bad words; the emotion behind them is what is exciting and fun, not the words themselves.
Owners with monotone voices will have to work hard to get their African grey to talk. African greys can mimic sirens, microwave beeps, fire alarms, smoke detectors, construction work, other animals, and even two-sided arguments, water running, toilets flushing and other assorted bathroom noises, so be careful.
Greys are very smart, even to the point of being called headstrong. They will test their owners and discover how to manipulate, so be one step ahead of them. Of course, this also is one of the things that seem to draw people to African greys.
With proper guidance and understanding, an African grey can be a wonderful addition to any family. Remember to provide your customers with the supplies and education necessary for a wonderful experience.
AFRICAN GREY BASICS
When an African grey goes to a new home, this basic care sheet can provide just what is needed for a smooth transition and a great experience for bird and owner.
- Cage size should be a minimum of 20" x 20" x 29". Of course, toys are a must, so if the cage is filled with toys, a larger cage will be a wonderful home.
- Perches in the cage should be placed low, or the grate raised until the African grey becomes used to climbing around. Many times, a fall can be traumatic for a baby grey, and lower perches can help prevent the over active baby from failing too far and causing injury.
- A variety of toys should be made available and changed often. Supervised toy play is recommended and variety is the spice of life for these feathered companions.
- Use a cage cover at night to help develop a firm-sleeping schedule. (We don't necessarily agree with this item).
- The new bird should interact with all family members to encourage a sociable member of the family.
- An African grey's diet should consist of a good seed mix and pellets, with some dark yellow, orange and green vegetables as daily supplements.
- Annual veterinarian checks are a must, and the birds' calcium levels should be checked during the examination.
- Wing clipping for the heavy-bodied African grey should consist of removing just the outer five primary wing feathers. With this type of clip, the grey will not fall and injure itself. Remember to only take a grey outside in a cage or carrier.
- Many African greys seem to enjoy having a private space to retreat to when the mood strikes them or when they feel like napping
- African grey owners should never use negative reinforcement when an African grey is not acting appropriately. Redirecting its interest works much better in curing objectionable behaviors.
- Always supervise any activities when other house pets, or small children, are involved in the same household with an African grey.
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