Uncovering the Hidden Worlds of African Grey Parrot Habitats
African grey parrots or Congo grey parrots or Grey Parrots are well known birds for their intelligence and mimicry capability. As their name shows, these birds are naturally inhabitant of Rainforests of central and West Africa. Artificial habitats are found everywhere in the world.
Natural Habitats of African Grey Parrots
In natural conditions, these birds are found in dense forests. African Grey Parrots are of two main species: Congo African Grey (Psittacus erithacus) with red tail and Timneh African Grey (Psittacus timneh) with dark grey tail.
The natural type of Congo grey parrot habitat includes northern Ivory Coast to Western Kenya, Northwestern Tanzania, and southern Democratic Republic of Congo. All these habitats provide the food, shelter and tree trunks for nesting. Food in natural habitats consists of nuts, fruits and seeds. Sometimes they feed on some little insects and snails. In their natural habitats, grey birds face threats to be preyed on or hunted, along with habitat destruction which is reducing their populations in the natural habitats.
In the wild, they live in the form of flocks of about 10,000 birds with a strong bond with each other. However, they make their nest separately on separate tree trunks. Male and female both parrots prepare nests and take care of their chicks.
Data of their population shows 21% decline in population worldwide annually. Number of birds extracted from habitats during 1982-2014 is about 1.3 million (UNEP-WCMC 2016), while in Cameroon, about 100,000 birds had been captured during late 1990s and early 2000s (F. Dowsett-Lemaire in litt.2012). Due to this huge decline, this species has been declared as “Endangered Species”. Forest loss is a major threat for this species that is infect a larger threat for this bird than the trading of this bird in Cameroon (Tamungang and Cheke 2012; Annorbah et al.2016)
Artificial habitat
They are also kept in artificial type of grey parrot habitats by the pet lovers in an artificial environment. This environment must resemble the natural environment.
Housing and environmental needs for habitat.
For better health and happiness of greys, the best suited house is very important. Enough space, provision of a ventilated area, better food, engagement in playful activities, proper spending of time by pet keepers, are the basic needs of healthy and happy birds.
Cage Setup
A spacious cage must be prepared to keep the greys in a happy and peaceful condition. Cage should be double in size than the length and width of the body with spread wings. Cage should be made up of stainless steel. The 120 cm tall, 90 cm wide and 60 cm deep cage is favorite cage for Congo greys.
Bars spacing of the cage should not be more than half inch to avoid getting stuck in the head of pets or escaping of pets. Bars in horizontal arrangement are better for birds to climb up and down for proper exercise.
Placement of Cage
The area where the cage is to be placed should be ventilated, with proper lighting, and without any smell or debris. Cage must be placed in a straight position. Inclined place will keep the birds uncomfortable. Avoid placement of cage in direct sunlight.
Perches in cage
Perches are kept in a cage for sitting of birds, where they also sleep. Perches of various sizes may be placed in a cage to make the place near to nature. Wooden perches are preferred and liked by the birds. They should be smooth and plain to avoid any type of injury. Perches should be plain and soft. Length of perches depends upon the number of pets and size of the cage.
Toys in Cage
Grey parrots are very intelligent birds. They need mental stimulation for their happy and playful mood. Behavioral problems may be faced by pets without any mental stimulation. Swings, ropes (must be of plastic nylon), puzzles, foraging toys (toys for searching for food) are suitable for grey birds. Toys should be replaced after 2 weeks to maintain the interest of parrots and to avoid boredom.
Environment of cage
Congo greys need a proper environment including appropriate light, temperature, humidity in and outside the cage. This is necessary for their proper physical and mental health. During the night, the cage should be covered to give the feeling of security and good sleep without any disturbance. Covering may be done by putting some cloths or by plastic cover.
Tips to Make Artificial habitat so that it seems to be natural
African Greys Parrots live in flocks. They like the company. They should be provided the company of birds and pet keepers, as they imagine keeper as member of flock.
For better movement and growth, birds need to move outside of their cage also. There should be an arrangement to keep the pets outside with care and security from predators or escaping of birds.
Ventilation is a basic need for artificial type of Grey Parrot habitat. So, there should be windows with iron mesh to allow only air. Any predator like cat, snake etc. should not be given passage to enter.
Proper light is the key necessity of a bird’s life. With proper availability of proper light, chances of deficiency of calcium can be reduced due to more calcium intake of birds. Sunlight is essential for a time to prepare the Vitamin B3 by the birds.
There should be a nesting box for breeding, egg laying, and incubation of eggs like their nest in the forest.
Avoid all steps which make the birds depressed. Avoid loneliness by providing toys, companion birds, proper food, fresh water, and fresh air.
Conclusion
Natural type of Grey Parrot habitat is like a paradise where nature provides each and every need of life. However, risk of being preyed is at its maximum level. On the other side, artificial habitat i.e. cage or room provide the secure environment to birds. Except free flight from one place to other area of forest, the grey parrots can enjoy all needs of life provided by pet keepers. Above mentioned tips and advices will make the pets more comfortable in the artificial habitat.
