African Grey Training

Comprehensive African Grey training information for parrot owners.

Chances are you found us while looking for African Grey training information. If you haven't already read our African Grey page we advise you to do this now to gain an insight into this amazing parrot, the African Grey.

Unlike other pet birds, African Greys take a lot more handling and energy for owners, meaning unless you are prepared to give your pet parrot what he needs, don't buy an African Grey bird.

Selecting a healthy African Grey

The first step in selecting a healthy species is to talk to the breeder in person and if you can, go and visit him to see whether parrots are raised with the extra personal touch. If your breeder neglects to raise your African Grey with plenty of interaction, chances are that your parrot might become anti-social when he reaches maturity (2-4 years of age).

In order to train your African Grey it is essential he comes from a good and caring breeder. Since you will be parting with a good amount of money you want to make sure your pet bird is taken care of before you take him home. A healthy African Grey can grow to live 20+ years. Giving him a happy home is a must.

A good indication of adequate breeding is when baby Greys are allowed to wean naturally and taught how to fly before their wings are clipped (if at all). Personally we do not favor wing clipping at all (we feel it is like chopping off our own legs or arms) but in certain circumstances it can't be avoided.

Training your African Grey

Once you choose your bird, it's time to train him. Be prepared to give your parrot plenty of personal interaction (at least 1 hour daily) and let him out of its cage for several hours each day.

African Greys are known to form a close bond with their main carer and make awesome buddies for life to those who cherish them.

Provide your pet parrot with parrot toys made from natural materials such as wood, cardboard, or natural fibers. Parrot toys should include "puzzle toys" or "foraging toys". These contain food treats that the bird must learn how to extract from the toy. If your bird is bored and stuck in its cage for long periods of time he might become a plucker, where he damages or removes its own feathers.

Try to teach your bird simple words to start with and do it at the same time every single day. Parrots love to learn and repeating your lessons daily around the same time will quickly have your bird want for more once he masters the basics.

It is imperative that your African Grey is housed in a large bird cage (too often we see them stuck in small cages which is criminal). Besides needing ample room to move about, your Grey should also be placed in a family room to give him access to the family environment.

However, never place any bird in draft! Keep them away from draft and preferably place them so that the cage backs onto an inside wall to keep them protected and safe.

Image: Wikipedia

Forbidden parrot foods

To train your Grey you also need to feed your bird with a correct diet, suitable for parrots. Here is what you should not feed them:

• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Apple seeds (they contain cyanide)
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dairy containing lactose since parrots cannot digest lactose
• Cooked and raw onions and garlic because it kills their red blood cells
• Salt increases their thirst and urination

Attaining an African Grey (or any other parrot for that matter) is a long term commitment. Unless you are prepared to make one, do yourself and any African Grey a favor and stay away from trying to buy one.