So, expect to see them sleeping from sunset to sunrise. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of a disease allows you to identify weaknesses as soon as possible. Different formulas are based on your parrots age and medical conditions. If you shop through our affiliate links, at no cost to you, we will receive a small commission and we will be very thankful to you for that! Temperament. In all the above cases and if you have any doubts about the health of your parrot, it is advisable to contact an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. The goal of the eventual wing-feather trim is to allow the bird to gently go to the ground in a controlled downward glide over a 7- to 10-foot . Have fun with him. The Congo grey has a black beak, silver-grey body that is lighter around eyes . It could also be due to an illness or pain, so its best to take your pet to the vet to know if theres an underlying medical issue. Among other unpleasant habits, they are prone to feather plucking and gnawing. Behavior and character of the African grey n This bird needs to feel safe in the environment in which it evolves. 9.7-13.2 oz (275-375 gm) Color. On top of that, African Greys can build logical sentences and express their thoughts. This can be caused by eating too many eggshells, or too much calcium supplement. They may even curve inward. The best way to deal with an overgrown parrot beak is to find the causes of the problem and make the necessary changes to your bird's environment and . Our blogs and articles are updated regularly with many different important topics on care, purchasing tips, fun facts, and more. You are using an out of date browser. Even if every household member socializes with the grey from the start, it still has the potential to become a one-person bird.. It didn't bother him though, and he was so good and patient when I did it. Beak and Feather Disease: Psittacine: A frequent ailment that affects all parrots, including the African Grey, is psittacine beak and feather disease. Just to name a few you might find a Cockatiel, Cockatoo, Kakapo, Kea, Lory, Lovebird, Macaw, Parakeet, and of course a Parrot. Educating a gray should be more like educating a child than a pet. An African grey's beak length is also prone to this and may need trimming. Bad Feather / Beak Condition; Missing and Misshapen Feathers: Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). veterinarian, practice owner. Some African greys can survive being alone for up to 8 hours, but others need more attention and can be left alone for just a few hours. 23 cm long, 250 to 350 grams. Dark charcoal gray plumage, red-brown tail. Parrots like African greys can bond well with their owners. A bird should have a normal length of beak to function and survive. Psittacine beak and feather disease is a common disease that affects all types of parrots, including the African Grey. African Gray parrots are medium-sized, but they need a spacious cage measuring around. Birds may be hypersensitive to noise or movement. Size: 14 to 16 inches As a result, owners really should never try to trim their birds' beaks at home". African grey parrots in fact all parrots are really fun creatures and can make really good pets. It is also in the beak that the entrance of the airways is located, the inside of the beak must be free of any rest (food or other).Under normal conditions, a parrot must have the beak closed. African greys are active birds, so they need a playpen top with a tray. The psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) virus most commonly causes clinical signs in captive and free-ranging old world (Australian and African) psittacine birds such as cockatoos, lovebirds, African gray parrots, and cockatiels. it has seeds peanuts and cracker looking things in it. Suitable for cockatiels, amazons, African grays and similar medium to large size birds - all this manufacturer's cages undergo independent lab testing to conform to the highest levels of pet safety. How Do I Stop My African Grey from Screaming? You may find African grey for sale at local breeders near you, but you must see it first-hand before purchasing. These parrots can repeat words and phrases after hearing them twice. I'm sure his beak is painful as there are nerve endings here. Provide lots of toys and foraging materials, Common Health Problems of African Grey Parrot. They are currently being hand-fed and will be fully trained. This bird is about 30cm in length. If you notice those clinical signs, bring your pet to the vet so he can run diagnostic tests and treat the secondary infections. The bird plucks or plucks its own feathers. Older birds may also suffer from arteriosclerosis, also due to insufficient nutrition. Their primary coverts are dark grey to almost black, and the wings are darker. Many possible sicknesses here! According to the Center forAnimal Rehab and Education, the bars should be to 1 inch apart to avoid injury and prevent escape. Mar 31, 2012. Unfortunately, theyre still widely traded in the Middle East, East Asia, and Africa. But what makes these birds even more interesting is they dont just mimic sounds; they appear to understand the meaning of words. document.write(CurrentYear) book, you will be able to decide if an African Grey Parrot is right for you or not. Respiratory Signs, Chronic Depression, Weightloss: Aspergillosis (fungal disease), bacterial infections / pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies (Hypovitaminosis A) (please refer to african grey nutrition), inhaled toxins (please refer to tttt Sarcocystosis. Please visit our website for full detailed info on these babies -- www.Jcaviary.com-- Please . Intestinal infections can result from intestinal parasites, fungi, or bacteria. The tail feathers range in color from dark red to brown or maroon, and the undertail-coverts are stained with dark red or maroon. In captivity, African grey parrots are prone to certain behavioral problems. Take him outside for sunshine, if you can. Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) is the enormous toucan bird (and probably most famous), with black body plumage, white throat, chest, upper tail covers, red under-tail covers, and a huge yellow-orange beak (15.8 - 23 cm). Seek prompt treatment for any complications you suspect. Now that you know how to spot a healthy bird, it will be easier for you to analyze the signs of weakness in your parrot. The beak has a pink tint with black sides. Self-mutilation is painful for parrots, so why do African grey parrots pluck their feathers? Welcome to our flock. 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. However, these parrots can withstand anything up to 29-30 degrees. Of the two subspecies, the Congo African grey is more commonly encountered in the pet trade. There may also be abnormal nervous system symptoms. Also, play and interact with your African grey more frequently to entertain it. African grey parrots are good pets for experienced owners. Balance - falling off its perch and huddling at the bottom of cage. Size: 14 to 16 inches. "The African greys gave the token beak-to-beak with their partner," Brucks says. The plumage of the feathers occurs regularly with red reds. Flying is the best source of exercise for parrots, and exploring the room is entertaining. A possible sign of mites. Highly social. During stress or physical exertion, a healthy bird quickly finds habitual constants (heart, breathing, balance, the righteousness of the body, ). Size. The timneh African grey parrot (Psittacus Erithacus timneh) lives in Central Africa, including Liberia, the Ivory Coast, and western Africa. In addition to that, they need fresh vegetables such as arugula, kale, and sprouts and nutritious seeds like hemp and flaxseed. A deadly, highly contagious (air-borne disease). However, theyre high-maintenance birds that require entertainment and mental stimulation. I knew someone who had a Cockatoo with an extremely crooked beak, no anesthesia there either. Many birds enjoy bathing every day, which is beneficial because it can make their feathers and skin look healthier. Beak malformations are deformities in the shape of the beak. The female African grey will then incubate the eggs. Beautyofbirds.com is a labor of love. During molting season, the dust disperses into the environment when the birds shed off their feathers. The more they hear sounds and noises, the more theyll imitate them. Bird beaks come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and sizes. The African grey is a medium-sized parrot with a bare facial patch. thank you guys for the quick responses ill take him into the vet. 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. Why? Cheryl Greenacre, in Small Animal Dermatology (Fourth Edition), 2017. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Head - excessive head bobbing and shaking. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. african grey parrot male and female difference, Difference between male and female african grey parrot, at what age do african grey parrots start talking, Description of the African Grey Parrot baby, how long does an african grey parrot live, how to feed parakeets fruits and vegetables, Conure lifespan in the wild and in captivity, How to Get Rid of Mites on Parakeets at home, The reproduction of the Catherine parakeet, All Different Types of Green Parrots (with Pictures). Obesity: African grey parrots are prone to obesity if they are fed a diet that is high in seeds and low in fruits and vegetables. This is common in birds that have only eaten seeds for years. In particular, youll learn about African greys: African greys are spectacular in many ways. Inner mucous membranes should be pinkish and moist. Playing with the birds helps them stay in a chill mode, and when theyre exhausted, they should feel relaxed. The repetitive chewing action naturally wears down their beak; thus, preventing overgrowth. No cure. Plumage gray ash, bright red tail. After this stage, gray become much more selective about what it is willing to accept from humans. Harrison's High Potency Course would be the best one for a Grey, but you often have to order it online. There may be several reasons for this. Feather Disorders, General African Grey InformationIndex of Bird Diseases Symptoms and Potential Causes Bird Health Care Glossary of Avian Medical Terms Medications Used in Avian and Exotic Medicine and Pharmaceutical Terms How to administer oral medications to a bird. Birds cannot resist the steam from highly heated non-stick pans (PTFE), they can die. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. There are a surprising number of bird beak problems which occur fairly commonly across the globe. . He has the gift of taking refuge in mutism to make you pass for the greatest of the mythomaniacs! The brilliant Alex used English to communicate with other birds in Pepperbergs lab. Most African grey parrots sleep on perches, so newspaper is only required to keep the bottom of the cage clean. At the very back of their mouth is a V-shaped slit with fringed edges called the choana. Dull plumage may indicate poor condition. If you want to know more about chickens, quail, and goats, The Happy Chicken Coop is the place to be! But on the brighter side, they usually offer free shipping, travel cages, and toys. If the lower beak gets elongated at the front it can't close properly.