Feeding African Grey

Question
Reverend Abbott,

I work in a nursing home that recently acquired a 5 month old Congo African Grey. I am the main caretaker.  The person who bought him for the facility brought Zupreem Avian Fruit Blend pellets with him.  I personally have been his caretaker and ensured that he also has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis as well as healthy treats and nuts on occassion.  From my observation it seems that Max does not really care for this brand pellets.  He picks out a few colors that he likes and leaves the rest.  He hasn't lost weight, but I am just concerned.  Can you please recommend any other brands of pellets that would be suitable?  I had considered buying Pretty Bird African Special pellets as they are supposedly made specifically for the nutritional needs of Greys.

Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
What a good job you're doing so far! EXCELLENT.  If you want to try Pretty  Bird brand - we use that for ours and mix it with the sweeter (more fruity) brands - sounding very much like what you're using. Sometimes a bird will select a certain color based just on color, but it could certainly be a flavor as well.  The good thing about pelleted diets is that it doesn't matter which pellet they pick, they're all good.

He should be offered mixed seed once a week or so. Just make sure to get the mix that is without sunflower seeds and always buy quality seed for parrots (never wild bird seed).  

Make sure there's a cuttlebone in his cage. If it seems to wear down or gets dirty, scrape it with a butter knife and replace it as necessary.  This is a source of calcium and helps keep the beak trimmed.

Check our site for more specifics about making this bird the happiest he can be.  Such a young bird has such potential.  Make sure he's out of cage every day and well socialized - he's going to outlive all of us, let's make sure it's a truly content and rich life.

 www.4AnimalCare.org