Not everything grey will mean dull and colorless. Because once you look at a grey parrot, you are prone to falling in love with it.
You might think that they are not at all very cuddly since many of the write-ups say so, but some of them love to get their head scratched and their body rubbed against your skin. That said, different grey parrots will have different personalities. Just like different grey parrots will have a different lifespan.
You will find two types when it comes to the species of grey parrots: one is Congo and other is Timneh. Both of them share the same life expectancy. They are able to live up to 50 years in captive and 80 years in the wild.
Except for one durable bird who happens to have lived about 90 years. However, that is just the longest lifespan. There are a lot of them who have died at 30 to 40 years of age.
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Let’s Look At Details Of Grey Parrot Lifespan
Factors:
There are several factors that determine the lifespan of grey parrots. And we thought why not highlight them for you.
Because if you own one, you will need to ensure their healthy lifestyle, right?
Diseases:
Grey parrots are prone to a condition like hypocalcemia. It is a kind of disease that refers to low calcium levels. The reason for this condition can be the result of seizures and central nervous disease. Thus, it can affect a lot in the lifespan of grey parrots. If grey parrots have issues with balance, if they fall off perches or if they get hypersensitive to movement or noises, then it means they are having such disease since all of these are its signs. When such a situation arises, then they must be taken to a vet immediately where they can be provided with calcium supplements to cure the disease. However, it is still essential that you include calcium and vitamin D to their diet so that you can stop the disease to occur.
For vitamin D, you can give them access to sunlight since it is a natural way of providing vitamin. Grey parrots can take it in by preening their feathers under the sunlight. If you don’t do so, they might end up suffering from vitamin D deficiency that will weaken their immune system, soften their bones, make their beak development abnormal while including other major issues. And all of these can lead to the death of a grey parrot hence, taking care of them should be your priority.
Not just that, they also suffer from nasal blockages and respiratory diseases. So, you should check the symptoms, look for their behavioral changes and get them cured as soon as possible.
Diet:
Diet can also have a great impact on the lifespan of grey parrots. If they are not given proper food, they will suffer from a lot of issues. Then again, if they are given excess food, they will still face problems.
Majority of the grey parrots are frugivorous, hence their diet comprises of seeds, nuts, and fruits. You can provide them with small insects, tree bark, flowers, oil palm fruit, orange, pear, apple, banana and different kinds of veggies as well. In the wild, they also look for snails and other insects to eat. However, as It has been mentioned, their diet should include calcium and vitamins so do ensure them.
Sometimes, grey parrots suffer from weight loss due to a variety of reason even after maintaining a proper diet. It can be for dietary imbalances or for an allergy to something. Besides, there is a disease known as PDD which is short for Proventricular Dilatation Disease that is common to all the grey parrots family. It is an inflammatory wasting condition that results in weight loss and other major illnesses which can affect the lifespan of a grey parrot.
Hence, they should not only be provided with a proper diet but also with regular health checkups by visiting a vet nearby.
Environment:
The living condition of grey parrots also determines their lifespan. If they are left to be caged in such a place that they are not comfortable with, they will behave abnormally and will get depressed which they cannot survive.
At first, you need to know that they come pretty big in size and hence their cage should be as large as possible. As a result, they will be able to extend their wings fully and flap freely without having the cage walls touched them.
Not just that, their environment should also be kept clean and free of non-toxic materials which can harm them.
They love hopping around perches, hence you must add them to the cage. Bring some that will be of different widths, heights, and textures so that it can help maintain their toenails. Once you get them, place the perches far away from food so that you can avoid contamination. Plus, give them access to sunlight so that they can remain healthy and active.
Care and Nurture
Grey parrots must get all the care and love so you will need to have time for them separately. Try to at least get all the physical examinations including blood test done after every six months. If you have any questions regarding the health of the bird, then consult a vet who has experience in avian medicine.
Not just that, you must get a fecal examination done to check if they are attacked with any kind of bacteria, yeast or parasite. Try to have it checked twice a year.
Vaccination for Polyoma-virus is a must and that should be done by the vet directly.
Besides all these steps for their health, you must also take note of their activity so that you can avoid any kind of issues in the future. Try to keep them healthy and learn to trim their nails and wings so that you can do it yourself for their better growth. Because if they do not get proper care, they will be likely to fall ill which can have negative impacts on their life.
Final Words
This is what everything you need to know about the grey parrot lifespan.