Daily Care Routine for My African Grey Parrots | Dust Management, Misting, Cleaning, and Feeding!

Here is my daily care routine for my two Congo African Grey Parrots. Share your African Grey care tips in the comments! We can all learn from each other.
~Products used ~
Dyson Cordless Vacuum amzn.to/4bWrfEr
Austin Air Purifier amzn.to/3RkUAQy
Sprayer amzn.to/3x5DteR
My Amazon storefront amzn.to/3z9f4FI
Check out my birds on Instagram - marksparrots

[@jojodress]

Something I just saw and thought about- there are dozens of free newspapers around town. I always grab hunks of them for their cages- both for toilet and I twist them for shedding (mostly toilet paper wrappers- that outer wrapper they LOVE to shred. Man, you're good for the bird community- your throughness into the broad, holistic, and specific approach is very helpful. I highly recommend your channel!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Wow, thats a great idea. Im sure they love shredding that paper! Thank you for your support! I’ll be sure to keep the videos coming.

[@AngelofPestilence-es1jn]

It’s so nice to see an increase in diversity of parrot influencers. It shares the messages with children that anyone can love and care for parrots. And I don’t mean that in a rude way, I just rarely see minorities (of USA) share or express their love of animals.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Hi, I appreciate your comment. I'm glad that I can share my love for Parrot keeping with the world.

[@JGoebs]

This channel is gonna take off, I can feel it! Keep up the great, informative videos man!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Wow, I'll never forget this comment! Thank you so much for the support. Im editing the next video as we speak!!

[@tammiemillerjennings208]

You're doing a wonderful job explaining the needs of an AG. My Lily is 17 years old, and she has been in our family for about 6 years or so. Prior to us, she had been relocated FIVE times! It constantly amazes me why anyone would have rehomed her. She is an amazing bird and will have a home with us until she takes her last breath. I do think it's very important people understand the needs of parrots before buying them. Your channel does a great job explaining the husbandry needs so folks can make a wise decision, hopefully avoiding a relocation to a rescue organization. We also have a rescue greenwing macaw, and these birds grieve their prior owners. We know AG are highly intelligent birds, so it's the same as a small child missing their parents. Thank you for the work you're doing!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you!! Wow, Lily has seen so much in her 17 years. Im so glad that she has finally found her forever home with you and your family. I'll definitely keep the videos coming! I aim to show both the good and the challenging sides of Parrot-keeping. I really appreciate your support!

[@TattooedGranny]

I have kept big parrots and macaws for 40+ years…both handfed babies myself, had special needs parrots and also adopted rescues. You have some very solid, basic tips. Nice video! I have a tip for you…orient their perches to minimize overlapping for pooping. I almost never get poop on my perches this way. Wood is a bacteria factory and they chew it! I have used diluted chlorhexadrine to soak perches…it is safe for them and works great.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much for the tips! Great call, I'll work on rearranging their perches today. It was a bit difficult for this cage because it's tall and narrow but I'm sure I can make some effective changes here.

[@MarieSNoel]

No many toys 😢 why?

[@Africangreyjournal]

@@MarieSNoel They have three toys which get rotated bi-weekly. I am not a fan of completely filling a parrots cage with toys.

[@mateoneedham6807]

Your videos seem like a "must" for anyone wanting to understand what it takes to care for birds. Thank you!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Wow, thank you so much. I really appreciate that.

[@eunicejin6781]

I had my African grey for about 8 months now and love this channel sm! Not that many informative channels about these guys.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much. Im glad you’re enjoying the channel!! I’ll be sure to keep the videos coming.

[@estherjamack7717]

I wish I had this channel when I first got my grey! Your tips and routines are very helpful.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad you're enjoying the content so far. So much more on the way!

[@jumpyerica]

I really love your channel, just came upon it yesterday. It's so clear that you have so much knowledge, appreciation, and love for these animals!!!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your kind words. They truly are my joy and passion 🦜

[@jareevinson]

That’s a great point about the rain, it makes a lot of sense. Love the video!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much!!

[@Kim-Berly200]

My birds love the sound of the vacuum. They also LOVE to look out of windows. It natural for them to dip their food in water because they don’t naturally produce saliva. Just give them fresh water two or three times a day.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thats great to hear! Thanks for the suggestion. Me keeping the food and water far apart doesnt stop them from dunking the food completely, it just reduces it significantly.

[@howardharaway2259]

I live in Lower Bucks county,Pa. I have 2 AFRICAN GREYS. Both males, 1 Timneh and 1 Congo. I'm 61 and at some point,I Will need to make thee hardest decision of my life. Adopting them both to loving, knowledgeable people who WON'T lock them in cages. When I have to make that decision, I probably won't ask any money for them, only that the new caretakers PROMISE to give them a GREAT life . As of now, They aren't confined to cages. They also have a outdoor enclosure screwed to my house right where their indoor perches are. All Spring,and Summer,early fall they have the freedom to go outside anytime they want. Enjoy real sun light, natural sounds,fresh air,and entertainment watching wild birds, squirrels. My Congo has picked up the crow call sound and talks to them. Anyway,I encourage ANY parrot owner to fix a larger size cage to their window,next to their indoor cage, lower the top part of the window down,and give your parrots the best life you can. My Congo,as well as my Sulphur Crested cockatoo,Conures,parrokeets absolutely LOVE the freedom of being outdoors anytime they want. AND......when it rains, they REALLY have a ball getting a bird bath.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thanks for sharing, Howard! It sounds like you provide a wonderful life for your birds.

[@pomb4946]

Please ask some money for your babies when the time comes if only to weed out the bad people who might have ill intent. Wishing you the best and many more years with your birds.

[@jojodress]

OMG, I feel you! I was 40 when I got mine, and I worried about that most of that time. In fact, I got sick with liver disease and I needed help while getting better, up to transplant . Long story but I lost my last bird this past January (I'm 67 now) and I want another bird sooooo badly, but I'm terrified. I am thinking of going to rescue to develop a relationship with in order to make a contract with them in event something happens to me. I have more to write. I'm writing so fast because I identify with you. I'll be back so for typos 😊❤

[@jojodress]

One thing about this guy- he's lovely, and I love his thoroughness., but he's raising his bird for breeding, not for play and socializing. I think that's the big difference with what you're seeing with him. I would love to see all parrot owners, like you and me, that have birds to snuggle, play, interact with, shower with, take outside in the rain, etc.... I don't think he's into that, at least with these 2 greys. He's wicked dedicated, and I love that he's bringing bird care into people's homes like this. 😊

[@Heyoo1400]

You should make a life in a day…..would love that

[@Africangreyjournal]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@nellymontanez1325]

Love this video! I’m getting ready because I’ll be adopting a CAG chick in 6 weeks. I’ve been around them and took care of one for my mother in law, but still not the same as having a full time baby now! We’ve been researching and deciding as a family for over a year, this is not a decision to make overnight for us! I told my kids that they will have to take care of it when I’m no longer here. It’s a serious commitment. But overall, I’m so excited. Please keep making videos, they’re so informative!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so happy that you enjoyed the video. Congratulations on choosing your CAG chick! It's clear you and your family have put a lot of thought and preparation into this, which is wonderful to hear. I'll be sure to keep the videos coming; my goal is to release one new video every week. Best of luck with your new addition!

[@cebubossman7615]

Great content, appreciate you giving the reasons why. Thanks

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much! Im glad you’re enjoying the content. Im working on the next video as we speak.

[@xuenilom]

Great video, I'm excited to follow the journey. You speak very well. Wish you the best of luck!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support. Im working on my next video as we speak!

[@taylorlurati6034]

My gray that was just rehomed to me from my mother (we’ve known each other for 30 years) dunks his food and I’m so shocked he hasn’t had an infection because she didn’t replace the water daily.

[@Africangreyjournal]

So glad your Grey was able to stay within your family! Parrots are such resilient creatures! Bacterial infections can happen from soiled water dishes but they don’t always do.

[@Feiwinter-with-an-i]

Love the video man. Beautiful birds. The only thing I’d like to bring up is those puppy pads on the bottom. Although they may be very easy and convenient a lot of them are actually scented for dogs that allows the puppy’s to know hey this is where you pee because of those scents. Those scents can make your parrots feel uneasy and as if there’s always a predator near the cage. This was told to me because I made the same mistake and after changing it to newspaper my parrots were noticeably less agitated near and in their cage.

[@Feiwinter-with-an-i]

Side note id love to follow your parrot journey. Don’t stop updating us

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the feedback. The pads im using are made for humans. I have a bad habit of calling them “wee wee pads” lol.

[@Africangreyjournal]

I’ll be sure to keep the videos coming! Thanks again for the support!

[@amg4897]

New and subscribed

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the support.

[@KevinAnglade]

Love the video Mark! Please keep them coming. I know a guy down in Atlanta named Stephen who loves parrots and owns a few. Not African Greys to be exact, but he loves a variety of species all the same. I am going to share your channel with him. Keep up the great work brother!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thanks Kev, I really appreciate the support brother! Aw man, Im looking forward to meeting Stephen one of these days!!

[@THEE.apples]

Not really a grey tip, but a bird tip in general that i see a lot people forget. SUNLIGHT! Sunlight is extremely important for skin and feather health. If your birds are indoors a lot or you have long winters where u live i would suggest getting a uv light. I get one from Arcadia. Also safe teas and herbs. They can really help calm and mellow out your pet birds idk if it would be good for breeders, but they're great for pets.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing these tips! Adding a UV light would be an interesting addition for these two.

[@CharlieMurphytheParrot]

Nice video, very meticulous routine!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much!

[@THEE.apples]

I know your channel is primarily focused on greys, but I'd love to see you do some content on GreenCheeks since you have so much experience with them plus im thinking about getting a pair lol Anywho Cant wait to see how this journey with your greys is gonna go. Great channel

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you for your support! A Green cheek series sounds like a great idea. Are there any specific topics that you'd like me to cover first?

[@THEE.apples]

@@Africangreyjournal Differences between green cheeks and other conures or similarly sized parrots. Common health issues associated with them and their mutations. Potential behavioral problems and how to prevent them. Also just them as birds and how they could be great potential companions.

[@Africangreyjournal]

@@THEE.apples Fantastic, thank you for these suggestions. I'll get to work on these soon!

[@Useruytrw]

Marvellous

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you!!

[@mel98]

You can buy roll brown paper from uline. Maybe few more toys

[@Africangreyjournal]

Fantastic! Thank you. I keep three toys in rotation and change them out every 2-3 weeks. How much do you typically keep in your cages?

[@abhisheksarkar9436]

Best wishes for your guys 🎉

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much!!

[@Firefox14958]

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ✨ Argent and Argenta ✨ ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@Africangreyjournal]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jojodress]

I realize you're raising these for breeding, but I really do hope you are holding them as well. I remember when I first saw you you made a point to say you were limiting your interacting with them because of breeding. I don't know about that part, the breeding part, I can only speak to the interaction part which is my love. I'm just different. I just like holding them.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Hi! The breeding is their choice. If they choose not to ever breed, they are still a dream come true. Its definitely not something that must happen. I enjoy them as pets

[@Africangreyjournal]

Hi! If they choose not to ever breed, they are still a dream come true. Its definitely not something that must happen. I enjoy them as pets but I let them be birds.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Share your African Grey care tips in the comments!

[@Firefox14958]

I also knock on my birds door when i enter there room, loved the video, can't wait for the next one!! ❤❤🦜🦜

[@Africangreyjournal]

⁠​⁠@@Firefox14958Thats awesome! Thank you so much! What kind of birds do you have?

[@Firefox14958]

​@@Africangreyjournali have 8 birds, 2 mousebirds, 2 budgies, 2 morning doves, 1 house sparrow and 1 gouldian finch, they are a handful, but i can't complain, i love my birds so, so, so much, can't wait to see you in the next video 👍

[@Africangreyjournal]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@Firefox14958Sounds like a lovely flock! Thank you so much for the support!

[@Firefox14958]

@@Africangreyjournal ❤️👍

[@ily.kaifx.2617]

Love the Videos can you send me the link to your parrot cage? Thank You

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much. I am using a modified Kings Cage SLFDD 3628 which I do not believe is being made anymore. I have a few other option listed that are suitable for Greys on my Amazon storefront. Please click the link in my video description that says "My Amazon storefront".

[@notsosilentmajority1]

I am not an experienced bird person, so I am planning on following your journey with these birds. In the first video I saw you mentioned that you wouldn't mind if they were "a little wild", does that mean you are not going to handle them regularly, so as to make them more tame? Will they be learning "step up" and are you going to attempt to have them talk or replicate sounds at all? Are they in that room without human interaction most of the day or are they around humans getting used to hearing words and being handled? Just curious, as this seems to be a very large investment and these birds should live an extremely long time. It seems like having them handled and more people friendly, would make them more enjoyable to keep. I do not know much about birds, especially parrots so I hope the questions come across properly. BTW, great job cleaning, the birds' room is cleaner than most peoples' homes, lol. Well done.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Hi! Yes, that's correct. I don't plan on handling these two regularly. My intentions are for them to be very independent and bonded to each other. Since they were handfed, they are already very comfortable with my presence. Ive had them for almost a month now and the female (Gabrielle) is already talking! Greys seem to mimic sounds and replicate speech just by observation, they don't necessarily need to be trained to speak. When I interact with them, I try to speak to them like children. I label objects and actions, to ensure that they begin to understand me. Thank you for the questions!

[@notsosilentmajority1]

@@Africangreyjournal Thanks for getting back to me. It sounds like they are going to have fantastic lives and they are obviously being well taken care of. I'm looking forward to following you on this journey. Best of luck my friend.

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the support!!

[@Malissa7]

What kind of water are you giving them to drink? Distilled, Spring, etc .. Because I know I would not want to give my birds tap water.

[@Africangreyjournal]

I’m using purified water but I am looking into other options. What are you currently using?

[@arzuylmaz1682]

Love the video, thanks for sharing. How old are your greys?

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much! Im glad you enjoyed the video. The male is three months old and the female is 13 weeks old.

[@arzuylmaz1682]

@@Africangreyjournal my african grey is 4 months old but I still have to hand feed him 3 times a day. He can’t eat pellets yet.

[@Africangreyjournal]

@@arzuylmaz1682 Hmm your Grey should definitely be eating alot more on its own. What have you offered so far? Try offering foods directly after you handfeed. This typically works because their appetite is already stimulated which makes them curious about trying new foods.

[@arzuylmaz1682]

@@Africangreyjournal thank you so much! Waiting for more videos from you 🌸

[@Africangreyjournal]

@@arzuylmaz1682You’re welcome! If you’d like, feel free to send a picture of your bird to [e-mail]. Im curious to see this little one since three feedings is alot for a 4 month old.

[@TanyaBrown-zv2gx]

Try ava kakes and try a chopped diet as well see if the store you got them from sells sockatoos

[@Africangreyjournal]

Hi! I feed lots of veggies and some fruit but im not a fan of chopping it into fine pieces. They really enjoy holding and eating their food. Thanks for the avi cakes suggestion!!

[@Firefox14958]

If you don't have names for your birds yet, i have some suggestions: 👇👇 Male: Argent Female: Argenta It means beautiful silver/gray!!

[@Africangreyjournal]

Thank you so much for the suggestion! Those are beautiful names!

[@mateoneedham6807]

Names: How about Haile and Selassie? How about Ave and Maria? How about Bert and Birdie? Brenda and Brandon? Yin and Yang?

[@Africangreyjournal]

Wow, lots of great options! Thank you!

[@sselvinmon523]

Grey age please

[@Africangreyjournal]

3 months

[@justagrlwithnoname]

Why not just let the babies dunk and just change the water more frequently? My conures dunk and eat that wet food/pellets. I change their water at least 3x a day. I also keep a clean lixit drip water bottle they very quickly learned to use as a clean water source.

[@Africangreyjournal]

It's still too much risk for me and my flock. It doesn't take long for bacteria to multiply when food enters water. I like water bottles as well. I just ordered the Bird Butler by Birds Etc. How do you like the Lixit water bottle?

[@justagrlwithnoname]

@@Africangreyjournal Always safe to err on the side of caution so I reason with you. I do like the water bottle but I do recommend using it in stainless steel cages because it can drip and that can cause rust very quickly in iron cages.

[@Africangreyjournal]

@@justagrlwithnoname Awesome advice, thanks for the tip!

[@oldflorida2003]

Where's the window

[@Africangreyjournal]

The window is to the right of the cage.

[@bobbywonder4574]

the walls are too white

[@Africangreyjournal]

What color have you painted your walls for your birds? I originally assumed that they would grow accustomed to whatever color the walls were and it would eventually be a non-factor even if painted an elaborate color. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@CGF101]

Needs some decorations and plants