✅ Recommended Foods (70-80% of diet)

• ✓ High-quality pelleted diet (Harrison's, Roudybush, Zupreem)
• ✓ Fresh vegetables: kale, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes
• ✓ Fresh fruits: apples, berries, mango, papaya, bananas (limited)
• ✓ Sprouted seeds and legumes
• ✓ Cooked grains: quinoa, brown rice, oats

❌ Foods to AVOID

• ✗ Avocado (toxic)
• ✗ Chocolate (toxic)
• ✗ Caffeine (toxic)
• ✗ Onions and garlic (toxic)
• ✗ Alcohol (toxic)
• ✗ High-fat, high-salt, sugary foods

Cage Size Recommendations

• Minimum: 36" L x 24" W x 48" H
• Ideal: 40" L x 30" W x 60" H or larger
• Bar spacing: ¾" to 1" (too wide can trap heads)
• Powder-coated or stainless steel construction

Cage Placement & Environment

• Place in a family area (kitchen or living room)
• Avoid drafts, direct sunlight, and kitchen fumes
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Cover cage at night for 10-12 hours of sleep

🧩 Foraging Toys

Hide treats inside puzzle toys to encourage natural foraging behavior.

🪵 Chew Toys

Untreated wood, palm leaves, and cardboard for destructive chewing.

🔔 Noise Makers

Bells, stainless steel bowls, and items that make interesting sounds.

🧗 Climbing Toys

Ropes, ladders, swings, and boings for exercise.

📚 Training Games

Target training, trick training, and word games.

🎵 Music & TV

Many African Greys enjoy music and watching television.

Basic Training Tips

• Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise)
• Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes)
• Teach step-up and step-down commands first
• Be consistent with commands and cues
• Never punish or yell at your parrot

Socialization Needs

• Minimum 2-4 hours of out-of-cage time daily
• Introduce to different people, sounds, and environments
• African Greys often bond strongly with one person
• Encourage family interaction to prevent over-bonding

Signs of a Healthy African Grey

• Bright, clear eyes
• Smooth, shiny feathers
• Active and alert behavior
• Healthy appetite and regular eating
• Normal droppings (green/white/clear)

Signs of Illness (Vet Immediately)

• Fluffed feathers for extended periods
• Sitting at bottom of cage
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Discolored or runny droppings
• Sneezing, nasal discharge, wheezing

🛁 Bathing

Offer a shallow dish of water 2-3 times weekly. Some African Greys enjoy misting with a spray bottle.

✂️ Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 4-6 weeks. Have an avian vet or experienced groomer demonstrate first.

🪶 Wing Clipping

Discuss with your avian vet. Some owners choose to clip for safety, others prefer flighted birds.

Feather Plucking

Caused by boredom, stress, or medical issues. Increase enrichment and consult an avian vet.

Screaming

African Greys are naturally vocal. Excessive screaming may indicate boredom or attention-seeking.

Calcium Deficiency

Provide cuttlebone, calcium blocks, and UV lighting. Hypocalcemia can cause seizures.

Aspergillosis

Fungal respiratory infection. Keep cage clean and avoid damp, moldy environments.