Read About African Birds

African Birds often make wonderful household pets. Here's everything you need to know about them.

African Birds -- Facts

  1. Breed:

    Many pet bird breeds come from Africa, such as African Grey parrots, lovebirds, parakeets, and waxbill finches.
  2. Size:

    Many African birds are small, such as finches or parakeets; the African Grey reaches up to 14 inches in length.
  3. Life Span:

    Birds such as the African Grey can live up to 50-70 years.
  4. Varieties:

    Varieties of African birds include lovebirds, African Grey parrots, and waxbill finches.
  5. Origins:

    Birds come from many different countries in Africa.
  6. Physical Traits:

    African birds come in many different sizes; many of them have sharp, hooked bills that are conducive to cracking nuts and other foods.
  7. Temperament:

    African birds are generally very friendly and quiet, and enjoy human interaction.
  8. Trainability:

    Most African birds are very easy to train, and many of them can be taught to mimic sounds and speech.

African Birds-- Care

  1. Habitat:

    The larger the cage, the happier your African bird will be. There should be plenty of room for spreading wings and climbing, and the cage should be kept out of drafts.
  2. Food:

    Different African birds need different types of food, along with vitamin supplements.
  3. Compatibility:

    Talk to the breeder to find out about the compatibility with other birds.

African Birds-- Concerns

  1. Benefits:

    African birds are highly entertaining pets, being both beautiful to look at and to listen to.
  2. Liabilities:

    Cage cleaning is an ongoing maintenance task.
  3. Health Issues:

    Most disease is related to poor hygiene, malnutrition and/or stress. If you notice any possible symptoms of illness, see the veterinarian promptly.
  4. Specific Care Needs:

    African birds need calcium to keep their beaks healthy and strong. Beak and toenail trimming is extremely important, and the cage should not be placed near an air conditioning, heating, or ventilation outflow. Birds also need to be bathed regularly, and the cage should be covered at night.
  5. Special Household Needs:

    African birds will need special climatological conditions. Humidity is an important issue with birds of tropical origin. Also, birds should not be allowed to be comfortable on the floor, as it could accidentally be stepped on, or attacked by other household pets.

African Birds -- How to Choose

  1. What to Look for:

    Regardless of breed, choose a bird that is alert and active, and has clean feathers and bright, shiny eyes. Try to buy at feeding time, because a bird with a good appetite is usually in good general health.
  2. Supplies:

    A large cage with lots of perches in a necessity, along with food and water bowls. Also, appropriate food and vitamin supplements, along with toys, are important items.
  3. Expense:

    Common African birds, such as parakeets, are very inexpensive, from $5.00-$15.00. The larger birds, like the African Grey, can cost up to $1,000 or more.