Many pet owners ask themselves why do African grey parrots shriek loudly? Parrots scream once or twice per day; they will call loudly for the sheer joy of it. An owner needs to become attuned to the mood of the bird to understand why it’s screaming. Some birds also cry out in frustration, from loneliness and boredom.
Flock Response
In the wild, the African grey parrot lives in huge flocks that consist of family members. They reside within the flock for the social stimulation and also because the flock provides protection from possible predators. If the bird becomes separated from its flock it will naturally begin to scream and call out loudly for the flock members.
In captivity the African grey has no large flock for protection or companionship. It relies on its human family to meet its social needs and provide it with a sense of security. The bird will often begin to scream loudly if the humans within its flock leave it alone. The bird is simply reacting naturally to being left alone. Unfortunately, the screaming can pose a problem for birds kept in an apartment setting or within close proximity to neighbors. The excessively loud calls of the African grey can become quite annoying.
Consider purchasing a companion bird to help fill the lonely days for the African grey. Even a small bird of a different species housed in a cage near the African grey can provide the bird with
companionship and a sense of flock security when its human leaves the house. Many African grey’s bond closely with the family pet, such as a dog or even a cat, and enjoy having it in the same residence to fill the lonely moments.
Boredom
African greys can also scream out of sheer boredom. The bird gets tired of sitting in its cage all day and craves some form of stimulation. Make sure they have an ample supply of toys within the cage. Swap out the toys regularly for different ones to offer the bird diversity. Consider leaving a television on in the room that the bird can see. Many birds actually enjoy watching television. Locate the birds cage near a window; the bird can look outside and keep abreast of what is going on throughout the neighborhood. Some African grey parrots enjoy listening to soothing music.
Allow your pet bird time out of its cage every day. Consider purchasing a bird play gym or play pen to amuse the African grey when it’s outside the cage.
Spoiled
African grey birds can become spoiled and throw a fit just like a young child that does not get its way. Allowing the bird to spend the majority of its time outside the cage will make the bird not want to go into the cage. When your pet bird has been allowed excessive freedom, and is then placed within the confines of the cage, it will often object loudly by screaming. The owner needs to strike the right balance between cage time and freedom so the bird does not become spoiled.
Understanding Your Individual Bird
Become attuned to your bird and its moods. If the bird’s screaming should change and hold fear or pain, contact a veterinarian immediately. An African grey that suddenly begins to scream in alarm may be suffering. Over time the owner will become accustomed to the different calls that the bird makes. If the bird becomes agitated over an empty food bowl, the owner will be able to identify the scream and react accordingly.
Highly intelligent, the African grey makes an excellent pet for someone dedicated to its well being.