Line the bottom of the cage with paper bedding, which is safer and more affordable than corn, cedar, and pine shavings. Avoid cages that are coated with zinc or lead, as these metals are toxic to birds.
Your parrot won’t like drafts or sudden changes in temperature. As long as you place the cage away from doors or ill-fitting windows, you shouldn’t need any special equipment to control the temperature, which should stay between 65 and 85 °F (18 and 29 °C).
Purchase a UV light online or at a pet store. It’s wise to place a thermometer next to the cage to ensure the temperature stays under 85 °F (29 °C). Just make sure the thermometer is out of the reach of your inquisitive parrot’s beak and talons.
Choose perches with interesting textures that mimic natural branches instead of straight plastic ones, which parrots find boring. Store-bought manzanita wood perches are safe, entertaining options. Rotate the toys you keep in its cage so your parrot doesn’t get bored. African greys love shredding toys since they have destructive tendencies. [5] X Expert Source Hayley HeartfieldBird Specialist Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
Scrub any caked-up debris on the cage’s bars and floor, and be sure to thoroughly rinse away soap residue. Dry the cage when you’re finished, then add fresh bedding. You should also wash your parrots toys and perches when you deep clean the cage. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds after cleaning the cage, handling your parrot, or touching anything inside the cage.
If your tap water is high in minerals, offer your pet filtered or bottled water.
At night, discard uneaten food and clean the food bowl with soap and hot water to prevent bacterial growth. Feeding your pet commercially prepared bird food will help ensure it meets its nutritional needs. Avoid feeding your parrot a diet of mainly seeds and nuts, which would lead to obesity and nutritional deficiencies.
African greys need more protein than other parrots, so you should also offer a 1 inch (2. 5 cm) piece of well-cooked scrambled eggs, chicken, or fish 1 to 2 times per week. [10] X Research source Offer fresh foods and parrot pellets in separate dishes. Remember to discard uneaten food and wash food bowls at the end of the day. Put the food in foraging toys to help them think. [11] X Expert Source Hayley HeartfieldBird Specialist Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
To provide mental and physical exercise, hide treats around your parrot’s enclosure. Encouraging your bird to forage can help prevent behavioral issues. Avoid keeping a bowl of seeds and nuts in the enclosure or otherwise giving your pet unrestricted access to treats. It’ll fill up on seeds and nuts and ignore its regular food.
When you look online for a vet, use the search terms “exotic animal vet” and “avian vet” plus your location.
Additionally, check its feces routinely, and note any changes in color or consistency. If you spot any concerning symptoms, give the vet a call. African greys are generally healthy and long-lived, but they are prone to respiratory disorders and other issues. Regularly checking your pet and routine veterinary care can help you spot any issues as early as possible.
Spending time with your parrot especially important during the first 1 to 2 years of its life. During this time, do your best to avoid leaving your bird alone for more than a few hours at a time.
Repeat the word 5 to 6 times, offer a small treat, then take a break. Have patience, it may take anywhere from several days to a few weeks before your parrot repeats a word. When it does speak, offer its favorite treats and heap on the praise.
