We have 2 African Greys, one for sure is male (tetsed) the other one we believe is a female, because she feeds him like a baby. Thats the only way he can really eat with her around. They are in the same cage, and the male is missing a significant amount of feathers. It is in areas where it could be self plucking, or her ripping them out, we have seen it happen. I heard plucking can happen because of boredom too.... I know alot of you are going to say seperate them, but I dont think we can afford another cage, and they make such a mess!!! The pull the paper up through the grate and rip it. They also dont talk as much as I thought they would, especially when people are around, but they are constantly around people (1 work at home mom and 3 homeschooled kids) And ideas? Sorry for so many questions.
2006-11-27 10:28:58 · 3 answers · asked by Bibsy 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
More power too you such a lot to do . I will try and address all point one by one.
It is possible you have a pair however usually the male feeds the female, but do not rule out you have two males the other one could just be more dominant.
Being in the same cage is OK as long as they do not fight, but if the do squabble you will need to separate them and immediately.
Grey's are notorious plucker's, there is no known reason why, I knew one who was always being played with and given attention constantly and he literally waited for the feathers on his chest to grow and pull them out as they grew one by one, for this try adding a tiny bit of salt in their water, its been known to work.
As for the talking,hahaha they have their mind and talk when they want not when you want nothing you can do here.
If I can be of any further assistance feel free to email me
2006-11-27 11:14:56 · answer #1 · answered by scotty lad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very unusual for the female to feed the male. It's very possible you have two males and the dominant one is feeding the submissive one.
There are many reasons for plucking. One is stress. If they are two males and no one is laying eggs, that's reason for stress. Frustration.
If they have a vitamin A deficiency, they will pluck. Check the color of the bottom of the feet. If it is a shiny pink, that's your problem.
Another is poisoning from paint chips or pieces off your cage or something. A blood test will tell.
It might be a good idea to get the other one sexed. It'll run your about $30 to do the feather test. Go online and google in DNA testing for birds. There's hundreds of places that test.
I count on a pellet diet and supplement with fresh fruits and veggies. For vitamin A, give them more carrots and legumes.
Hope this helps.
2006-11-27 13:28:03 · answer #2 · answered by Lynn D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow
2006-11-27 10:33:37 · answer #3 · answered by Eat organic stuff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋