It is most important to keep Congo Grey Parrots healthy and smart for enjoying their naughty and mimicry nature.

Types of Grey Parrots Health Issue

The common health issues in the grey parrots are:

Genetic Diseases

The disorders that are transferred from the parents to the chicks are known as genetic disorders. These include:

Congenital heart defects

The structural heart abnormalities present at the time of the birth of the parrots are known as congenital heart defects. About 2 to 5% of the African grey parrots have this problem. In this problem there may be a hole between ventricles, a hole between Atria, combination of four heart defects, narrowed pulmonary valve and narrowed aortic valve. Usually, it is due to the Genetic mutations of these birds. Its symptoms are lethargy, poor growth, blue tinged feathers and heart murmurs.

Retinal dysplasia

Retinal dysplasia is an inherited eye disorder which is characterized by abnormal retinal development. About 1 – 3 % of the African grey parrots have this problem. This problem is mostly caused by genetic mutations and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. It can also be caused due to nutritional deficiencies during incubation by the female parrot.

During this problem the bird may have vision loss or blindness, abnormal pupil response and retinal detachment. It can be cured by adding more vitamin A supplements and Omega 3 fatty acid supplements.

Progressive retinal atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy in African greys is a degenerative eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss and blindness about 1 – 5% of the African grey parrots have this problem. This genetic order disorder is because of genetic mutations, aging and environmental factors such as UV explorer.

During this disorder the bird may have progressive vision loss, night blindness, bumping into objects and dilated pupils. This disorder can be treated by supportive care, adding vitamin A supplements in their diet. Generally, their actual cure is not possible but can be slightly progressed.

Infectious diseases

The diseases which are caused by bacteria, virus, fungus and parasites are known as infectious diseases. They affects grey parrots health seriously.

Bacterial diseases

The diseases which are caused because of bacteria are known as bacterial diseases. This disease included Psittacosis (damage respiratory system, gastrointestinal system), Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. These diseases can be treated by using Antibiotics and cleaning and disinfecting the environment.

Viral diseases

The diseases which are caused because of viruses are known as the viral diseases. The most common viral diseases present in the grey parrots are Avian Influenza, Newcastle disease, Rio virus and Adenovirus. For the treatment of viral diseases we can use antiviral medications, supportive care such as fluids and nutrition, Quarantine and isolation and cleaning of the environment.

Fungal diseases

The diseases which are caused because of fungus are known as fungal diseases. The most common fungal diseases in African grey parrots are aspergillosis, Candidiasis, Histoplasmosis, and Cryptococcosis. The treatment for the fungal disease in Congo grey Parrots includes the use of antifungal medications, Supportive care and cleaning and disinfection of the environment. The birds can be prevented from fungal diseases by proper ventilation and air quality.

Beak and feathers problem

One of the most common diseases present in the Congo Greys is the beak and feathers problem. The bird that has this disease begins losing its feathers and the growth of the new feathers will not be normal. The quality of the new Feathers is less. Some grey parrots also show abnormality in their beaks. The shape of these bird’s beaks is not normal.

In this disease the birds may show abnormality in their nails. Their nails are curved and seem to be painful for the birds. This disease has a very harmful effect on the bird. This disease destroys the immune system of the birds badly.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a disease affecting grey parrots health in which the blood sugar level decreases to a very low level. This is a critical health issue that can affect the birds very badly. These intelligent and social birds require a balanced diet to maintain their optimal health and to prevent themselves from hypoglycemia.

The main causes of hypoglycemia are inadequate or unbalanced diet that lacks essential nutrients like calcium, Changes in environment, social dynamics or handling. The main symptoms of hypoglycemia are shaking or tremors, loss of appetite, dizziness or staggering, seizures or convulsions and pale or blue tinged feathers. We can treat hypoglycemia by immediate glucose administration such as honey or dietary modification that include balanced nutrient rich foods.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is a disease in African grey parrots in which the blood sugar level of the birds increases. It is a medical condition characterized by elevated glucose level in the blood. This disease can be caused by stress, genetic predisposition, high sugar diet, insulin resistance and pancreatic disorders.

The main symptoms of this disease include increased urination, increased thirst and water consumption, lethargy, poor feather condition and weight loss. This disease in the grey parrots can be treated by using a low sugar balanced diet, insulin therapy, and weight management. We can prevent the birds from hyperglycemia by providing a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is also a medical condition in African grey parrots. In this condition the calcium level in the blood of the birds is very low. Usually, they are caused by nutritional deficiencies such as inadequate calcium and vitamin D supplements, vitamin D3 deficiency, kidney disease and dietary imbalances.

The common symptoms of this disease are muscle weakness, weakness in legs and wings, osteoporosis and softening of bones. This can be treated by adding calcium and vitamin D3 supplements in the diet. Calcium rich foods can also be helpful in the treatment of this disease.

Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is also a medical condition in the grey parrots. In this condition the calcium level in the blood is elevated. Usually, it is because of vitamin D toxicity and calcium supplements overdose. Its symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and loss of appetite. It can be treated by correcting dietary imbalances and using calcium lowering agents.

Conclusion

To keep the Congo Grey Parrots healthy and active, it is very necessary to keep the birds’ environment clean and germ free. It is advised to keep the veterinarian connected to be available for weekly and monthly check up for maintaining the grey parrots health.