Vitamins for African Grey Parrots

African grey parrots, scientifically known as Psittacus erithacus, are indigenous to the rain-forests of West and Central Africa. Some varieties include Congo, Ghana, Timneh and Cameroon African grey. Parrots are popular as pets because of their intelligence and great skills in imitating human words and speech. They also have a calm and gentle nature. The life expectancy of African grey parrots varies from about 40 to 60 years, and pet owners can make sure their African grey stays healthy by making sure their diet is nutritious and complete.

  1. Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A helps the African Grey's immune system.

      African grey parrots rely heavily on vitamin A for their immune systems. Vitamin A-enriched foods prevent deficiency diseases that cause symptoms such as sneezing, heavy breathing, feeble feather colors or swollen eyes. Most vitamin A-enriched vegetables and foods possess deep orange or dark green colors. The greatest vitamin A sources are kale and dandelion greens. Broccoli leaves, fresh red chili peppers and carrots provide vitamin A too. Pumpkins, yams and mangos also boost vitamin A intake.

    Vitamin D

    • Vitamin D is important for parrot health.

      Deficiency of vitamin D in parrots causes diseases such as Hypocalcaemia syndrome, which typically shows when African grey parrots reach 2 to 5 years of age. Vitamin D3 stimulates the deployment and assimilation of sufficient calcium and phosphorus to the body organs. Well-boiled egg yolks, fish liver oils and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin D3. Sunlight encourages a parrot's vitamin D3 formation, and it's advisable to expose the parrot to five to seven hours of sunlight every day.

    Calcium

    • Heated eggshells mixed with parrot food help calcium levels.

      Calcium is essential for African grey parrots because they are susceptible to depletion of calcium in their blood. Calcium-rich foods and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and collard greens strengthen the parrots' calcium percentage in the blood. Dandelions, Chinese spinach and almonds are also good sources. Heated eggshells and well-cooked beans provide calcium as well. Efficient calcium consumption requires a balanced ratio of vitamin D3, phosphorus and magnesium.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant, relieves stress and prevents histamines. Suitable vitamin C foods include strawberries, kiwis and oranges. Vegetables like cauliflowers, green peppers, peas and asparagus provide vitamin C too.