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Behavior/Aviculture
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African
Greys are highly intelligent and have excellent abilities
for mimicry. Some highly trained individuals are also capable
of reasoning and verbal communication. Young african greys
adapt readily to new surroundings and should be well adapted
to many novel experiences at a young age. Adult birds are
less adaptabe to unfamiliar environments, dietary changes,
etc and may feather pick in response. Poicephalus are not
so likely to speak and are often nervous or aggressive.
African
parrots, especially African greys are highly playful and
easily become bored, so enviromental enrichment is important.
They should always be provided with toys, especially wooden
blocks which can be chewed and branches from non-toxic trees.
In order to ensure safety, companion birds should not be
allowed unsupervised freedom in the home as they often encounter
toxins or dangerous items. Young birds should be socialized
to many people and exposed to a variety of situations such
as; new cages, toys, visits to the veterinarian, handling
by friends, and wing and nail,clippings to avoid fear of
novel situations.
Routine
bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage
and skin condition. Birds can be misted and allowed to dry
in a warm room or in the sun, or dried with a blow drier.
Care should be taken not to clip the wing feathers excessively
as African Greys often fall and injure themselves often
requiring surgical repair. Clip only enough so the bird
will glide to the floor.
All
companion and breeding birds should be individually identified
to assist in recovery if lost and assist in maintenance
of medical and geneological records. Many breeders apply
closed leg bands when chicks are young. While they present
a slight risk of entrapment, closed bands are preferable
to no identification, especially for breeding birds. Microchips
which can be implanted into the muscle or under the skin
are a reliable means of identification but require electronic
readers to verify identification. Tattoos may be used but
often fade or become illegable with time. Foot prints may
have some application in identification.
African
parrots are very active and should be provided with as large
a cage as possible. The cage
should have two perches so the birds can move between them.
Toy and activities should be provided.
Life
Span: Up to 50 years,
the average being 20 years
Age at maturity: 3-5
years.
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