How To Care For A 6 Week Old African Grey

You may be thinking about owning a 6 week old African Grey and wondering how to care for this type of bird.

Or perhaps, you may have one already, and you would like to know how to make sure that your pet thrives.

No matter what your reason is for checking out this article, you are at the right place. Caring for an African Grey at age 6 weeks can be tricky. There are also some milestones that impact its diet and activities, which is what every owner should be aware of.

With all these things in mind, let us look into the things you should pay close attention to when you want to make sure that your pet’s health and development are on the right track. We will talk about a variety of topics today including feeding you 6-week old African Grey parrot, how to tame your pet, and several things you should know. 

Let’s dive right into it.

All You Should Know About Caring For A 6 Week Old African Grey

The excitement of owning an African Grey is real – after all, who could ever resist these cuties!

But then, there are a few things to think about such as feeding your pet and making sure that you are able to tame it and get it settled in a new environment. Birds at this age require a clean and warm home, which is just like what they would normally have in their natural environment. This way, they are able to thrive and develop well.

You can even find some commercial brooders that will allow your chicks to stay warm, cozy and safe. You should look into the temperature controls and ventilation systems available. Ideally, the humidity inside must be about 50 to 60 percent while the body temperature of the bird should be about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another thing to keep in mind is you should check the body weight a few times a week to ensure the ideal weight. Notice if your pet is losing or gaining a significant amount of weight, which is something that you would want to avoid.

Avian vets also advise that the expected body weight differs, depending on the phase of life of your pet. So it is best to pay attention to this. Ideally, it is best to weigh your pet early in the morning before feeding and when the stomach is still empty. Then, weighing should be done at the same time each day.

As for the feeding tools you need, there are a few things you need. You will be providing formula to your pet at this age, which means you should have proper equipment. Among the common ones include a sterilized bowl and spoon, preferably made of plastic or metal, as well as a 12 to 15-cc syringe or a pipette that comes with a squeeze bulb located at one end.

Do not feed your African Grey with a spoon since there are some possible problems that may arise because of this. Choking may occur, which is something you would like to avoid as much as possible.

Now, as for the formula’s temperature, you want to keep it at about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure safety, you need to check with your breeder and vet, as well. Feeding can take a bit of time, especially with young African Grey parrots. This is why the temperature is likely to drop as you feed your pet.

With a thermometer, you should be able to check what the formula’s temperature is before you feed your bird. One useful tip to consider is keeping your food mixing bowl soaked in hot water, as this helps retain the optimal temperature that also prevents cooling.

When it comes to the formular, there are various types you can find online and at pet stores. But it usually is in powdered form, allowing the ease of mixing it. A packet of formula should suffice for your pet until reaching the weaning age, usually about 10 weeks from birth.

We recommend feeding your pet formula that has 22 percent protein and 10 percent fat. But keep in mind that the protein and fat ratio in formulas depend on your bird’s needs. 

Feeding Your 6 Week Old African Grey

You will need to make sure that the items used for feeding your pet are clean and well-sanitized. Moreover, you do not want your pet to come in contact with these cleaning agents as they are hazardous and even toxic to your pet’s health.

Clean the spoon and bowl with dishwashing products that you normally use for your own utensils. Plus, you need paper towels, penlight, tweezers, and a damp cloth within your reach when you hand-feed your pet.

Before you prepare your pet’s formula, make sure the countertop is sanitized and clean. This prevents the risk of food contamination. Check the packaging’s instructions to know how much of the formula you should give to your pet. The formula and water ratio must be accurate as indicated in the instructions.

Be careful with the temperature of the formula. It should never be too cold or too hot – and you should avoid putting the formula in your microwave as it can lead to contamination or make the food hotter than what it should be. Placing it in the microwave can also alter the solution’s nutritional value. 

When feeding, do not make it too slow or too fast. Be sure to give the appropriate quantity prescribed by your avian vet. Notice how your chick responds, which typically includes lifting the beak wide open. This is a high feeding response that is apparent among newborns to 6 weeks old. 

Read More: Fascinating 6 Month Old Cockatiel Behavior You Should Know!

Bottom Line

Feeding and caring for a 6 week old African Grey may seem delicate and tedious. However, as long as you are aware of the proper ways to do this including the type of formula to give, then you should be off to a good start. When in doubt, never hesitate to consult your avian vet for expert advice in raising your African Grey.