The African grey is a medium-sized parrot with a bare facial patch. Congo African grey parrots have wingspans that extend up to 20 inches. "Blushing" refers to the white patch of skin turning pink on grey parrots. Often there is also liver disease as a result so the overgrown beak is a symptom you shouldn't ignore. The beak may appear chipped, it is a normal appearance when molting (yes, the beak also molted!). This Makes African Greys a Good Family Pet. Most African greys can talk. Of the two subspecies, the Congo African grey is more commonly encountered in the pet trade. The polyomavirus causes polyoma, also known as climbing plant disease. The CAG prefers a little less chaos. She was more scared than angry. Hematuria in association with lead poisoning, African Greys are Susceptible to: Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, PBFD, Beak and Feather Aspergillosis: Many African species seem to have problems fighting off this fungal disease. African Gray parrots are medium-sized, but they need a spacious cage measuring around 36 X 24 x 48to be comfortable. Please Login or Register. They are slightly darker than those from the Congo. . wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. (Athan and Deter, 2000; Faye, 2006) Captive African grey parrots thrive on a diet of seeds, grain, pellets, and fruits and vegetables. My sun conure's beak was damaged as a baby by her sibling and it has never completely healed. Conclusion. You can tell by the bone color of the beak instead of the black that a Congo has. She's pretty good about not holding grudges. After this stage, gray become much more selective about what it is willing to accept from humans. Warm, moist environments frequently cause more infections PDD Sarcocystosis, NEED A VET?USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian. They prefer to forage in groups of usually fewer than 50 birds. home.chilitech.net/~pstone/beakdamage.jpg, www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=15&cat=1829&articleid=2752. You may also give them treats like Nutri Berries, which offers a quality blend of grains, and seeds in the form of a berry. He is fond of palm nuts (very rich in fat and vitamin A), coffee beans, and palm fruit (Elaeis Sinensis). Below is a video of a vet performing a beak trim on an African Grey parrot: Depending on the type of bird, beaks can be trimmed with anything from an emery board to a motorized Dremel drill. Place one perch at the bottom, giving it easy access to food and water. Those who breed parrots would do well to have them checked annually by a veterinarian who has extensive experience with parrots. document.write(CurrentYear) Young grey parrots are more commonly infected by psittacine beak and feather disease than adults. Look out for breeders who avoid questions and dont have complete information about the birds. The area around the eyes and above the nose lacks feathers, exposing a bright white skin patch. Commercial pellet foods contain the nutrients and vitamins your parrot needs. He can even be very dispassionate and curious. It may also indicate that they want your attention and wish to bond with you. Hes the only bird who has ever asked his owner what color he was. Our 7 month B&G has a crooked beak, she was born with it. Beak and Feather Disease: Psittacine: A frequent ailment that affects all parrots, including the African Grey, is psittacine beak and feather disease. Another basic necessity you have to provide is the cage or housing. Contagious to other birds. This guy is a Timneh African Grey. Vitamin A strengthens beak and nails. Leave it to air dry for several hours. African Greys are the most intelligent among parrots. Did you know that the African grey parrot is the Einstein of the bird world? Birds may show neurological signs (seizures, falling off perches, etc.). Princip Island and Fernando Po in the Gulf of Guinea. The species is largely frugivorous, eating seeds, nuts, and fruit from multiple genera, including Bombax, Ficus, Macaranga, and Raphia, with a special preference for the fruit of the . Our blogs and articles are updated regularly with many different important topics on care, purchasing tips, fun facts, and more. This is common in birds that have only eaten seeds for years. African greys have continuously growing beaks that need regular filing to keep them healthy. If the lower beak gets elongated at the front it can't close properly. Many owners report their birds speaking in context and learning words and phrases after hearing them only once or twice. Psittacine beak and feather disease is a common disease that affects all types of parrots, including the African Grey. Their wingspan ranges from 46cm to 52 cm. GIFANK Bird Heater for Cage Bird Perch Stand Warmer Snuggle up for African Grey, Parakeets, Parrots, Small Birds 12V 3.3X6 - Bird Heater for Side. That will help his beak. For this reason, it is best to install his cage against a wall so that he can see what is going on in front of him without having to constantly watch his back. Up to you. A lifespan of 60 years in captivity, and barely 25 years in the wild. Took him to avian vet about 3 months ago and they dremmeled the beak and improved it somewhat, but beak was still unable to close all the way. They're widely considered among the most intelligent species and must be kept entertained to stave off boredom. Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. The . For instance, your parrot may contract a fungal infection such as Aspergillosis, which commonly occurs in the respiratory tract and causes voice change. The feathers underneath the tail are dark red or maroon, while the tail is red or brown. Even if every household member socializes with the grey from the start, it still has the potential to become a one-person bird.. Now lets get into the African greys talking abilities. He enjoys writing songs as a form of entertainment. Cage and play top sections feature a removable grille and tray with grille locks. African grey parrots dont need to be given a bath. In the wild, his diet is rich in vegetable fats protein, and vitamin A. More dark feathers on the abdomen sit over a lighter grey plumage, creating a V shape. Without training or the right living conditions, African greys are prone to behavioral problems, including: . Therefore, it is important to teach him soon enough that biting is not a way to communicate. If the defect extends all the way, it is more than six months since the problem occurred. Contrary to popular belief, the African gray is a very affectionate bird. A deadly, highly contagious (air-borne disease). We do not change a gray of Africa, we will say that it adapts to us, and again, only if we deserve it. The overall attitude of an animal already says a lot about his health. Parrot disease (psittacosis) is caused by Chlamydophila bacteria. Took him to avian vet about 3 months ago and they dremmeled the beak and improved it somewhat, but beak was still unable to close all the way. Yellow stools may indicate liver problems. You must never surprise an African gray. As a result, they dont make good pets for people who work long hours or spend a lot of time away from home. African greys are prone to stress if they lack socialization or mental stimulation. Newspaper is the safest material for lining your parrots cage, as its easy to replace. Equatorial Africa. When it comes to feeding and drinking on the ground, it does so in a group. It would eventually poke into his neck. Bird Type: African Grey Parrot; Cockatiel; Bird Cage Type: Floor The Congo is a bigger hen with a lighter shade with a dark beak and a crimson tail. Sugar or foods with caffeine can make them hyperactive, stressed, and crank, so better avoid feeding them with that stuff. There are two types of African grey: the timneh and Congo. "But they learn quickly. And when they finally find their pair, theyll look for pre-existing tree cavities where theyll make a nest and lay their eggs. The more they hear sounds and noises, the more theyll imitate them. The brilliant Alex used English to communicate with other birds in Pepperbergs lab. There is often boredom, but there can also be medical reasons. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Many breeds of macaws have black beaks, including hyacinth, Hahn's and blue and gold macaws. 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. How big is the gap in your bird's beak? Head - excessive head bobbing and shaking. However, African greys also need to spend time out of their cages. They poop a lot, sometimes defecating outside their cage. Congo African greys are more affordable than Timneh parrots because they're much easier to source in the pet industry. To keep the little hamsters fed (who, in turn, run tirelessly to keep the lights on), we partner with trusted brands as their affiliates. Symptoms of secondary infections depend on where and how they manifest. If your bird loses appetite, has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly, sneezes and coughs, is inactive, and has a bluish tint on the skin and mucous membranes, its best to bring him to the vet immediately. 1. The bird plucks or plucks its own feathers. According to Avian Biotech, the feathers that do grow in will be aberrant. Their feathers are darker on the head, gradually lightening to a silvery grey towards the chest and legs. It's important to watch them as they age for things like foot problems, eye problems, and calcium issues (as others have told you). 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. The disease is fatal, but it is possible to manage your birds discomfort and keep it comfortable. Much smaller than Congo or Ghana. ). The eyes of a sick bird are half-closed or almond-shaped. Someone that raises parrots said he could have a thyroid problem what do you think? He feels our deepest emotions, moods, moods, energies, and these are reflected in his behavior. Theyre the smartest parrot in the world. What Are The Challenges of Sustainable Farming? This genius bird species is gifted with excellent talking abilities. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In some cases of beak overgrowth or other beak growth abnormalities, a beak trim may be in order for your feathered friend. Unfortunately, psittacine beak and feather disease can't be cured, but your vet can prescribe medication and recommend supplements to help manage secondary infections. So, you must be ready for the responsibility of tending to your birds needs when planning to adopt an African grey. You must log in or register to reply here. From a food point of view, African gray has a high need for vitamin A and calcium. Most frequently encountered is Metabolic Bone Disease which is commonly known as rickets .