African Grey

How To Pick Popular Birds for Pets

2009-10-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

There are several popular birds for pets or bird companions. Parakeets are still highly favored pets; they are good pets for kids and people not accustomed to caring for birds. They chatter, sing, and whistle pleasant sounds. They are smart and their lifespan is from 12 to 14 years. Parakeets are in a category of birds with parrots as are Budgies and Lovebirds, Cockatiels, Parrotlets, and Conures.

The most small species of parrots are lovebirds. They are basically quiet birds. They are intelligent and have personality. They live about 20 years and are about 6-inches long. A highly intelligent bird is the African Grey, which is capable of learning 2000 words. The drawback of their intelligence is they get bored easily and need much attention. Their lifespan is 50 to 70 years.

Cockatiels are originally from Australia. They are favored because of their exceptional performance in singing and whistling. They can be taught to talk, but usually would rather mimic sounds like a ringing phone or doorbell. They live from 15 to 20 years.

The finch family includes: Finches, Weavers, and Canaries. These are little birds, but colorful and most of the types are 5-inches or less long. They are called waxbills or softbills, whereas the parrot family is known as hookbills. They aren't very interested in people, so that they are good pets for those that want a pet that requires minimum attention. They are nice to look at for bird watchers. If a finch or canary is well kept it can live 10 years.

Some other popular, but not as common domesticated birds are the tucans, mynahs, and doves. The mynahs are part of the starling family. They are naturally occurring in eastern and southern Asia. These birds are usually destructive, though they make a mess when eating. Mynahs eat pellets, fruit, veggies, and insects. They like to socialize with people. Their lifespan is 8 to 10 years.

The toucan isn't a cage bird and it needs an aviary to live in. They originally came from South and Central America. They are noisy and sometimes bite. They aren't very social with people and they live from 15 to 20 years.

When choosing a bird for a pet it is important to pick one that fits with your lifestyle and the amount of effort you want to put into the pet. Some birds need more attention and others less. Some big birds can be destructive, say parrots, which tend to chew furniture. In the wild they bite tree branches during the day. Larger birds are usually louder too. Parrots are smart and need mental activity and they are social animals.

Also, think of the nutrition, temperament, and maintenance involved in the kind of bird you want to get. Some birds like to get out of their cage and be social, others like to be left alone. Some species of birds need a special diet. Consider the amount of feeding, vet care, and housing a bird will require according to its lifespan before picking one.

About the Author
Tristan Andrews is a freelance author who writes articles about pet supplies and the bird supplies.

Would You Make A Good "Parent" For An African Grey Parrot ?

2009-10-18T10:53:00.001-07:00

Are you thinking of adopting an African grey parrot as a pet? As with any choice of pet, there are advantages and disadvantages to the African Grey. It is important to realize that this is a bird with particular needs and preferences and you must not consider one unless you can meet his specific requirements.

The African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) originates in Central Africa and comes in two versions. The larger version, which can grow 12 to 14 inches long, is named the Congo and is very colorful with bright red tail feathers. Its sub-species, the slightly smaller Timneh, has shorter, darker tail feathers and its plumage is not so striking as its larger relative.

Although nobody is absolutely sure when the African Grey parrot first appeared in Europe, it has certainly been around for a long time, and it is reported that Henry VIII had one for a pet.

The African Grey parrot is no ordinary pet bird, which you can put in a cage, top up its food and virtually ignore. In their natural habitat, they depend on the rest of the flock not only for company, but also more importantly, for their security from predators. They are inordinately intelligent and can judge the emotions of those around them. This stems from a natural instinct in the wild to warn them against danger and it is probably not surprising that they tend to transfer this sensitivity onto the humans around them. This means that they are highly tuned in to negative emotions, which are likely to stress them considerably.

Another consideration is that since these birds are such social creatures, they are very likely to become depressed when they are left alone all day whilst you are at work. When bored, which leads to anxiety in the bird, they are inclined to pull out their feathers, and can become somewhat aggressive. If it is necessary to leave them alone, remember to give them plenty of toys to occupy them whilst you are gone.

Now onto the advantages of choosing the African Grey parrot. Extremely intelligent and great talkers, they learn new words and skills quickly and are always curious to know more. To get your parrot to learn a new word or phrase, you must look him directly in the eye and repeat the desired phrase many times, but using different pitches of voice. This will make him realise that you want him to learn the words you are repeating. Please do not teach him swear words as it's an insult to his intelligence to make fun of him.

To give an example of how intelligent these parrots are, there is one called Alex, an African Grey trained by Dr Irene Pepperberg, who is capable of distinguishing the colors, forms and quantities of objects at the same level as a four year old.

It is worth repeating here that an African Grey parrot needs a strong bond with his owner, and unless you are capable of giving an African Grey parrot all the parrot care it demands, please do not consider it as a pet.

About the Author
Pat has been writing articles for blogs and article directories for several years now and specializes in diet, fitness, finance, home decor, cooking and pet care. His most recent website discusses coffee tables with storage, including the lift up coffee table that will enhance your home decor and provide tons of extra storage.

How Long Does it Take to Train a Parrot to Talk? Train Your Parrot to Talk

2009-10-18T10:50:00.001-07:00

Every parrot owner who wishes to see their bird talking the next morning asks the same question: how long does it take to train a parrot to talk? This inquiry can be answered easily if you know the factors that affect the ability of a bird to mimic sounds or talk.

To get a parrot talking, it's highly preferable to buy young and hand-raised feathered specie ranging from three to six months. It's essential to keep in mind that older birds do not learn as effortless and as fast that the young ones since they have already predetermined sounds in their minds. If the bird you are planning to train is an adult already, you need to have a lot of staying power, patience, and persistence to get it talking. Although parrots are known as talking birds, the aptitude of your bird to imitate the spoken words of human hugely depends on the parrot species that you have, the attitude of your pet, the strategies and techniques you're going to utilize and how you particularly tame your pet. The training should start by taming your parrot and building its trust in you as his trainer before you can be successful in asking it to talk. You will notice if your pet is ready to be taught how to utter words if it's relaxed and confident in your presence.

One of the most efficient talking birds is known as the African Grey parrots. They are easy to teach and very proficient in their actions. The different types of parrots and their various tonal pronunciation and qualities are some of the factors to recognize how long does it take to train a parrot to talk.

As you broaden the vocabulary of your pet parrot as well as its tonal quality, it will grant you the companionship and joy you will never experience with non-talking birds. Note that parrots can retain information of more words and phrases because of their strong memory than other flying species. Begin the training session each morning prior to taking its cage cover off. It's vital that you reiterate a phrase or words several times like making it a ritual. Birds will contemplate more sounds in the dark and will attempt to act in response to what you say by repeating what it hears. Perform this process several times in a day, particularly right after you feed it or when you grant it a tidbit.

When your parrot gets accustomed to the sound that you use to make it responds, it will speak the same phrase to call your attention if you are not anywhere near it or when it needs attention or it is very hungry. Once you hear it, you should answer back with similar sound as an affirmation, but don't go near the cage. Knowing how long does it take to train a parrot to talk is highly influenced by your perseverance in teaching your pet. If you work during weekdays, you can use a recording to train your pet to mimic sounds and talk.

About the Author
Are you looking for easy to follow small chicken coop plans? Visit http://chickencoopplans4u.com for more information!

Breeding African Grey Parrots Making It A Success

2009-09-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

Many of us get attached to pet greys and consider breeding at a later date in time. This kind of bird is terribly friendly and interacts well with people. Do not rush the choice to reproduce this bird species, first ask if this task has been done by people you know, to understand exactly what is involved with this process. Breeding a bird is dissimilar and more involved than breeding a commoner pet like a cat or dog.

An african grey bird keeps an ongoing relationship with its mating partner ; , separation is a definite 'no no'. Leave the birds alone together. Not only are the owners to be committing they must also be determined and have the willpower to reproduce the parrot since this attainment is not acceptable for all folks. The birds need an enormous degree of attention and love from their carers and from people who breed them.

African Grey Parrots that already have a home that is not in natural settings are the easiest type to breed. Birds that are insulated from the wild are a neat place to start for green breeders. Some greys are very aggressive toward humans as well as their mate.

African grey parrots can be physically aggressive, particularly during the mating time. The first step for breeding macaws is to a find top quality male and female in good health for mating and breeding macaws. The best way is to see the bird for yourself and base the choice on your own standpoint.

Don't permit others to advocate birds to you especially if this is the first doing business with the person. The best choice is to purchase a pair of breeding african greys that have been shown to lay eggs and generate healthy chicks. Buying a pair that has already bonded is also a good selection because this could increase the success rate for breeding. Before breeding, the healthiness of the bird must be investigated. A non-healthy bird won't be able to provide healthy offspring. A vet visit is recommended.

A huge home and mating area is required because of the size of the african greys that you're going to be breeding. This permits the bird to chum as well as play to entertain itself. Having extra space will contribute to breeding triumph. The food given to macaws includes seeds, fruits, nuts and vegetables. Some breeders also feed the bird supplements to add extra nutriments to ensure health and reproduction. A good diet is vital to condition the greys body previous to breeding.

Keep in mind the breeding process may be dear. The method requires dedication and time for successful endeavor. When beginning the method for the 1st time choose a bird species that is comparatively easy to breed. Choose a type that has been easily and successfully bred during the past like the african grey parrot. Select fastidiously as there are lots of greys that are not advised for breeding thanks to the fact they don't breed well. Select birds that are in prison as they're changed to being handled by humans and are calm.

About the Author
Amanda Is A work From home mum of 3 cihildren, she has been breeding parrots for many years. For more information On Breeding African Grey Parrots Please Visit African Grey Parrots and African Grey Parrots

The Really Popular African Parrot, the African Grey Parrot.

2009-09-01T05:25:00.001-07:00

A great parrot to own. Ever wanted a parrot that is clever, a great friend who can live as long as you. I'd suggest the African Parrot. Specifically the African Grey Parrot.

Now...if you are considering breeding them it can be a little tricky. In the wild, African Greys choose a small area on a tree to breed; this means that you do not need provide them with a large and open space in order to breed them successfully. Although they do like a bit of privacy in order to breed, a nest box is your best bet.

Otherwise find a breeder who specializes. They can be your best source of information and guidance too.

African Greys can be great talkers, at the very least they are an incredible mimic, they can mimic sounds with amazing accuracy.

This is no ordinary pet. Parrots demand lots of attention. So, I'd suggest you spend some quality time feeding your bird and you will build a great relationship. they tend to bond strongly to only one human. And, unlike a cat or a dog, an African Grey parrot can live as long as humans do, and some even outlived their owners. In that sense, it is a great companion to have.

Considering that this bird is going to live with you for a very long time, it will need a big and sturdy cage for comfort, with doors opening on the front and at the top. You can source a suitable cage because pet shops carry a wide variety of cages for parrots. And with the internet so accessible to anyone, ordering a bird cage from a website is also a good option if there are no pet shops in your area.

Unlike other pet birds, this parrot needs lots and lots of stimulation. I mean they love to play. So, get them parrot toys to amuse themselves with whether you are home or not. Boredom can lead to behavior issues and ill health otherwise. Plastic rings are a great toy that you can hang from the top of the cage. They love to bite, climb and hang upside down on the rings.

Don't forget a good, healthy, balanced diet either. You should be able make this yourself with ingredients like seeds and nuts from the grocery store or supermarket. They love fruit and vegetables too. Healthy diet, lots of attention, toys to play with and you will have a healthy parrot.

About the Author
For more great tips on the african parrot visit http://www.myparrotcare.com/african-parrot/

The Joy of Owning an African Grey Parrot

2009-09-01T05:22:00.001-07:00

The great thing about keeping an African Grey parrot as a pet is that it can form a strong bond with you. Unlike a dog which can fetch a baseball, an African Grey can talk, well at least mimic the sounds you and others around you make, including the telephone and microwave oven.

Just like any other pet, this bird requires all the attention you can give to it. Spend some quality time feeding your bird and you will discover their amazing character and affection. Unlike a cat or a dog, an African Grey parrot can live as long as humans do, and some even outlived their owners. In that sense, it is a great companion to have.

Considering that this bird is going to live with you for a very long time, it will need a big and sturdy cage for comfort, with doors opening on the front and at the top. It will not be a problem to source for a suitable cage because pet shops carry a wide variety of cages for parrots. And with the internet so accessible to anyone, ordering a bird cage from a website is also a good option if there are no pet shops in your area.

Unlike other pet birds, this parrot needs stimulation. Get parrot toys so that your bird can amuse itself during the times you are not at home. The most common ones are plastic rings that you can hang from the top of the cage. They love to bite, climb and hang upside down on the rings.

The African Grey loves dry natural seed and nut mix. You should be able make this yourself with ingredients from the grocery store or supermarket if the pet store is too far away. Fresh cut fruits and vegetables like celery and asparagus are also good for the parrot for the vitamins that they provide.

This parrot likes to be spoken too, especially by its owner. But be careful with the vocabulary that you use because the bird is actually studying all the sounds that you make and registering it in its head. But one good idea is to let it speak your name, home address and telephone number. This is exactly what an owner did and when his African Grey flew away through an opened window, the person who found the parrot managed to return it because the bird kept on repeating its owner's phone number.

About the Author
Azmi Adnan is a writer and a parrot enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for interesting articles on parrots at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

Types of African Grey Parrots

2009-09-01T05:20:00.001-07:00

Before you decide to purchase an African Grey parrot as a pet, it is important to know that there are 2 different types of sub-species. They are known as the Congo African Grey - with light grey feathers, deep red tails and black beaks, and the Timneh African Grey, which are smaller in size with a darker charcoal grey color, a darker maroon tail, and a colored horn beak. There is also the lesser known species known as the Ghana African Grey which is similar to the Congo but smaller in size and darker in color and then there is the rare Cameroon African Grey.

These parrots are relatively quiet birds with an average lifespan of 50 to 65 years living on a diet of fruits, nuts and vegetables. It is a good idea to socialize the birds with humans on a regular basis as they tend to be quiet if left alone and thus would only bond with their owners only. When bored, African Greys have the tendency to pluck their own feathers to amuse themselves. In cold climates, this can really affect the bird in keeping themselves warm.

The African Grey parrot is considered the most talented in the parrot family with their ability to mimic human tonality. This is the reason why they are much sought after parrots by bird enthusiasts to keep as pets and also the reason why their prices are much higher than other species of parrots. They are very challenging pets to keep as they don't like to be petted upon, are also temperamental and may bite hard if stroked. They are lifelong buddies to their owners because of their longevity and it is not uncommon to see these parrots changing hands when their owners give up on them.

African Greys are commonly being bred by breeders for sale due to their high demand. More and more pet owners are finding the joy of keeping these parrots after watching the famous Einstein the talking African Grey parrot and of course, the late Alex as well.

Unlike cats and dogs, it is not a good idea to have African Greys around families with children as these birds bite. Their beaks and claws are sharp and can injure a child, or even older adults. Whatever species of parrot you intend to buy, remember that they require commitment and dedication to upkeep and you need lots and lots of patience nurturing them.

About the Author
Azmi Adnan is a writer and a parrot enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for interesting articles on parrots at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

The Importance of Calcium Supplements For Your African Grey Parrots

2009-09-01T05:19:00.001-07:00

Feeding the right food is the most important aspect of owning an African Grey parrot. The right diet will determine the health and stress level of your parrot and its ability to be trained to talk and perform bird tricks. Unlike other birds, different African Greys eat different kinds of food. Don't make the mistake of thinking that they all have the same diet patterns. If you own more than one African Grey parrot, feeding them can prove quite a challenge. Just like humans, African Greys have their own diet preferences. But if you acquire your bird from young, say twelve weeks old, getting them used to feeding a certain kind of food can be fairly advantageous.

Some African Grey parrots will eat soft fruit while others will only eat hard fruits. Some will eat vegetables and others will not. To find out what is best for your parrot, try giving them a variety of fruits and vegetables and see which one they choose, and stick to it. However, do give them a good balance of calcium because a lot of African Grey parrots that fell sick seem to lack calcium in their diet. You can get calcium from hard boiled eggs, watercress, spinach, blackberries or natural yogurt.

If your parrot doesn't seem to want to eat any of these calcium based food, try giving them calcium supplements three times a week, mixed into their food bowl. Do not mix the calcium supplements into the water bowl because some African Greys may not drink water in a twenty-four hour period because they already had their water intake from eating fruits. A good calcium diet will ensure that your parrots have fine feather and are stress free. Calcium is good for producing healthy eggs too if you intend to breed African Grey parrots.

Another great reason for having a healthy diet is that it will minimize any symptom of stress in a parrot that would result in the bird plucking its feathers and squeaking frequently. We all know how annoying squeaking can be especially if you live very close to your neighbors, or if you live in an apartment. When a parrot is healthy in both mind and body, it will also respond well to speech training or other bird tricks. This would make your effort in training it much easier and more productive. Just like in other animals, a healthy diet also means less visits to the vet and less expenditure on health matters.

About the Author
Azmi Adnan is a writer and a parrot enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for interesting articles on parrots at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

African Grey Parrot, What You Need To Know First

2009-08-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

There are two sub-species of the African Grey parrot - they are the known as the Congo African Grey - with light grey feathers, deep red tails and black beaks, and the Timneh African Grey, which are smaller in size with a darker charcoal grey color, a darker maroon tail, and a colored horn beak. There is also the lesser known species known as the Ghana African Grey which is similar to the Congo but smaller in size and darker in color and then there is the rare Cameroon African Grey.

These parrots are relatively quiet birds with an average lifespan of 50 to 65 years living on a diet of fruits, nuts and vegetables. It is a good idea to socialize the birds with humans on a regular basis as they tend to be quiet if left alone and thus would only bond with their owners only. When bored, African Greys have the tendency to pluck their own feathers to amuse themselves. In cold climates, this can really affect the bird in keeping themselves warm.

The African Grey parrot is considered the most talented in the parrot family with their ability to mimic human tonality. This is the reason why they are much sought after parrots by bird enthusiasts to keep as pets and also the reason why their prices are much higher than other species of parrots. They are very challenging pets to keep as they don't like to be petted upon, are also temperamental and may bite hard if stroked. They are lifelong buddies to their owners because of their longevity and it is not uncommon to see these parrots changing hands when their owners give up on them.

African Greys are commonly being bred by breeders for sale due to their high demand. More and more pet owners are finding the joy of keeping these parrots after watching the famous Einstein the talking African Grey parrot and of course, the late Alex as well.

Unlike cats and dogs, it is not a good idea to have African Greys around families with children as these birds bite. Their beaks and claws are sharp and can injure a child, or even older adults. Whatever species of parrot you intend to buy, remember that they require commitment and dedication to upkeep and you need lots and lots of patience nurturing them.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Azmi_Adnan

African Grey Parrot - What Type Of Cage Should You Buy?

2009-08-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

There are a plethora of choices available when it comes to cages for your African Grey. What should always try to look through the cosmetic aspects of the cage, and instead focus on what your African Grey really needs. There are numerous shapes in which parrot cages come in, from square to round it of course rectangle. It is very advisable however, that you do not opt for our round cage for your African Grey parrot. This has been proven to cause not only psychological problems, but also orientation problems. One very important thing that you should be careful about is the width between the bars. The width of the bars must not be wide enough to let your African Grey parrot stepped its head through the bars as this can result in your parrot being trapped and in trying to escape, it breaks its neck. Generally, the bigger the cage the better for your bird it will be. Your parrot will thoroughly appreciate having the extra space.

Another thing, you may want to consider is whether the cage opens from the side, or from the top. A benefit of having the cage open from the top is that your parrot will be able to scale out onto a high perch.

Perches are another thing that you should consider. If you perch is made of hard doweling rod, you may want to consider changing it for a softer wood, especially if it is smooth. If you do this then your parrot will learn to climb about the cage, which in turn will mean that it will build its confidence faster. If you are in a situation where you have a baby African Grey, then you should place the perch lower in the cage until it has more confidence and stability.

Your African Grey of course loves food and water, so you should ensure that there are ample amounts and their accessibility to these feeders are easy for your bird. One thing you should do if you have a young bird is to place the food and water in different places. This will mean your bird will have to explore its cage which in turn help it gain confidence in its surroundings.

Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of http://www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iziah_Shumkel

The Top Best Secret Of Parrot Training

2009-08-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about getting a parrot as a pet? Reading this short article will really help you in understanding how to care for your new parrot. Parrots require lots of love and special care. This is just because they are such delicate, wonderful creatures. Once you have put the time in for proper care for your parrot, you will be so proud to know that you have grown a happy, wonderful healthy parrot.

Parrots have become the most popular pet birds in recent times. And if you have ever seen one in action that you can understand the beauty of this bird and the allure it has on its owners. Parrots are know for their beauty, their unique personality and their duty of being the constant entertainer. And to make them even more appealing, they have the intelligence that surpasses all the other birds in the forest.

There are over 350 species of parrots and each species require a different care. Even though the Amazon parrot and the African Grey Parrot are both parrots yet they require a different diet to make them healthy..

Some of the things to take into consideration when thinking about becoming a parrot owner are:

Parrot Behavior: Parrot behavior is important because the behavior is most times tied to the parrot's diet.. If the parrot is not given the right parrot food, then as a owner you will see your parrot behaving in a way that seems strange and out of the ordinary.

Parrot Diet/Parrot Food: Parrot food should be of great importance to a pet owner. The parrot diet will determine if its healthy and happy or just a cranky bird. A parrot diet should consist of some of the below mentioned foods-parrot seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh water and a healthy portion of parrot pellets.

Parrot Cages: Parrots are very unique birds. If the parrot cage is too small the parrot will feel caged in and this will cause behavorial problems because it affect its mental state of mind. The cage needs to be big enough so that the parrot can fly around. There also has to be enough room for parrot toys without the parrot feeling as if itâ€™s being cramped in. Regularly inspect the parrot cage to ensure that there have been no damages caused of the parrot gnawing at the cage.

Parrot Training: Parrots are very intelligent and get bored easily so training your parrot will keep him active and learning. They are so very social and like the attention and training will provide that.. As a general rule, a parrot owner should not over stress the parrot with training. And the parrot should always be rewards when he or she does something right. You can reward your parrot with treats such as fruits, vegetables or scratching its head.

Owning a parrot is the most wonderful and rewarding thing that one can do. Though having a parrot requires some time and effort, the benefits is most rewarding. These exotic birds can live for as long as 80 years so you'll have a friend for live just by giving love and proper care to your parrot.

About the Author
C. J Weatherburn is a parrot lover enthusiast. He has spent many years teaching people how to take proper care of their parrots. In his latest book, he teaches other how to grow healthy, happy, joyful parrots.

Introducing The African Grey Parrot

2009-07-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

In the case of the African Grey Parrot, what it lacks in brilliant plumage it more than makes up for with its friendly nature and astounding ability to mimic sounds and speech. So much so, in fact, that it has become one of the most popular parrot breeds of all.

The African Grey is considered to be one of the most intelligent species of bird. Astoundingly, not only can they mimic speech, but they can actually construct sentences! Beginning from the time they are one year old, they can learn to repeat music and singing patterns, they can imitate pet sounds and noises around the home like the doorbell or the telephone, and they can even imitate accents. They may even growl if they feel threatened. Since these parrots will repeat anything they hear, they do not need to be taught one word at a time the way many other parrots need to be painstakingly trained.

A bird this smart, however, doesn't like to be left alone and will get bored very quickly. When it does, this relatively quiet bird will let you know with a loud squawk or whistle. For the African Grey, plenty of toys and interaction with those around them will keep them engaged and happy. Keep in mind that they do need a lot of exercise: they should be allowed to fly around for at least an hour every day. Since this species loves to pluck themselves by way of grooming, it is a great idea to give them a bath or to mist them at least twice a week. This will help to eliminate any irritants or dust that could cause them discomfort.

African Grey parrots are usually 12 or 13 inches long from their head to their tail. Their grey feather color is what gives the bird its name. Though grey, the parrot is not considered to be less appealing. In fact, the African Grey is widely regarded as one of the most attractive species of parrot due to this wonderfully simple coloring. Different sub-species of the African Grey may have red or maroon tails. Their feathers often display a white edging. Around their eyes can be seen a beautiful area colored white or pale pink. The use their strong jaws to chew on many things, including their perch, their toys, or your furniture! Always bear in mind that if you allow your parrot to fly around the house, it is a very good idea to make sure you are there to supervise, and always be careful of any valuable items. A generally strong bird, the African Grey is vulnerable to calcium deficiency so their diet should be well thought out, especially for younger birds and chicks. You may think that calcium can be given using dairy products. However, parrots cannot digest dairy products like cheese, milk, or yogurt. Not only will these make them very ill... they may even kill them.

The African Grey is a social bird that generally behaves well with other parrots and birds. In the wild, they may be seen in flocks numbering more than a thousand birds. An unfortunate Black Market in African Grey parrots has cropped up given how popular these birds are as pets, and given the sheer size of the African Grey population in their native Africa. The birds are captured and then falsely sold as tame pets, after being housed and transported in terrible conditions. Buying from a reputable dealer will help stop these practices. If you would rather take in an older bird, there are many excellent Parrot sanctuaries and rescue centres that can help you find the perfect pet.

The African Grey parrot is a wonderful bird that can live to 50 years or more. Due to their affectionate nature and intelligence, they are known to bond warmly with their owners and those who handle them often. The African Grey is truly a wonderfully appealing parrot.

About the Author
Chris Boshoff is a parrot lover and researcher.

You can learn more about African Grey Parrots by visiting his website http://www.parrotmasters.com

Breeding African Grey Parrots In Captivity

2009-07-09T11:59:00.001-07:00

Many African Grey parrot owners are learning the skills of parrot breeders, to breed parrots in their home for their own enjoyment. Some acquire the skills because they are in the business of putting up their parrot birds for sale. Whatever your purpose is, breeding parrots can be both fun and rewarding. With their natural habitat threatened with deforestation, breeding these parrots in captivity is the only way to ensure their lifelong existence on this planet.

Before you set up your parrot for breeding, identify the sex of the birds through DNA sexing, if you do not want any fuss. It is recommended however, that you do surgical sexing as it enables the sexual organs of the birds to be physically examined and for the detection of any potential diseases. However, you will have to accept the risk factors that are associated with a surgical procedure.

Most African Grey parrots that are domestically raised will be matured enough for breeding at the age of five years. Those in the wild usually take longer, between seven to eight years, due to the less nutritional foods found in their natural habitat. At the age of six months, you should pair up your birds and get them to socialize and be used to the company of other birds so that they will not have problems later when they are set up for breeding.

You will need a suitable breeding cage after you have identified your breeding pair. If you are a DIY person than it could be fun building your own, otherwise visit the pet store and have the owner recommend you one. The dimension of the breeding cage should be 4'(w) x 2'(d) x 5'(h). The birds breed faster in this type of dimension and many breeders agree to this phenomenon. It is big enough to allow the bird to get some exercise.

The cage will need to have a good and sturdy perch measuring 2' x 4'. During breeding cycles, the African Greys will do a lot of wood chewing from the perch. A non-pressure treated wood serves this purpose well, and you can purchase them from the pet store.

Stainless steel feeding bowls and glass water bowls that are sanitized and dishwasher safe are recommended. To prevent the spread of diseases, clean the cage daily. Also, get a nesting box for your pair of breeding birds. There are many designs available form the pet store or you can make one on your own.

The African Grey parrot is a relatively easy bird to breed and if the above tips are followed, they can be quite productive. You are now ready to start breeding your African Grey parrot and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling journey as a parrot enthusiast.

About the Author
Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

Want to Get Your Parrots Talking?

2009-07-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you love to get your parrots talking? Whether you are a kid or a grown up, mature kid, I'm sure you love teaching your pet tricks. Those feathered speakers certainly are among the most intriguing. They can live for decades, and we can train them to talk! Try to find one other pet who can boast such a pedigree.

The parrot family is a big one. Many different species of all shapes and sizes can be found in the different parts of the world. Among them, the African grey and the Amazon parrot are probably ideals to learn imitation and speech.

What better than to see and hear parrots talking in videos? I've seen a lot of good ones on video sites such as Dailymotion. Better than that though, I've discovered a full blown community of parrot fanatics.

Take a serious look at joining us in the Elite Parrots Club. I've seen quite a few parrot forums and this is the best.

If you want to give yourself the best odds of success to get parrots talking, buy them at a very young age. Older birds will be more difficult to train than the young ones. The older birds already have been exposed to lots of different sounds and it would require much patience to train them to talk.

Remember than all types of parrots are very social animals. They work as a flock in the wild wherein the birds must learn and use the language of their group in order to survive.

Have your pet bird's cage or swing in a room where they are more likely to hear human voices or sounds, for example the music room or kitchen. From the conversations that the birds frequently hear, the parrots are probably going to pick up some words and try to mimic those sounds as their own way of interacting with the environment.

It's also useful to get close to your bird as feasible when teaching specific words or phrases to the pet. This technique will permit the bird to see how each sound or word is made and help to make it count among the sorts of parrots that would talk.

There are some things that shouldn't be done in training pet parrots to speak. One is overtraining. The birds shouldn't be trained for more than 15 minutes per per day. any types of parrots for longer periods will become uninteresting for the birds, and eventually frustrating for the coach. For shorter training periods, each session could be limited only to showing and telling the pets about their food or toys. Pet parrots talking are not also fostered by immediate whistle coaching. The birds should be trained to talk, as parrots find it more hard to form words when they already have a whistling ability.

About the Author
Do you need more tips to have your parrots talking and a FREE e-course on parrot care? Come visit my friend Eva Aubin's http://www.parrotcare-tips.com website. Like you and me she loves parrots. She'll be glad to help you and your feathered friend..

Looking After Your Pet Parrot

2009-07-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

Parrots are endearing and colorful pets, but they do require much attention from you; if you think of them as perpetual five-year-old children, that will give you some idea of the complexity of their needs.

The decision to introduce a parrot into a home is a major one. You must provide the food, care and attention that the bird needs, not regard it as an occasional amusement.

If your reason for keeping a parrot is to have a talking bird, an African Grey or an Amazon parrot is a good choice. Other parrots could be regarded as better companions such as Macaws and Cockatoos. On the other hand, a budgerigar is smaller, easier to amuse and a lot less messy. What is more, a pet budgerigar in a smaller cage may easily be handed over to a bird-sitter when you go away!

Whichever species you choose, you will need to feed your Parrot the correct diet. While budgies eat smaller seed, softer fruit such as apple or pear and soft salad items in preference to harder items, Macaws will eat pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds,hazelnut, brazil, almond and walnut kernels, cereals and dried fruit too.

Cages for sedentary birds should be adequate for changes of position and height; no cage is large enough for the Macaw! All Parrots need time out of their cages to fly and walk around; if this is permitted at frequent intervals they will be happier when caged.

Parrots need company; they like to investigate and interact with people. They need toys to play with too; try to provide safe items such as cardboard tubes, hemp ropes, plastic tubs and fabric pockets to explore, unravel or investigate for small food rewards, just as they would forage in the wild. If you must leave your Parrot on his own for a while, a radio playing music in the background is better than being alone in silence.

For the complete guide to the care, feeding, training and welfare of your pet parrot, visit Ultimate Parrot Care Guide

The Ultimate Parrot Care Guide covers parrot behavior, with information which includes selecting, feeding, and taming a parrot. Provide your Parrot with the right care for a rewarding lifetime experience!

About the Author
Movie buff, gardener and more...

Parrot Care Basics

2009-07-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Parrots are a lifetime investment and the care of these magnificent birds is very essential to their health and happiness. Since some birds in the parrot family can live up to 50 years, an investment in parrots and how to care for them is often compared to caring for children. If this is something that does not interest you, then you may not want to own a bird.

There are an estimated 11 million pet birds in the United States alone with the majority owning a Parrot. The birds in the parrot family will include birds as small as parakeets and love birds to cockatoos and Macaws, the Macaw being the largest bird in the parrot family.

There are many different species of parrots. An African grey parrot grows to be about 13 inches, and he's one of the birds who has a longer life. He is also known for his capabilities to mimic all sorts of sounds, in addition to developing and parroting speech patterns.

The parakeet are among the best known of the parrot species. Another species is the Australian "budgie." This nickname is given to the budgerigar, a brilliant green and yellow variety of parrot. They are gentle and friendly.

An Amazon parrot has 27 subspecies. This parrot has short wings but is every bit as smart as a dolphin or a monkey. He is also an expert at imitating a wide range of sounds.

These are only some of the many species of parrots. Owning a parrot is an excellent alternative over other pets for those individuals who do not prefer the traditional dogs or cats, reptiles or others.

So what sort of cage should you buy for your new parrot? Regardless of whether you're expecting to adopt a smaller bird or a larger of the parrot species, my suggestion is to buy the largest, practical cage that your budget can afford. The bigger the cage, the more freedom he will experience and the more comfortable he will be.

In relation to your parrot's health, his appearance is telling. His plumage should look healthy, meaning the coloring should be bright and smooth. Additionally, he should be clean. That is, there should be no dirt hanging for his feet or his beak.

Before you purchase a parrot, you should get a clear understanding of the types of routine parrot care that is needed, medical care for parrots, understand parrot types and their personalities and which size parrot would best fit your wants and needs.

Become well educated in the ownership and care of these wonderful birds and you will be enjoying your new parrot in no time.

About the Author
Jason Hutton is a parrot care expert. For more great information on parrot care visit http://www.caringforparrots.com.

Tips On Choosing The Right Parrot Cages For Your Bird

2009-07-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Diverse birds have various requirements. If you have an African Grey or a Macaw you recognize that the birdcage you prefer to house your bird has to meet and even exceed its requirements. After-all, a happy bird is a healthy one.

Parrots are large birds and they needto be housed in a secure cage, one that will keep the bird secure by not posing any sort of risk to the bird. Understanding what to consider in a birdcage will aid you to arrive at an informed choice which will benefit your bird.

The size of the cage is a very important factor.

Parrot cages are made large, because the birds they house are large. Your parrot wishes to be in a position to have a lot of space to go about. And do not overlook to confirm the size of the birdcage gate. If, like a lot of folks, you plan leaving it unlock thus your bird be able to leave and go into the crate at will, in that case the entryway should be big enough hence as to allow the bird to do so without much bother.

Your bird will be happy and healthy if he has plenty room to move around and if he can stretch his wings properly. Space in a parrot cage is a must and dare not be restricted for any reason.

Some parrot cages can be very tempting however the most significant thing to keep to watch out for is selecting a birdcage that sufficiently meets the requirements of your bird. They need space to move around and the cage you choose should take that into consideration, not if the birdcage is appealing to look at.

While a cage is made with bars there is no purpose why it should be a prison.

Since the cage is meant to be sheltering a large bird you have to make sure that the bars are solid and safe. Furthermore, for your bird?s wellbeing, the bars must be far apart.

While cages are offered with bars set closer together you must bear in mind that parrots are of course curious birds. They like to poke their heads out the cage and the bars have to be spaced in such a manner that will make certain that the bird will not become stuck and probably injured.

Cages with closer spaced bars could result in your bird injuring its beak or legs, so to ensure that does not happen it makes sense to stay clear of this type of cage.

Should you choose stainless steel, wrought iron or painted metal?

You can find a broad variety of birdcage designs offered however they will be made from stainless steel, wrought iron or painted metal. The good thing regarding the steel and wrought iron bars is that they are completely safe when your parrot bites them.

While painted cages can appear very attractive the paint can come off and your bird could get ill from ingesting chips of the paint.

Prevention is better than cure. Rather of taking the risk of your pet falling ill to ingested paint, instead be protected and opt for a wrought iron or stainless steel cage as an alternative.

Making cleaning a breeze.

Clean-up the cage does not need to be a task for either you or your bird. Go for a birdcage with an simple to remove pull out tray.

The next aspect of the cage to bear in mind are the food and water dishes. Check that these are safe and that you could have simple entry to them, since these will have to be cleaned regularly.

So now you recognize what to bear in mind as you are choosing and comparing cages.

There are various sorts of cages available on the market today. They can be very attractive and tempting. Nevertheless it is the bird's needs the cage has to meet and so consequently you need to pick one that will keep your parrot protected, safe and happy. The tips mentioned above will help you to make the best choice.

About the Author
To learn more about parrot cages, go over to hotpetsupplies.com where you will find bargain deals on cheap parrot cages.

Is The African Grey Parrot the Right Parrot For You?

2009-07-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Originating from Central Africa, the African Grey Parrot is considered one of the most beautiful species of parrots and highly intelligent. The African Grey Parrot is popular because of their extraordinary speaking skills and socialization. However, African parrots can be a challenge to care for.

The Congo African Grey and the Timneh African Grey parrots that make up the African Parrot species. The Congo African Grey is the most brightly colored with a red tail and is light grey on the body. A maroon tail with a darker grey color defines the Timneh African Grey. Males will grow up to 14 inches and have a larger head than the females.

It is essential to be very sure that African parrots as pets are really wanted as they can live up to 60 years. This is very important to African parrots. New parrot owners would be better suited to a different kind of parrot than the African parrots because of the behavioral needs. Boredom comes easily to African Grey parrots and they will possibly tear things up in their boredom. When upset, they tend to pull their own feathers out or to self mutilate itself with its claws.

Social interaction is a necessity for African Grey parrots to help with the boredom issue. Kissing and cuddling are forms of expression in the wild for African Grey parrots. Since they would rather be with you outside the cage, allow the African Grey to sit on your shoulder or fly about the room. If left alone for long periods, the African Grey parrot will become agitated and start shrieking, plucking its own feathers and tearing the inside of the cage up.

In spite of this, the African Grey is very easy to train as they are adept at mimicking human behavior as well as having a unique ability to speak quite well and have a large vocabulary. The intelligence of this species is actually quite spectacular to behold.

African Grey parrots are perfect for individuals who truly love a bird as a companion. The African Grey Parrot is a wonderful pet to have. This species will give you years of companionship and joy. If the parrot is cared for correctly, the parrot will be devoted to you and will want and need you on a daily basis.

About the Author
Jason Hutton is an african parrot expert. For more great tips on the African parrot visit http://www.caringforparrots.com.

African Grey Bird - The most interesting member of the parrot family

2009-06-08T02:09:00.000-07:00

Well that is of course just my own opinion so don't be offended if you disagree. I personally like the African Grey Bird because it is one of the most intelligent and sensitive of the parrot family. They are said to have the intelligence of a five year old with the emotions of a two year old. Perhaps it's having a yound family that makes me identify with greys so well.

As the name suggests they come originally from Central Africa and come in two varieties, the Timneh African Grey and the slightly larger Congo African Grey.

The Timneh African Grey is a dark grey with light grey shades on the body. They have the distinctive white eye that all Greys possess but instead of the black beak of the Congo African Grey they have a bone coloured upper beak and a maroon coloured tail. They also tend to be smaller than the Congo African Grey coming in at between nine and eleven inches in length and weighing in at between two seventy five and four hundred grams

The Congo African Grey has more of a medium grey plumage with a lighter grey on the body. The feathers on the head have white edging and the eyes are again surrounded by bare white skin. Their tail is far more red than the Timneh and their black beak give this lovely bird it's distinctive look. They also go by the alternative name of the Red Tailed Grey. They can vary in size from beak to tail from twelve to fourteen inches in length and weigh in heavier than the Timneh at between four hundred and about six hundred and fifty grams.

African Greys are one of the best speakers of the parrot world and can develop a vocabulary of up to two thousand words. Looked after properly and with the right diet they can live for between fifty and seventy years so certainly have the time to pick up a good (and bad) vocabulary, so be careful what they listen to!

Unfortunately not all African Greys develop the ability talk and when you buy one there is no guarantee so if speech is your main motivation for buying an African Grey, be careful. Don't let speech be your main reason for getting one. These are very intelligent birds and are renowned for how affectionate they can be. They are quick to pick up on your moods and will react accordingly. They don't just learn 'parrot fashion' but will respond to your questions appropriately having conversations with you. In the wild they are used to living in flocks and communicating and they will treat you as their flock.

It can take up to twp years to find out if your Grey is going to be a talker. Their eyes change colour with age so it is relatively easy to gauge the age of your new young parrot. Baby Greys will have dark grey verging on black eyes which will start to lighten as they reach about six months so that when they are a year old their eyes are a light grey colour which continues to change until it becomes a straw colour at between one and a half and two years of age. By the time they reach maturity at four to five years their eyes will have settled on the final colour with distinctive light yellow irises. Consequently eye colour can give you a good indication of age in a young African Grey.

They are extremely bright birds, but can be very reserved especially with strangers. Once you have won their confidence however you will have a loyal friend for life and bearing in mind their potential life span you may well find that you need to provide for their future in your will exactly as you will with your children. Greys need to be entertained and it is important that they always have a selection of toys and are included in the family as much as possible. Remember, these are flock birds and you and your family are now their flock. Exclude them at your peril as they will soon let you know that they are annoyed and they are great sulkers.

Although they are one of the most demanding parrots, I still see them as one of the most rewarding. Enjoy your Grey.

About the Author
Nick Bird is a keen Parrot enthusiast who has kept Parrots for nearly twenty years. He is the author of the ebook "The Ultimate Guide to Parrots" and shares his knowledge and experience through his articles and website at

http://www.parrotonaperch.com

African Parrot - A Good Pick for your Parrot Collection

2009-06-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

An African Parrot is beautiful and intelligent. Such characteristics make it an ideal option as a pet for a family that completely understands the African parrots' capabilities. For a start, the parrot must be in an environment that is interactive and stimulating. As a pet, you must treat African parrots with love and care.

If you are interested to have an African Parrot pet, you must know that they are very intelligent. Given this fact, the bird gets easily bored and that kind of situation may lead to behavioral problems. Most pet owners notice that the bird would start to pick their feathers and they have the tendency to chew on things. In order to stop these kinds of behavior, it is advisable for pet owners to have their African parrots undergo consistent trainings to tame the bird.

If you are a new owner, then you can consult anybody who has the experience to help you out. It will be helpful to know that African parrots are noted for their exceptional talking and thinking abilities. In some of the researches conducted in studying African parrots, it was stated that it is capable of word associations. The birds can also mimic voices and sounds accurately.

In the training, you will discover that parrots will pass the stage of being a baby and would start chewing on the owner. This would be their way of disciplining their owners and they could get very naughty too. It is therefore important to understand them in order to avoid undesirable behavior to happen.

Some untrained parrots chew on electrical wires which can cause house fire. They would treat everything in your house as their toys which they consider as 'chewable.' The bird can destroy your valuable things too. Consider that even the young birds needs guidance as well as the bird which came from rehabilitation.

The diet of African parrot will be grains seeds, pellets, fruits and vegetables. It will also be good if the bird is given calcium because deficiency of the vitamins is one of their health problems. You can give your bird a scrape of soft food with grinded egg shells. Just be careful with iron overload disease that may happen if you overdo the feeding.

In time, with the trainings and proper diet you will have a very faithful and lifelong friend. The lifespan of African parrot is 60 years. Proven that you have the capabilities to have a parrot, you have a good years together.

About the Author
Peter is an african parrot lover. For some helpful tips on the African Parrot visit http://parrot-care.info/.

Understanding African Greys' Behavior and Personality

2009-06-08T02:02:00.000-07:00

Personality

Strangely enough for a bird who tends to have such a big tendency to be fearful and neurotic, the African Grey possesses the most stable temperament in the psittacide world. As much as he can prove to be rather unruly when he is young, further down the line when he reaches maturity hiss temperament becomes calm and thoughtful. In contrast to other parrots, the Grey does not have the inclination to change his personality or behavior during the mating season, which is in my opinion a very big point in his favor.

In that respect you'll alos be glad to learn about the African Grey's mating call, or rather the lack thereof. In fact, this parrot does not really have a recognizable mating call per se, which is good news for the heat of spring - when hormones are raging and most parrots are screaming. However sound-wise they can still drive you crazy: African Greys can make their imitation of the microwave oven beep or other electrical appliance every bit as maddening as a repetitive mating call!

Even though they are less popular, Timneh African parrots have a less sullen character than their Congo cousins. They tend to be less nervous and more rebellious, and also more inclined to do silly things to attract their audience's attention or simply to have fun.

Behavior

The more intelligent an animal is, the more he is at risk of developing behavioral problems, and as you know, the African Grey is extremely intelligent! For example, only attention-hungry Cockatoos engage in more severe feather plucking than Greys do, so their sensitivity has to be taken into account to avoid similar excesses.

Due largely to his sensitive nature and to his impressive intelligence, the African Grey can react in a very negative way to a clumsy educator or to a coercing training session. This is why training African Greys should never imply forcing them to do what they do not want to, otherwise it is practically certain they will develop a phobic behavior.

Greys only learn through positive reinforcement, therefore educating a Grey should draw more from child pedagogy than from dog training principles.

Socialization

Socialization is a very important consideration when rehoming an African Grey parrot.

In your first days with an African Grey, he will start to weave a very strong link with his perceived partner (be it another bird or a human) and will become totally devoted to him or her. He can become possessive with the latter and aggressive towards their entourage, and even be jealous of his favorite human so much that he will reject all the other members of the family, including other pets.

A good socialization can prevent that problem. Greys are the most gregarious of all parrots and need to feel accepted as full members of their social group (or human family). On the contrary, lack of socialization in his early days could turn your feathered friend into a neurotic adult parrot.

In a word, even if you try to socialize your bird as much as you can (and you should), remember that as they are distrusting, shy and anxious by nature, Greys will not very sociable towards strangers, and in general will not get along with children.

The bottom line

In contrast to what is often heard, the African Grey is a very affectionate bird. In his early childhood, when your Grey has not yet developed a high level of mistrust, it is necessary to handle him often and to let him live safe "adventures", like seeing different places in the house, or meeting different people and realizing they're not a threat. Teaching him early on that biting is not a means to communicate will also help. After this stage, your Grey will become a lot more ready to accept new humans and new objects in his familiar environment.

About the Author
Laurene Arroyo is a long-time parrot enthusiast. Learn more about the African Grey parrot and sign up for her FREE Parrot Care mini-course by visiting http://ParrotBirdCenter.com/african-grey-trust

The Amazing African Grey Parrot

2009-06-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

The African Grey Parrot is one of the most highly intelligent and delightful breeds of bird to own as a pet. Because of their unique and amazing ability to learn hundreds of words and mimic their owners, purchasing African Grey Parrots as pets are growing in popularity. With the proper understanding, care, and love, pet owners can find companionship and lifelong friendship in this brilliant breed.

Two Main Sub-Species

There are two main sub-species of the African Grey Parrot breed. Both sub-species make excellent pets, are considered a medium sized parrot (ranging 10-14 inches long), and live 60-80 years. When choosing a sub-species of the African Grey Parrot, it really just comes down to personal preference. The first sub-species is the Timneh ("Tim-ney") African Grey Parrot. Timneh Greys are dark charcoal grey in color, have dark maroon tails, and have light or bone colored beaks. They are also considerably smaller than the Congo Grey African Parrot.

The Congo Greys are the second sub-species and are lighter grey in color, usually have a white masked face, an all black beak, and have a lighter red or sometimes even coral or salmon colored tail feathers. Either sub-species make endearing pets and can easily be trained to mimic, speak, and do various tricks, specifically when hand fed.

When considering the purchase of an African Grey Parrot as a pet, it is important to be aware of its background. Knowing whether it comes from the wild or comes from a breeder is essential. The African Grey Parrot will be easier to train and handle if purchased from a reputable breeder that has integrated hand feeding or hand rearing. Hand rearing is the feeding the baby African Grey Parrot from birth to 10-12 weeks of age while handling them. This will ensure that the African Grey bonds with their human owners and are completely tame. This will give the parrot an easy start to mimic and speech training.

Keeping Your Parrot on a Routine

It's also important to note the necessity of keeping the African Grey Parrot in a cage when not training or handling them. Routine is necessary for the health, well-being, and safety of your African Grey Parrot. Because of their high intelligence, African Grey Parrots are a curious and sensitive bird. They will easily pick up bad habits if not kept to a stimulating and regimented routine. Handling, cuddling, and training them on a regular basis and then putting them their cage when not being handled, ensures that your African Grey companion will be happy and safe. Watch closely for signs of unhappiness, such as feather picking, biting, or chewing. Noting these changes in this sensitive parrot's behavior will create awareness to the needs of adjusting their routine.

Above all, the African Grey Parrot requires a loving, dedicated and patient owner that has done the proper research to understanding the many facets of this unique bird's personality. Love them, play with them, keep them safe, and the African Grey Parrot can easily become your best friend for life.

About the Author
Patrick Dell is an african parrot expert. For more great information on the african parrot, visit http://www.myparrotcaresecrets.com

Parrot Perils-5 Dangers to Help Your Pet Parrot Avoid

2009-06-08T01:56:00.000-07:00

Parrots are beautiful birds. Regardless of whether you have a pet Quaker, Macaw, African Grey, Lorikeet, Cockatoo, or a Red Throated Conure (there wasn't space to name them all); they are wonderful, loving, and colorful additions to our world. In order to keep them healthy, owners must be ever vigilant about perils that could, in the blink of an eye, take them from us. Here are 5 of the most common perils that face pet parrots and suggestions for how to avoid them. 1. Food Toxicity-When deciding on the best diet for your parrot, you have certainly seen warnings about various people foods that can have devastating consequences if ingested by your bird. These include but are not limited to avocados, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and peanuts. There are several other things to be careful about. When putting fresh food out (and you should do this daily if possible), make sure you allow the food to stay in the cage for only an hour or so. As you become more aware of your pet's eating habits, even 30 minutes may be long enough.

But the important thing to remember is to remove fresh food before your bird has any chance of ingesting food that is moldy. This can have grave consequences. Change water as often as it takes to keep it fresh. Feeding your parrot small portions will round out his nutritional requirements by allowing you to feed it a little bit of all the types of food he needs rather than too large a portion of any one food. 2. Injury Outside the Cage-One of the most frequent demises of parrots happens when they are outside the cage. Be sure to go over rooms that you intend to let your bird explore before you release it from the cage.

Hide wires, and protect those that are visible from being chewed by encasing them in heavy duty plastic hoses. Turn off ceiling fans, cover mirrors, and close draperies to prevent your parrot from flying into them. Put covers on pots on the stove, and put the top down on the toilet. Limit access of other pets while your parrot is on the loose, particularly if there is any chance that there might be aggression for any reason.

Avoid opening doors to the outside especially if your bird is a strong flier. Always supervise your parrot closely when it is out of the cage. 3. Injury Inside the Cage-Often injury inside the cage results because the cage is too small or the bars on the cage are big enough for a head or some other extremity to get caught in. Double check the cage you select to make sure it does not have harmful metals or paints that are toxic.

Parrots have incredibly strong beaks, so be certain the cage is strong enough to stand up to those powerful jaws. Stainless steel cages take the worry out of this problem because of strength, longevity, and lack of toxins. Dangerous Toys-Because parrots are such strong chewers, a toy that was safe one day may become chewed until it is not. Monitor toys closely and rotate unsafe toys out immediately replacing them with new or other toys that are still safe. Disease and Infection--Birds are programmed to hide illness because in the wild illness would make them subject to attack. So unfortunately disease and infections in parrots are often irreversible by the time they exhibit any symptoms. However, cleanliness plays a large part in keeping your bird healthy.

Clear away droppings daily or more often if necessary. This keeps minuscule pieces of dried feces from becoming airborne and spreading disease. Wash food and water dishes daily. Keep floors and walls in the bird's room clean, and completely sanitize the cage monthly. You should also keep the air clear of dander, dust, feather and other airborne pollutants that are present in your home's air even without a parrot.

Normal household pollutants such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pollen, other pet's dander can all combine to clog your bird's air passages which makes your parrot more susceptible to illnesses.

Using a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air purifier will eliminate these airborne carriers of disease and lessen the number of parrot perils you and your parrot encounter.

About the Author
An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from your parrot's air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Bird Dander Air Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html Debbie Davis, President, PurerAir.com

The African Grey Parrot--Understanding Its Popularity

2009-06-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

The African Grey Parrot has undeniably become one of the most popular pet parrots available on the market today. Many prospective parrot owners choose to own this particular bird because of its many fine characteristics. Let's explore a few of them.

The African Grey Parrot is renowned for its speaking ability. They can put together whole sentences, and learn quickly. They are one of the most brilliant birds in the world. They can learn an extensive vocabulary, understand the meaning of words and use them in context.

However, it is important to know that while every Grey Parrot can talk, not every one will. So buying a Grey only for its speaking ability is not recommended. The only way to really know if you bird will speak is to hear it do so before you buy it.

They also have an incredibly generous life span. Many Greys live up to 65 years or longer, making them a great lifelong companion. Many find the possibility of having one bird for a lifetime very attractive. This allows owners plenty of time to train them, and teach them an extended vocabulary, as well as many years to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Care should also be taken to make plans for it should it outlive you.

Since they are very social creatures, human interaction is an absolute necessity in order for them to stay emotionally healthy. They love having their cage placed in a place where they can see all that is happening, and are best placed where ever most of the activity in your home occurs, like the living room or family room. Keep them out of the kitchen as some cooking odors can be harmful.

They also need to be able to explore and exercise outside the cage in an area that is bird safe for several hours each day. This is a great time to let your bird hang out with you while you read, work at your desk, or watch TV. And numerous studies have shown that people who interact with pets are happier and healthier than those who do not.

Many use this out of the cage time as an opportunity for training, which also delightful with Greys. They are so intelligent and learn so quickly that it serves as a very rewarding time for both bird and owner.

Their diet is relatively straight forward with fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds, and pellet mix as a healthy basis.

The African Grey Parrot is a very loving, sensitive, and extremely intelligent bird. As with any pet, they will take a lot of time and money, but they will repay you with many years of friendship and loyalty when trained properly.

About the Author
An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from your African Grey's air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Bird Dander Air Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html Debbie Davis, President, PurerAir.com

African Parrot - A Good Pick for your Parrot Collection

2009-05-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

An african parrot is beautiful and intelligent. Such characteristics make it an ideal option as a pet for a family that completely understands the African parrots' capabilities. For a start, the parrot must be in an environment that is interactive and stimulating. As a pet, you must treat African parrots with love and care.
If you are interested to have an African parrot pet, you must know that they are very intelligent. Given this fact, the bird gets easily bored and that kind of situation may lead to behavioral problems. Most pet owners notice that the bird would start to pick their feathers and they have the tendency to chew on things. In order to stop these kinds of behavior, it is advisable for pet owners to have their African parrots undergo consistent trainings to tame the bird.

If you are a new owner, then you can consult anybody who has the experience to help you out. It will be helpful to know that African parrots are noted for their exceptional talking and thinking abilities. In some of the researches conducted in studying African parrots, it was stated that it is capable of word associations. The birds can also mimic voices and sounds accurately.
In the training, you will discover that parrots will pass the stage of being a baby and would start chewing on the owner. This would be their way of disciplining their owners and they could get very naughty too. It is therefore important to understand them in order to avoid undesirable behavior to happen.
Some untrained parrots chew on electrical wires which can cause house fire. They would treat everything in your house as their toys which they consider as 'chewable.' The bird can destroy your valuable things too. Consider that even the young birds needs guidance as well as the bird which came from rehabilitation.
The diet of African parrot will be grains seeds, pellets, fruits and vegetables. It will also be good if the bird is given calcium because deficiency of the vitamins is one of their health problems. You can give your bird a scrape of soft food with grinded egg shells. Just be careful with iron overload disease that may happen if you overdo the feeding.
In time, with the trainings and proper diet you will have a very faithful and lifelong friend. The lifespan of African parrot is 60 years. Proven that you have the capabilities to have a parrot, you have a good years together.

About the Author
Peter is an african parrot lover. For some helpful tips on the African Parrot visit http://parrot-care.info/.