African Grey Cage and Environment
African Grey Parrots are very sociable and require a lot of attention and interaction. Thus it is important to make sure that their cage and environment is more than adequate for their housing needs.
The cage is a safe retreat or haven for your African Grey Parrot. This is where the bird feels safe and secure, no different than what you feel when you walk into the door of your home. There is food to eat, water to drink and best of all toys to play with!
A suitable cage for an African Grey Parrot is at least 2 feet deep by 3 feet wide by 4 feet high (61 x 91 x 122 cm) and has a playpen top with a tray. African Grey Parrots are very active and need a lot of "out" time. It's important to make sure that there are toys both inside the cage and outside to keep your African Grey busy.
It is best to get a cage that has horizontal side bars to help these nimble climbers get their exercise as they climb up and down the sides. A cage with too few horizontal bars has shown to contribute to a lack of motivation and curiosity. You should avoid a round cage as converging bars can trap toes or feet. A square cage also provides more room for your African Grey Parrot.
The cage you select is going to be home to your African Grey Parrot for a long time, so don't skimp – obviously you want something that is going to last so make sure you check it thoroughly. When selecting your African Grey cage keep in mind the following:
Quality of the cage – The bars of the cage should be too thick for the African Grey to bend and where the bars join should be smooth. No sharp edges, flaky finish or easy to disassemble. We're dealing with Einstein's here!
Material of the cage – the cage should be made from noncorrosive metal. Powder-coated cages typically stand up best to the test of the African Grey Parrot's beak and are usually very safe. Other acceptable metals include steel, brass or chrome. Zinc, which is toxic to birds, are in shiny welded wire and hardware cloth and cages that have these substances should not be considered for your African Grey Parrot.
Bars of the cage – There should be no openings or spacing between the bars large enough for your African Grey Parrot to put their head through or small enough for them to catch their toes. Typically, a good rule of thumb is the bars should be spaced about ¾ - 1 inch apart.
Perches of the cage – the perches that come with the cage might need to be replaced. African Grey Parrots love to grip the perch and flap their wings so make sure that you have a variety of easily gripped sized perches available for their use. For them to be able to grip the perch the opposing long toes need to extend at the least a little more than halfway around.
Trays and Grates – Make sure the trays and grates are removable so they are easily cleanable.
Dishes – Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easier to keep clean and last longer than aluminum dishes. If the cage comes with aluminum dishes, you should replace them.
The cage should be kept clean by wiping it down with detergent and water or a bird safe disinfectant solution. Newspaper seems to be the safest bedding as organic bedding can cause illness and death if ingested, also the dust associated with them can be harmful.
The location of the African Grey cage in your home is very important. African Grey Parrots are flock members and like to be where the action is. They need the human interaction and their curiosity to know what is going on makes the place where the cage is essential to their health and happiness. Most African Greys' cages seem to live in dining and living rooms, but remember not to expose the cage on all sides so they will still have a secure feeling when in their home.
The cage is a safe retreat or haven for your African Grey Parrot. This is where the bird feels safe and secure, no different than what you feel when you walk into the door of your home. There is food to eat, water to drink and best of all toys to play with!
A suitable cage for an African Grey Parrot is at least 2 feet deep by 3 feet wide by 4 feet high (61 x 91 x 122 cm) and has a playpen top with a tray. African Grey Parrots are very active and need a lot of "out" time. It's important to make sure that there are toys both inside the cage and outside to keep your African Grey busy.
It is best to get a cage that has horizontal side bars to help these nimble climbers get their exercise as they climb up and down the sides. A cage with too few horizontal bars has shown to contribute to a lack of motivation and curiosity. You should avoid a round cage as converging bars can trap toes or feet. A square cage also provides more room for your African Grey Parrot.
The cage you select is going to be home to your African Grey Parrot for a long time, so don't skimp – obviously you want something that is going to last so make sure you check it thoroughly. When selecting your African Grey cage keep in mind the following:
Quality of the cage – The bars of the cage should be too thick for the African Grey to bend and where the bars join should be smooth. No sharp edges, flaky finish or easy to disassemble. We're dealing with Einstein's here!
Material of the cage – the cage should be made from noncorrosive metal. Powder-coated cages typically stand up best to the test of the African Grey Parrot's beak and are usually very safe. Other acceptable metals include steel, brass or chrome. Zinc, which is toxic to birds, are in shiny welded wire and hardware cloth and cages that have these substances should not be considered for your African Grey Parrot.
Bars of the cage – There should be no openings or spacing between the bars large enough for your African Grey Parrot to put their head through or small enough for them to catch their toes. Typically, a good rule of thumb is the bars should be spaced about ¾ - 1 inch apart.
Perches of the cage – the perches that come with the cage might need to be replaced. African Grey Parrots love to grip the perch and flap their wings so make sure that you have a variety of easily gripped sized perches available for their use. For them to be able to grip the perch the opposing long toes need to extend at the least a little more than halfway around.
Trays and Grates – Make sure the trays and grates are removable so they are easily cleanable.
Dishes – Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easier to keep clean and last longer than aluminum dishes. If the cage comes with aluminum dishes, you should replace them.
The cage should be kept clean by wiping it down with detergent and water or a bird safe disinfectant solution. Newspaper seems to be the safest bedding as organic bedding can cause illness and death if ingested, also the dust associated with them can be harmful.
The location of the African Grey cage in your home is very important. African Grey Parrots are flock members and like to be where the action is. They need the human interaction and their curiosity to know what is going on makes the place where the cage is essential to their health and happiness. Most African Greys' cages seem to live in dining and living rooms, but remember not to expose the cage on all sides so they will still have a secure feeling when in their home.
UNDERSTANDING AND CONTROLLING PARROT SCREAMING
Once a parrot begins a screaming habit, it can be quite difficult to break. For parrots, this type of habit is much like any habit that any human may develop. If you have ever dealt with trying to break your own bad habit, then you should be able to understand that it can be quite difficult for your bird. This is why, when it comes to controlling a screaming behavior, you must have patience. Keeping in mind that it will take time will make it much easier for you to be patient with your bird.
Why Is My Parrot Screaming?
To begin with, you must establish why your parrot is screaming. This will help you determine a plan of action to stop it. However, any bird that screams may scream for a totally different reason from another. You cannot deal with the bad habit without determining why the bad habit developed.
There are usually tell-tale signs of why your parrot screams. Usually, there is a certain action that sets it off. For example, your parrot may scream out of separation anxiety when you leave your home. Your parrot may scream out of fear. It could be that they scream because they know it will get a reaction from you or someone else in the house. There are many things that can lead to the development of this habit. Look for the things that may have lead to it and this will give you a better idea of how to take action.
Control the Screaming of Your Parrot:
Once you know the whys, you can adjust the hows. Depending on the reason for your parrot’s screaming habit, then you will need to handle the bad habit in different manners For example, if your parrot screams in response to loud sounds or frenetic action, then you need to provide the bird with a calm quiet environment. Chances are, this kind of reaction is a fear reaction. You need to address it by helping to avoid the thing that scares your bird.
If your parrot is screaming because it believes it will get a response from you, then you will have to let it know it will not get the response it wants. Whenever the parrot screams, do not give the bird the attention that it is trying to garner. It will not take very long for your bird to determine that it will not get the attention. Parrots are quite intelligent, and they can easily connect actions to reactions.
If your parrot is screaming out of separation anxiety, then you will need to take the time to slowly get it used to the idea of you being gone. You should not make a big deal of leaving in front of the parrot. You should also leave in a gradual manner, giving the bird attention, then sitting in the room without giving it attention and then slowly leaving the room.
A screaming behavior in a parrot is a habit much like a habit that any human may have. In order to get out of this habit, you will need to be patient and understanding.
Why Is My Parrot Screaming?
To begin with, you must establish why your parrot is screaming. This will help you determine a plan of action to stop it. However, any bird that screams may scream for a totally different reason from another. You cannot deal with the bad habit without determining why the bad habit developed.
There are usually tell-tale signs of why your parrot screams. Usually, there is a certain action that sets it off. For example, your parrot may scream out of separation anxiety when you leave your home. Your parrot may scream out of fear. It could be that they scream because they know it will get a reaction from you or someone else in the house. There are many things that can lead to the development of this habit. Look for the things that may have lead to it and this will give you a better idea of how to take action.
Control the Screaming of Your Parrot:
Once you know the whys, you can adjust the hows. Depending on the reason for your parrot’s screaming habit, then you will need to handle the bad habit in different manners For example, if your parrot screams in response to loud sounds or frenetic action, then you need to provide the bird with a calm quiet environment. Chances are, this kind of reaction is a fear reaction. You need to address it by helping to avoid the thing that scares your bird.
If your parrot is screaming because it believes it will get a response from you, then you will have to let it know it will not get the response it wants. Whenever the parrot screams, do not give the bird the attention that it is trying to garner. It will not take very long for your bird to determine that it will not get the attention. Parrots are quite intelligent, and they can easily connect actions to reactions.
If your parrot is screaming out of separation anxiety, then you will need to take the time to slowly get it used to the idea of you being gone. You should not make a big deal of leaving in front of the parrot. You should also leave in a gradual manner, giving the bird attention, then sitting in the room without giving it attention and then slowly leaving the room.
A screaming behavior in a parrot is a habit much like a habit that any human may have. In order to get out of this habit, you will need to be patient and understanding.
Designing a Pet Parrot Environment
In order for your parrot to be happy, healthy and safe you must be able to provide him with the right environment. The essentials for an optimal environment for your parrot include humidity, temperature, lighting, location and air quality. When you know how to provide these critical elements, you will be in a much better position to care for your friend.
Humidity Levels and Your Parrot:
You will find that in most cases your parrot will be comfortable with a humidity level that is also comfortable for you. In most cases you will not need to use a dehumidifier or humidifier in your parrot’s environment. Of course, if you live in an area where there is extreme humidity, you may need to use such an appliance to make your parrot’s environment more comfortable for him. Be sure to research your parrot’s specific breed to find out if he has any special requirements regarding humidity.
Temperature and Your Pet Bird:
The right temperature for your bird will depend, to some degree, on his breed. With that said, most breeds of parrots will be fine in a temperature that is between sixty and seventy degrees. It is crucial to make sure that you maintain a stable and constant temperature environment for your parrot. Temperature swings can cause your bird to become stressed and subsequently ill.
Proper Lighting for Your Parrot:
Natural light is crucial to parrots for a number of important reasons. UV exposure is absolutely critical to ensure conversion of Vitamin D. You might not realize it, but exposure to natural light is also important to parrots because it can impact their eating patterns. UV can also provide natural disinfecting properties. You can supply your parrot with natural light in two different manners. Perhaps the easiest way to do this is by placing your parrot’s cage in a location where it is bright and sunny. Do make sure you avoid placing your parrot in direct sunlight because he needs to be able to get out of the light if he desires to do so. An alternate method is to use artificial lighting that will simulate natural light for your parrot.
Location of Birdcage:
It is important to make sure you place your parrot’s cage in a location where he can be happy, safe and secure. The best location is one where he will be able to see what is going on around him, where there is ample natural light and away from drafts, heating elements and air conditioning returns that might create a draft.
Air Quality for Your Parrot:
Air quality is extremely important to your parrot. Parrots are particularly susceptible to pollutants that are airborne. You might be surprised to learn just how quickly your parrot can absorb toxic fumes. Such possible sources of fumes include smoke, cleaning supplies, fresh paint, air fresheners and scented candles. When determining the best location for your parrot’s cage, make sure you take air quality into consideration to be sure you do not accidentally position it anywhere he could be at risk. Doing so will help to keep your bird happy and healthy.
Humidity Levels and Your Parrot:
You will find that in most cases your parrot will be comfortable with a humidity level that is also comfortable for you. In most cases you will not need to use a dehumidifier or humidifier in your parrot’s environment. Of course, if you live in an area where there is extreme humidity, you may need to use such an appliance to make your parrot’s environment more comfortable for him. Be sure to research your parrot’s specific breed to find out if he has any special requirements regarding humidity.
Temperature and Your Pet Bird:
The right temperature for your bird will depend, to some degree, on his breed. With that said, most breeds of parrots will be fine in a temperature that is between sixty and seventy degrees. It is crucial to make sure that you maintain a stable and constant temperature environment for your parrot. Temperature swings can cause your bird to become stressed and subsequently ill.
Proper Lighting for Your Parrot:
Natural light is crucial to parrots for a number of important reasons. UV exposure is absolutely critical to ensure conversion of Vitamin D. You might not realize it, but exposure to natural light is also important to parrots because it can impact their eating patterns. UV can also provide natural disinfecting properties. You can supply your parrot with natural light in two different manners. Perhaps the easiest way to do this is by placing your parrot’s cage in a location where it is bright and sunny. Do make sure you avoid placing your parrot in direct sunlight because he needs to be able to get out of the light if he desires to do so. An alternate method is to use artificial lighting that will simulate natural light for your parrot.
Location of Birdcage:
It is important to make sure you place your parrot’s cage in a location where he can be happy, safe and secure. The best location is one where he will be able to see what is going on around him, where there is ample natural light and away from drafts, heating elements and air conditioning returns that might create a draft.
Air Quality for Your Parrot:
Air quality is extremely important to your parrot. Parrots are particularly susceptible to pollutants that are airborne. You might be surprised to learn just how quickly your parrot can absorb toxic fumes. Such possible sources of fumes include smoke, cleaning supplies, fresh paint, air fresheners and scented candles. When determining the best location for your parrot’s cage, make sure you take air quality into consideration to be sure you do not accidentally position it anywhere he could be at risk. Doing so will help to keep your bird happy and healthy.
