THINKING OF BUYING AN AFRICAN GREY?
By Christine Wanger
For a first time buyer of birds, buying an African grey can be quite a daunting process. There are many things you should be looking for and considering before you commit to buying. General information on 'what to look for in a healthy bird ' can be researched on many online sites, this is great advice, and something I also will be covering in this section. But from experience and hearing stories from many owners of ' New baby Greys ' I have discovered a whole new concern over the purchasing of baby birds and feel I really need to share this knowledge with you. I want to make the information I give you as clear and informative as I possibly can so will divide this topic into various categories. Each section will be something we must be aware of as respectable and caring parrot owners to be. To avoid any of these warnings makes us as irresponsible as some of the unscrupulous ' Breeders ' who are farming out these birds for money rather than considering the welfare of you and the bird. Remember, a good breeder will allow you to see your bird before you buy and answer any questions and concerns you may have. As potential buyers we need to know what questions to ask and have a good understanding of a good healthy looking bird and what the birds specific requirements will be. My aim is to guide you through the preparation, buying, housing, feeding, taming and training of your new baby African Grey and to warn you of all the scams, illnesses and diseases that could be harmful to your ' new addition'. If you have recently bought a new baby ' African Grey ' or are considering purchasing one as a pet, please take time to read my articles and take note of all of my warnings! - Too many baby birds are dying due to uncaring breeders and unknowledgeable owners, please do not let your baby be one of these!
For a first time buyer of birds, buying an African grey can be quite a daunting process. There are many things you should be looking for and considering before you commit to buying. General information on 'what to look for in a healthy bird ' can be researched on many online sites, this is great advice, and something I also will be covering in this section. But from experience and hearing stories from many owners of ' New baby Greys ' I have discovered a whole new concern over the purchasing of baby birds and feel I really need to share this knowledge with you. I want to make the information I give you as clear and informative as I possibly can so will divide this topic into various categories. Each section will be something we must be aware of as respectable and caring parrot owners to be. To avoid any of these warnings makes us as irresponsible as some of the unscrupulous ' Breeders ' who are farming out these birds for money rather than considering the welfare of you and the bird. Remember, a good breeder will allow you to see your bird before you buy and answer any questions and concerns you may have. As potential buyers we need to know what questions to ask and have a good understanding of a good healthy looking bird and what the birds specific requirements will be. My aim is to guide you through the preparation, buying, housing, feeding, taming and training of your new baby African Grey and to warn you of all the scams, illnesses and diseases that could be harmful to your ' new addition'. If you have recently bought a new baby ' African Grey ' or are considering purchasing one as a pet, please take time to read my articles and take note of all of my warnings! - Too many baby birds are dying due to uncaring breeders and unknowledgeable owners, please do not let your baby be one of these!
Never buy a parrot without doing some research first!
WANTED!! RESPONSIBLE OWNER WHO WILL LOVE ME FOR LIFE
By Christine Wanger
Far too often we hear about parrots being re-homed and rejected by their owners for various reasons. African Grey Parrots, If treated with the love and respect they deserve are sociable human companions who enjoy being part of their human family flock.
African Grey's will often bond to one family member and devote all of their love, and focus all of their attention on their 'Human mate', so where does it all go wrong?
It is understandable that not all parrots are sociable when we first introduce them into our homes - especially the ones which have been wild caught. But in time with the right care, attention, love and determination on our part, even the wildest of parrots can become the perfect, tame 'cuddle buddy' for anybody who is willing to put in the effort.
So what can we expect from our African Grey? and Is an African Grey parrot the right choice of pet to fit in with our lifestyle?
There are many points to consider when thinking about buying a parrot to ensure that you and your parrot can enjoy a long and harmonious life together without any conflict. The most irresponsible thing you can do is to buy a parrot without considering the impact that owning one may have on your life. These beautiful and intelligent birds should NEVER be bought as a novelty just to sit and look pretty in a cage, or should it be expected that all will become talkers! Parrots need freedom and an owner that commit a lifetime of love, they should not be pushed from home to home when the going gets tough or you have decided the novelty factor has worn off. Other things to consider are changes in your life. None of us can be sure what the future holds for us but buying a parrot if you are somebody who likes to travel or is considering a major move or even having children can be an irresponsible move.
To be a responsilble owner, ALL options should be considered BEFORE you buy. The following articles will explain the needs of a parrot and what we must do to ensure we are doing the best for these wonderful creatures.
By Christine Wanger
Far too often we hear about parrots being re-homed and rejected by their owners for various reasons. African Grey Parrots, If treated with the love and respect they deserve are sociable human companions who enjoy being part of their human family flock.
African Grey's will often bond to one family member and devote all of their love, and focus all of their attention on their 'Human mate', so where does it all go wrong?
It is understandable that not all parrots are sociable when we first introduce them into our homes - especially the ones which have been wild caught. But in time with the right care, attention, love and determination on our part, even the wildest of parrots can become the perfect, tame 'cuddle buddy' for anybody who is willing to put in the effort.
So what can we expect from our African Grey? and Is an African Grey parrot the right choice of pet to fit in with our lifestyle?
There are many points to consider when thinking about buying a parrot to ensure that you and your parrot can enjoy a long and harmonious life together without any conflict. The most irresponsible thing you can do is to buy a parrot without considering the impact that owning one may have on your life. These beautiful and intelligent birds should NEVER be bought as a novelty just to sit and look pretty in a cage, or should it be expected that all will become talkers! Parrots need freedom and an owner that commit a lifetime of love, they should not be pushed from home to home when the going gets tough or you have decided the novelty factor has worn off. Other things to consider are changes in your life. None of us can be sure what the future holds for us but buying a parrot if you are somebody who likes to travel or is considering a major move or even having children can be an irresponsible move.
To be a responsilble owner, ALL options should be considered BEFORE you buy. The following articles will explain the needs of a parrot and what we must do to ensure we are doing the best for these wonderful creatures.
I NEED LOTS OF ATTENTION AND LOVE!
WHAT MAKES A GOOD OWNER? (part 1)
AFRICAN GREYS NEED HUMAN CONTACT- DO NOT BUY ME IF YOU CAN'T PROVIDE FOR MY NEEDS!
BY CHRISTINE WANGER
African Grey Parrot's are sociable birds. In the wild they spend most of their time in large communal flocks.
A solitary African Grey will NOT be happy. If you work regular long hours or spend much of your time away from home on a regular basis and your parrot will be left alone for long periods of time then an African Grey is NOT the right pet for you!
African Grey's need long periods of time outside of their cage and lots of human contact is vital! These are very intelligent creatures who thrive on learning and keeping busy.
In the wild an African Grey will spend much of it's time foraging for food and enjoying flock time with other 'Greys', and at breeding time, nest building and bonding time with their partners is a real display of the love and loyalty.
Simply buying an African Grey in the hope that it will live out it's very long lifespan of around 60 years imprisoned in a cage, looking pretty and chatting away is NOT reason enough to buy them! They need more and deserve more! Can you imaging being caged into a small area for your lifetime without the ability to use your legs, and with no company or love? Would be tragic wouldn't it! If this is how you intend to keep your parrot then problems will lay ahead for you and your bird for sure.
African Grey's need regular human contact and lengthy periods of time out of their cage in order to thrive and be healthy and happy. They will view your family members as their flock and enjoy being part of the family's routine. They will usually bond to one family member in particular- this will be their human mate. They will enjoy spending as much time as possible with this person and miss them greatly when they are not there with them.
Human contact is vital for their mental health, so if your circumstances are likely to change in the near future then maybe you should reconsider buying an African Grey, rather than buying and having to sell it on when your situation changes as it really is not good for parrots to keep having to be re-homed and causes a number of problems to the bird.
Problems which can occur from lonely parrots are:
* FEATHER PLUCKING / CHEWING
* ATTENTION SCREETCHING
* BITING / AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR
* SELF MUTILATION - rare but in some severe cases
* MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
DO NOT BUY AN AFRICAN GREY IF:
* You are at work all day and your bird will be left on its own for long periods of time.
* You holiday or travel lots - especially if there is no family members who your bird will recognise and feel comfortable with, to care for it in your absence. Your birds routine will need to remain the same in your absence to avoid stress. Many birds stress when suddenly they are not allowed out of cage time.
* You do not have lots of time to devote to your parrot. Owning an African Grey is very much like having a small child. They are very time consuming and require lots of attention, regular prepared meals, lots of cleaning and lots of expense. Remember bird sitters will be required in your absense!
Please consider all of these facts BEFORE buying an African Grey!
AFRICAN GREYS NEED HUMAN CONTACT- DO NOT BUY ME IF YOU CAN'T PROVIDE FOR MY NEEDS!
BY CHRISTINE WANGER
African Grey Parrot's are sociable birds. In the wild they spend most of their time in large communal flocks.
A solitary African Grey will NOT be happy. If you work regular long hours or spend much of your time away from home on a regular basis and your parrot will be left alone for long periods of time then an African Grey is NOT the right pet for you!
African Grey's need long periods of time outside of their cage and lots of human contact is vital! These are very intelligent creatures who thrive on learning and keeping busy.
In the wild an African Grey will spend much of it's time foraging for food and enjoying flock time with other 'Greys', and at breeding time, nest building and bonding time with their partners is a real display of the love and loyalty.
Simply buying an African Grey in the hope that it will live out it's very long lifespan of around 60 years imprisoned in a cage, looking pretty and chatting away is NOT reason enough to buy them! They need more and deserve more! Can you imaging being caged into a small area for your lifetime without the ability to use your legs, and with no company or love? Would be tragic wouldn't it! If this is how you intend to keep your parrot then problems will lay ahead for you and your bird for sure.
African Grey's need regular human contact and lengthy periods of time out of their cage in order to thrive and be healthy and happy. They will view your family members as their flock and enjoy being part of the family's routine. They will usually bond to one family member in particular- this will be their human mate. They will enjoy spending as much time as possible with this person and miss them greatly when they are not there with them.
Human contact is vital for their mental health, so if your circumstances are likely to change in the near future then maybe you should reconsider buying an African Grey, rather than buying and having to sell it on when your situation changes as it really is not good for parrots to keep having to be re-homed and causes a number of problems to the bird.
Problems which can occur from lonely parrots are:
* FEATHER PLUCKING / CHEWING
* ATTENTION SCREETCHING
* BITING / AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR
* SELF MUTILATION - rare but in some severe cases
* MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
DO NOT BUY AN AFRICAN GREY IF:
* You are at work all day and your bird will be left on its own for long periods of time.
* You holiday or travel lots - especially if there is no family members who your bird will recognise and feel comfortable with, to care for it in your absence. Your birds routine will need to remain the same in your absence to avoid stress. Many birds stress when suddenly they are not allowed out of cage time.
* You do not have lots of time to devote to your parrot. Owning an African Grey is very much like having a small child. They are very time consuming and require lots of attention, regular prepared meals, lots of cleaning and lots of expense. Remember bird sitters will be required in your absense!
Please consider all of these facts BEFORE buying an African Grey!
I LIKE MAKING LOTS OF NOISE!
WHAT MAKES A GOOD OWNER (Part 2)
BY CHRISTINE WANGER
NOISE
Before buying an African Grey Parrot, Something which should be seriously considered is the noise which these birds can make.
African Grey's really are the smartest of birds when it comes to mimicking and talking! Many but not all will become great talkers! Talking usually begins when the bird is around one year old as this is when their vocal range will be properly developed, although many 'Greys' will say the odd word or mimic sounds and whistles much earlier than this.
BUT aside from the talking, African Grey Parrots are very noisy birds. First thing in the morning and early in the evening 'Greys' will become extremely vocal. The calls they do during this time are natural sounds for this species of bird - it is programed into their natural instincts. These noises consist of a multitude of whistles, calls and very loud screeches! Infact some of these noises can be ear peircing! The reason these calls are built into the bird is for purposes within their flocks in the wild. Like many other species of birds, they are simply using these calls to let other flock members know they are there, in their territory safe and well. This will be at the start of their day and at the end when they go back to roost for the night.
Many people have described these noises as 'unbearable' and 'ear splitting', so if you are not prepared for noise in your home then unfortunately these birds are NOT the pet for you!
personally, I have always enjoyed these calls and owning three wonderful 'Greys' that always seem to join in at the same time - you can imagine over the last 23 years my ears have become custom to them! Although I do have to admit they are not so great if you are trying to hold a telephone conversation, listen to the TV or taking a nap at the time! My children, now aged 14 & 16 who were born into living with Grey's also have never thought nothing of the noise but I know that to a new owner of an African Grey, these noises can come as a bit of a shock if you do not expect them.
If you live in an apartment or home where noise levels must be kept low, then these noises can be a serious problem for a potential owner of a 'Grey', as you will not only have to worry if you can tollerate them or not but also if your neighbours and other members of your household can tolerate them too. Also consider things such as having a young baby or children who may be disturbed by these noises or maybe you or your partner work shifts and would have disturbed sleep during the parrot's noisy time. Also do you have a child or elderly person living with you who's ears may be less tolerant than yours? All of these factors must be considered before deciding to purchase an African Grey and bringing it into your home.
In all honesty and in my experience over the years, wild caught 'Grey's' are slightly worse on the noise front, but you have to remember these calls are programmed into a parrots genetics so they cannot be prevented. Wild caught 'Grey's'- also known as 'Growlers' due to the awful growling sound they make when they are approached due to being scared or nervous will be even more noisy due to the growling aspect.
Another noise problem is attention screeching. This does not apply to all African Grey Parrots, but some learn to screech out in high pitch tones when the person to whom they have bonded with leaves the room or home. It is purely an insecurity in the bird which will start this kind of behaviour off and it can be quite disturbing to hear and very difficult to overcome once started. Birds in particular that are left alone for long periods of time or not allowed enough out of cage time may be prone to this.
African Grey's can also become jealous of new and other pets, this can also lead to screeching behaviour. Parrots will learn that screeching and lots of noise will get them the attention which they crave- even if it is an angry response, to them it is better than no response. So a jealous parrot which is left alone for hours, shut away for lengthy hours or ignored for another pet, may become a screecher- this is something which should always be considered and avoided before the trouble starts. All of these issues MUST be considered in order to give your 'Grey' the best possible care and for you both to live in harmony with one another.
We would all love for our parrots to become great 'talkers'- I think this is something we all hope for when we buy these birds, but it is a fact that not all parrots will become 'talkers' and much depends on the time we put into teaching them. But something we should all be prepared for is noise and lots of it! A silent parrot is often a sick one, it is normal for these birds to be vocal! So if you do not like noise then please reconsider before buying an African Grey Parrot rather than having to sell the bird because you, a family member or a neighbour cannot tolerate something which is natural in a parrot and can't be changed - PARROTS ARE NOISY : FACT!
BY CHRISTINE WANGER
NOISE
Before buying an African Grey Parrot, Something which should be seriously considered is the noise which these birds can make.
African Grey's really are the smartest of birds when it comes to mimicking and talking! Many but not all will become great talkers! Talking usually begins when the bird is around one year old as this is when their vocal range will be properly developed, although many 'Greys' will say the odd word or mimic sounds and whistles much earlier than this.
BUT aside from the talking, African Grey Parrots are very noisy birds. First thing in the morning and early in the evening 'Greys' will become extremely vocal. The calls they do during this time are natural sounds for this species of bird - it is programed into their natural instincts. These noises consist of a multitude of whistles, calls and very loud screeches! Infact some of these noises can be ear peircing! The reason these calls are built into the bird is for purposes within their flocks in the wild. Like many other species of birds, they are simply using these calls to let other flock members know they are there, in their territory safe and well. This will be at the start of their day and at the end when they go back to roost for the night.
Many people have described these noises as 'unbearable' and 'ear splitting', so if you are not prepared for noise in your home then unfortunately these birds are NOT the pet for you!
personally, I have always enjoyed these calls and owning three wonderful 'Greys' that always seem to join in at the same time - you can imagine over the last 23 years my ears have become custom to them! Although I do have to admit they are not so great if you are trying to hold a telephone conversation, listen to the TV or taking a nap at the time! My children, now aged 14 & 16 who were born into living with Grey's also have never thought nothing of the noise but I know that to a new owner of an African Grey, these noises can come as a bit of a shock if you do not expect them.
If you live in an apartment or home where noise levels must be kept low, then these noises can be a serious problem for a potential owner of a 'Grey', as you will not only have to worry if you can tollerate them or not but also if your neighbours and other members of your household can tolerate them too. Also consider things such as having a young baby or children who may be disturbed by these noises or maybe you or your partner work shifts and would have disturbed sleep during the parrot's noisy time. Also do you have a child or elderly person living with you who's ears may be less tolerant than yours? All of these factors must be considered before deciding to purchase an African Grey and bringing it into your home.
In all honesty and in my experience over the years, wild caught 'Grey's' are slightly worse on the noise front, but you have to remember these calls are programmed into a parrots genetics so they cannot be prevented. Wild caught 'Grey's'- also known as 'Growlers' due to the awful growling sound they make when they are approached due to being scared or nervous will be even more noisy due to the growling aspect.
Another noise problem is attention screeching. This does not apply to all African Grey Parrots, but some learn to screech out in high pitch tones when the person to whom they have bonded with leaves the room or home. It is purely an insecurity in the bird which will start this kind of behaviour off and it can be quite disturbing to hear and very difficult to overcome once started. Birds in particular that are left alone for long periods of time or not allowed enough out of cage time may be prone to this.
African Grey's can also become jealous of new and other pets, this can also lead to screeching behaviour. Parrots will learn that screeching and lots of noise will get them the attention which they crave- even if it is an angry response, to them it is better than no response. So a jealous parrot which is left alone for hours, shut away for lengthy hours or ignored for another pet, may become a screecher- this is something which should always be considered and avoided before the trouble starts. All of these issues MUST be considered in order to give your 'Grey' the best possible care and for you both to live in harmony with one another.
We would all love for our parrots to become great 'talkers'- I think this is something we all hope for when we buy these birds, but it is a fact that not all parrots will become 'talkers' and much depends on the time we put into teaching them. But something we should all be prepared for is noise and lots of it! A silent parrot is often a sick one, it is normal for these birds to be vocal! So if you do not like noise then please reconsider before buying an African Grey Parrot rather than having to sell the bird because you, a family member or a neighbour cannot tolerate something which is natural in a parrot and can't be changed - PARROTS ARE NOISY : FACT!
COST (Part 3 )
BY CHRISTINE WANGER
We all know that purchasing an African Grey does not come cheap! - But hey! that's a good thing! Hopefully this means that people regard these beautiful bird's as less disposable pets and are more responsible as owner's having paid good money!
As with all pets though, there are ongoing cost's beyond just purchasing them and this is something we must consider as parrots, unlike other pets such as cats and dogs, hopefully will have a very long lifespan - up to 60 years!
Although it is impossible for us to predict our future financial security many years ahead in this day and age, we should as responsible owner's be prepared to cover the nescessaties as we would do if we were considering becoming a parent and having a child - besides your parrot WILL be a new family member!
Initial set up will include the following :
PRICE OF YOUR PARROT
Hand - reared birds do make the best pets but are also expensive! Re-homed birds ( had previous owners or come from a rescue centre ) can sometimes be found cheaper, but always make sure you buy from a reputable source such as a recommended breeder, shop or sanctuary/re-homing facility. If you buy from a market stall or on the road breeder you will have no financial fall back if sadly things do go wrong and you discover you have bought a sick or aggressive un-tamable bird. These kind of sellers usually disappear into thin air the minute you hand them your cash!
A LARGE SUITABLE CAGE
Unless your parrot is sold with a cage included in the price - sometimes the case if you buy your bird from a private owner, You will need a large, strong and secure cage, preferably with a playtop or seperate playstand for lots of out of cage play and activity. Cages of this size needed to comfortably house an African Grey do not come cheap! Buying a second hand cage is an option but not always a good idea unless you can be positive why the bird who lived in there no longer needed it. Most diseases are spread through droppings, discharge, mucus and blood from the sick bird and many of the germs such as the very viral Psitticane beak and feather disease (P.B.F.D.) cannot be destroyed through any amount of cleaning and disinfecting, so always be sure to find out the previous tenant's history and if its unsure of why the bird died don't take any chances. Personally I would advise you go safe and buy new - why take any risks when you are going to house a valuable bird!
TOYS AND PERCHES
African Greys are very intelligent birds and love to play and explore! It is essential that they are given toy's and activities to stimulate their mind's and allow them to put to use their natural foraging instincts and skill's.
Toy's can be made cheaply out of bits and bob's, but always check them for safety! African Grey's have very strong beak's that can turn a piece of wood into sawdust in no time at all so check that pieces you use can not splinter or shatter or cause injury when being chewed and that there are no small pieces which can be swallowed or links where toes, beaks and tongues cannot get trapped.
Regarding perches, some of the perches you will get in your cage will be unsuitable for your parrot either because of the material, size or shape or they may just not be enough of them. For this reason I have included new perches in the set up price and there are some great ones available nowday's on the market if you look around. Natural branches make fantastic perches but be sure to check they are from a non-toxic tree before use as some branches are poisonous!
FOOD
A good quality diet is a must have and something you cannot save money on as it is so important! Pellets, a good quality, healthy seed mix and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables daily ( organic if possible but not a must have ) are essential for keeping your bird healthy. You cannot feed parrots your old left over food which is unfit for human consumption, if you wouldn't eat it because it had become mouldy or out of date - neither should your parrot! Any moulds or fungals can make your parrot very sick or even worse KILL! Buying seasonal fruit and vegetables can be cheaper but parrots can be fussy and have strong preferances to what they do and don't like so this may not always be possible - be prepared as healthy fruit salads and vegetable mixes will need serving fresh daily!
PET INSURANCE / VET BILLS
What would you do if your bird becomes sick? Imagine getting to a stage where you love you parrot more than life itself - and believe me you will! Imagine needing to get your sick bird emergency veterinary care - maybe out of surgery hours or during holiday's.
If a parrot becomes sick or suffers a bad injury it is crutial you act as fast as you possibly can - immediately in fact! as sick birds often deteriate fast.
Good Avian veterinary treatment does not come cheap and can range from hundred's to thousands of pounds! As a responsible owner you should be prepared for this by not only researching and locating a good Avian Vet and registering your parrot there before the need for medical care ever arises but by also insuring the bird with a company which deals with exotic pet insurance to cover these bill's or as an alternative, make sure you have a few thousand pounds tucked away in savings for if the need of medical attention for your parrot is needed.
Can you image if you were sick and denied acsess to a doctor and left to suffer? To buy a parrot and know you could not provide medical care for it should it become sick is very irresponsible and cruel! Don't ever be unprepared, this is something you cannot skimp on as it could be what decides one day if you beautiful parrot lives or dies!
Travel Cages / carriers
I have listed travel cages as one of the items you will need as I feel it is really important. If you are to collect your parrot from a breeder, it is usually essential that you have a good strong travel cage / pet carrier for the journey home. Also it is necessary to have one on hand in the event of an emergency trip to the veterinary surgery. Too often people are in a blind panic when the unexpected unfortunately happens and their parrot suddenly becomes sick or has an accident. Being prepared by registering your bird with a local Avian Vet and having the right equipment on hand is essential and may save time in an emergency!
These travel cages are also great to have on hand if you ever need to evacuate your home in an emergency due to fire or weather conditions etc. Can you imagine if disaster did strike and you had to haul your parrot out of your home in a huge cage? Always be prepared! These carriers come in a range of styles and prices, you don't have to pay fortunes just as long as it is a comfy size and has secure locks.
I have listed travel cages as one of the items you will need as I feel it is really important. If you are to collect your parrot from a breeder, it is usually essential that you have a good strong travel cage / pet carrier for the journey home. Also it is necessary to have one on hand in the event of an emergency trip to the veterinary surgery. Too often people are in a blind panic when the unexpected unfortunately happens and their parrot suddenly becomes sick or has an accident. Being prepared by registering your bird with a local Avian Vet and having the right equipment on hand is essential and may save time in an emergency!
These travel cages are also great to have on hand if you ever need to evacuate your home in an emergency due to fire or weather conditions etc. Can you imagine if disaster did strike and you had to haul your parrot out of your home in a huge cage? Always be prepared! These carriers come in a range of styles and prices, you don't have to pay fortunes just as long as it is a comfy size and has secure locks.
