For breeding African grey parrots, first of all you will need to acquire a true pair. Identify the sex of your birds before you set them up for breeding. This can be done with DNA sexing if you do not want any fuss. However, surgical sexing is recommended since it enables the physical examination of the birds' sexual organs and the detection of any potential diseases. As in other surgical procedure, this involves the acceptance of risk.
Most domestically raised African Greys will be matured enough for breeding at about five years of age. Those in the wild will take longer, between seven to eight years of age. This is due to the intake of less nutritional foods found in the wild. You should pair up your birds at six months of age to get them getting used to being with other birds and to socialize.
After identifying the ideal pair for breeding, you will need to have a suitable breeding cage. You can build your own or purchase one from the pet shop. The ideal breeding cage has the following dimensions: 4'(w) x 2'(d) x 5'(h). African Greys breed quicker in this type of dimension than in larger flights and many breeders agree to this phenomenon. The birds also get adequate exercise in this space.
The breeding cage would also need a good and sturdy perch. The male African Grey mates with its hen by physic and nesting box, ally climbing up on her back unlike other types of parrots. 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.
It is recommended that you use stainless steel feeding bowls and glass water bowls and have them cleaned in the dishwasher and sanitized. Swing out feeder doors on the cages is also a good option . The cages need to be cleaned daily to prevent the spread of diseases that may affect the breeding process. 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.
You are now ready to start breeding your Congo African Grey. This parrot is a relatively easy bird to breed and can be quite productive if the above tips are observed.
Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html
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