Breeding African Grey Parrots

Learning on how to breed African Grey parrots is a skill that you as a parrot enthusiast may want to consider taking up. But before you do start breeding African Grey parrots, or any other parrots for that matter, do consider your reasons for doing so. More and more parrots are being neglected or abandoned, and many are already being rescued for rehabilitation at bird sanctuaries. With breeding parrots come the responsibility of ensuring that they are well taken care of by their eventual owners.

To breed African Greys, you will need to acquire a true pair and identify the sex of your birds before you set them up. You can do this with DNA sexing if you do not want any fuss. I would recommend surgical sexing as it enables your parrots' sexual organs to be examined physically for the detection of diseases that can potentially be harmful. However, as in other surgical procedures, this involves the acceptance of risk.

Domestically raised African Grey parrots will be suitable for breeding when they are about five years of age. In the wild, African Greys take longer, between the ages of seven to eight years and this is because of the less nutritional foods that they consume. If you have purchased a baby African Grey, pair it with another African Grey at six months of age to get it used to being with other birds and to socialize. This will help your bird to mate when they are ready to reproduce.

A suitable breeding cage is necessary for your African Grey breeding project. If you are a person who do not like any fuss, then you can find a variety of breeding cages at the pet store. But if you are a hands-on person, then building your own breeding cage can be a very fulfilling experience. Many parrot breeders agree that the suitable breeding cage for African Greys has the following dimensions: 4'(w) x 2'(d) x 5'(h), in which they breed faster in. With this dimension, the African Greys also get adequate exercise.

A good and sturdy perch is necessary for the breeding cage. The ideal perch measures 2' x 4'. During the breeding cycle, the birds will do a lot of wood chewing from the perch. Use a non-pressure treated wood if you are purchasing from the hardware store and one that is hard and that last longer. The male African Grey mates with its hen by physically climbing up on her back unlike other types of parrots.

For feeding bowls, it is recommended that you use stainless steel that is diswasher safe and make sure that they are sanitized. Water bowls made of glass would be ideal. A good option to have in the breeding cage is a swing-out feeder door to make your work easier . To prevent the spread of diseases that may affect the breeding process, the cage needs to be cleaned daily. You will also need a nesting box for your pair. You can make your own or purchase from a vendor. There are plenty of designs available so choose one that fits your requirements.

The African Grey parrot is a relatively easy bird to breed and can be very productive in the breeding process. It is a very rewarding experience if you are starting a African Grey family. But do consider too that African Greys and other parrots can live for up to sixty years and beyond so it is a lifelong responsibility to care for them.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a parrot enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for interesting articles on parrots at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html