Sweetie and Nipper

Hatch date 2007

Sweetie and Nipper are a bonded pair of African Grey parrots who were surrendered to rescue when their owner fell ill and entered a nursing home.  We suspect Sweetie is female and Nipper is male.  DNA testing has not yet been performed.  They have had their veterinary checkups and have done well.  Due to their band numbers, we believe they are from the same clutch (siblings).  Sweetie is more reserved than her companion Nipper; she does talk, but so far we have only heard her “Hello Sweetheart.”  We haven’t heard Nipper talk yet, but he does have quite the impressive array of whistles and tunes, from the smoke detector beeps to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

When Sweetie and Nipper came to us, they were showing some signs of feather plucking due to the stress of their owner’s illness.  Now that they are in a stable environment with plenty of activities and good nutrition, the plucking is decreasing.  Sweetie and Nipper are learning about different nuts, fruits, and vegetables; they are picky about what they like, so new introductions are being done slowly.  They also came to us sharing the same cage when it’s bedtime; we have learned during their time in foster that Nipper can display dominant behavior towards Sweetie, and can bully her.  We are strongly recommending that they be kept in separate cages (side by side is okay) whenever they cannot be out in the house.  They do spend a lot of time together outside of the cage, and get along well when they are not confined.

Sweetie and Nipper are very intelligent and active Greys who do need interaction and stimulation.  Their favorite thing to do is to shred and destroy their toys; this is a common Grey behavior and they will need a constant supply of appropriate toys for this purpose, in order to prevent boredom and prevent the plucking behaviors from returning.  They also need regular vet care and close attention to their diet and supplements in order to promote the best health they deserve.  Links below discuss the need for calcium supplements and monitoring, specific to the African Grey.

Sweeite and Nipper are being fostered in Leonardo NJ  

• http://www.africangreys.com/articles/nutrition/calcium.htm
• http://theworldofafricangreys.weebly.com/supplements.html

African Greys are prone to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) due to their increased need for the mineral in their system, and the differences in the availability of the mineral from supplements and diet. Regular monitoring of blood calcium levels, in addition to veterinary recommended lab work and dietary discussion, is strongly advised. Prompt veterinary care of unusual symptoms is essential.

If you are interested in adoption please visit our website at ftlob.rescuegroups.org to fill a med/large Bird Adoption application out.