Galah Parrots are known as the clowns of the parrot world.
Originating in Australia, this breed of parrot isn’t typically found in the forest.
Rather, they are often seen in large groups in open fields, eating crops and drinking from ponds.
This breed is one of the most common types of cockatoos and has a distinctive pink and grey plumage.
There’s no doubt that the Galah is a beauty – but do they make good pets?
The answer to this question is yes, if they are cared for properly. Galahs are often described as extremely playful and are often referred to as “clowns”. They are great social companions and are great at keeping their owners entertained and making them laugh. With that being said, they are a lot of work and need to be cared for properly. So how do you know if a Galah is the right parrot for you?
Today we will look more in depth at this question, learning what it takes to raise a Galah.
We will also talk about other things like:
The Galah Personality
Common health concerns
Gahal feeding needs
And so much more.
So let’s not waste another minute!
The Galah Personality and Temperament
The first thing you want to learn about a parrot before you purchase one as a companion is whether or not you will be compatible.
There are over 300 species of parrot in the world, and each species has its own unique characteristics and temperaments.
So what can you expect from a Galah?
Galahs are an extremely social and friendly type of parrot.
They have a strong reputation for being an affectionate and loving pet that enjoys being handled (but probably not cuddled).
The species is known for being outgoing and humorous, and are known for mimicking human speech.
This species are great talkers and can mimic many other noises like car horns and whistles as well.
But while the speech of these parrots can be very entertaining, it can also become overwhelming at times.
Galah parrots are known to be very vocal and may be very noisy at times.
In terms of companionship, Galahs are excellent.
They tend to bond extremely closely with their owners and tend to see themselves as part of the family.
But while this makes them great companions, it also means that they require a great deal of attention and interaction.
A Galah that does not get the attention that it needs can become depressed, angry, and destructive.
If you don’t have a lot of free time to spend with your parrot, you might want to opt for a different species.
But if you are looking for a companion that you can dedicate much of your time to, a Galah will be a loving and loyal friend.
Galah Fast Facts: Did you know?
- Galahs can live up to 40-60 years. This means that they are a long-term commitment and could outlive their owners. This is something that you may want to consider if you are thinking of purchasing a Galah.
Caring for a Galah
Galah Housing Needs
Galahs are relatively small birds that grow to be about 36 cm.
They require a thick wire cage with dimensions of 40” wide, by 30” deep, by 65” high or larger.
The larger the cage, the more room the parrot will have to exercise and spread out without the risk of injury.
For a Galah you should also consider investing in a sheet or cage cover for nighttime.
This will help to keep stress levels low, promote sleep, and prevent drafts.
Galah Feeding Needs
The majority of your Galahs diet is going to be pellets and seeds.
A large fruit and nut mix or a large parrot mix is ideal. Grit should also be added to their daily diet to help assist with digestion.
In addition to a seed mix, small portions of fruits and vegetables should also be mixed into their daily diet.
Popular fruits and vegetables for this species include apples, beans, corn, broccoli, and peas.
You can also add Vitamin supplements to your parrots diet 2-3 times per week for optimal health.
Galah Social/Entertainment Needs
Galahs are an extremely intelligent and social species of parrot.
In return, they require a great deal of social and play time to ensure that they do not become bored.
Keeping your parrot stimulated will be essential in preventing destructive behaviors.
Some of the most important toys for this species of parrot are foraging toys.
Searching for food is a natural instinct for parrots, and creating a game out of it is a great way to exercise both their body and mind.
Foraging toys are not only a great way for you to bond with your parrot, but are also a great way to keep your parrot entertained while you are not home.
It might also be a good idea to invest in some natural branches for your Galah to perch and chew on.
Native branches for this bird include gum branches, eucalyptus branches, and lilly pilly branches.
Galah Exercise Needs
Galahs are an extremely active species of bird.
In order to maintain physical health, they need plenty of daily exercise.
In order to ensure that their exercise needs are fulfilled, Galahs require 3-4 hours of active time outside of the cage each day.
Galah Fast Facts: Did you know?
- Male and female Galahs look the same until they reach maturity. At that point in time, the female will change eye color. At maturity, female eyes will change to a coppery red while male eyes will remain the same throughout their life (dark brown).
Common Health Concerns
If you are thinking of purchasing a Galah, it’s important that you know what health concerns may arise.
While Galahs are subject to the same health concerns as other parrot species, there are some health issues that present themselves in the species more than others.
These include, but are not limited to:
Psittacosis
Also known as parrot fever, Psittacosis is an infectious disease that is carried in over 400 species of birds.
In birds, this disease can damage several bodily organs including the upper and lower airways.
Other symptoms may include coughing or wheezing, discharge from the eyes, loss of appetite, weakness, and loss of weight.
If your parrot is not in contact with other parrots or birds, this disease should not be of concern.
With that being said, if your parrot does contract the disease, it is transferable to humans.
Respiratory Infections
In parrots, respiratory infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and environmental toxins.
Respiratory infections are made more prominent with Vitamin A deficiencies.
Bacterial Infections
There are many things that can lead to bacterial infections in parrots.
This includes, but is not limited to, poor hygiene, stress, and other factors that may compromise the immune system.
Obesity
Obesity in Galahs is most often caused by lack of exercise and poor diet.
With proper exercise and diet, your Galah should be able to maintain a healthy weight.
Self-mutilation
Because Galahs are such social parrots, they require plenty of social interaction.
If their social, mental, or physical needs are not met they can become stressed out and depressed, and may engage in acts of self-mutilation such as feather plucking.
Galah Fast Facts: Did you know?
- Galahs are extremely easy to train, and owners can use training time to bond with their parrots. They can be taught to mimic speech, as well as to do parrot tricks like dancing and playing dead.
In conclusion, Galahs can make excellent pet birds if you have the time to dedicate to them.
Remember that Galahs can live upwards of 60 years, so they are a huge commitment.
They also require a lot of time, attention, and patience.
If you can provide them with these three things, you will have a loyal and loving companion for life.