Accepted Answer

Okay Daisy, thanks for the extra information. Greys are one of the parrots who are most sensitive to any change at all in their environment and definitely sensitive to anything that upsets their routine or is an unexpected event. I'd say an earthquake, or even a tremor that he could feel would qualify. I don't think I would panic just yet and assume he has an illness of any kind. You will however, have to be alert for any indication that he injured himself. The quake or tremor may not have been strong enough to cause harm but if he was suddenly jolted out of a sound sleep, and especially if he does not have a night light, (which he definitely should have, by the way) then he could have been so frightened that he hurt himself when he jumped or fell off the perch. If he is not back to his happy self in the next couple days, I'd consider getting him a check up. In the meantime, I'm glad you mentioned those diet items as there are a couple things you are doing that are not good and some additions you should make. First off, if what you call monkey nuts are peanuts that are still in the hull, like this Click here: General information for Peanut; ground nuts; monkey nuts you need to be very careful of the quality of them. Actually, it's better if our parrots don't get any at all. The problem with them is, they grow underground and because of that, they often harbor the spores that cause aspergillosis. That is a fungal issue that causes extreme respiratory problems in parrots. You do not want to risk it. Here is some more detail on that. Click here: Aspergillosis Fungal Infection in Birds Some apple and grape on occasion are okay but the apple in particular, is mostly water and sugar with very little nutrition to it. His seed mix should not contain any sunflower seeds and should not be more than about 30% of his entire diet. He needs a good brand of pellets mixed with those seeds. He also needs a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables and leafy greens as well. The bright yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are best for him. You can also give him cooked brown rice, well done bean mixes, hard boiled and scrambled eggs and cooked and raw pastas. About once a week, you should give him a well done chicken drumstick with all the fat and skin removed and most of the meat. He will open the bone and eat the marrow from it. It is a great source of protein and calcium for him. Keeping a proper amount of calcium in the diet of an African Grey is a tricky thing and you don't ever want him to run short of it. A Grey in the midst of a hypocalcemic seizure is not something you want to witness. Also, he must have full spectrum lighting to be able to get the vitamin D he needs so that his body can properly absorb the calcium and his other nutrients. I hope these diet hints will help you out and keep that eye on him for the next few days. Let me know if I can do anything else for you. Patricia

Expert:	Patricia
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:
Answered:	2/28/2008

Parrot C&onsultant

Published author, free lance bird behaviorist, adviser to the parrots at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.