African Grey Parrots – Breeding

African Grey Parrots – Breeding

African Grey parrots are often found having huge social circles. They not only have an interesting diet but also have a slightly different way of breeding. There are no hard and fast rules as to how one is expected to breed these birds since every individual has their own way of dealing with them. However, in order to ensure that one is on the right track, it is better to have some information.


First and foremost, one needs to know the difference between their hen and cock birds. A case has been reported by an animal shop owner who stated that a rather angry customer came back to the shop with his pair of birds complaining that there has been no breeding progress, despite the fact that he had taken good care of their diet. When the shop owner checked the birds, it was revealed that both birds were actually male. To avoid an issue like this, it is essential that the distinction between the male and female birds is clear to the pet owner. People in the bird business will often give customers a pair of birds who are familiar with the breeding process. They are often known as adult birds. The good thing about adult birds is the fact that they are familiar with each other. On the other hand if a person tries without proper knowledge and training, the breeding process can take up to years in African Gray Parrots. This being said leads one to the housing process.

How To Breed African Grey Parrots

How To Breed African Grey Parrots

African Gray Parrots have endeared themselves to bird enthusiasts everywhere for centuries (dating back from Ancient Greece), and with good reason: African Grays have great personalities, in addition to being one of the handsomest birds around. Not the easiest companion bird to keep, these fine parrots are nonetheless one of the most interesting pets for experienced and novice owners alike; properly cared for, they can lead long and fruitful lives.
The popularity of African Gray Parrots holds a lot of potential for owners looking to support their passion for the bird by becoming a breeder and trader of African Grays. The good news is that this endeavor can become very lucrative if carried out carefully; however, there are no hard and fast guidelines that are 100% foolproof to make such an enterprise a success.

African Grey Parrots Mutations / Different Colorations

African Grey Parrots Mutations / Different Colorations

African Grey Parrots with red feathers scattered throughout the plumage are occasionally seen. Such birds are often referred to as " Kings "or "King Greys" and are marketed as more exotic and desirable. However, such red feathers scattered in areas where you wouldn't expect them can be an indication of damaged feather follicles (usually because of feather plucking), medication (for example administration of antibiotics at the time a bird is molting has caused temporary changes in feather coloration - these feathers are usually replaced with normal coloration feathers at the next molt).

What Are African Grey Parrots?

What Are African Grey Parrots?

African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) - also sometimes referred to as Red-tailed Grey Parrots or simply African Greys - are endemic to the primary and secondary rainforests of West and Central Africa, and some islands located in the Gulf of Guinea
Even though these birds have a wide range, their numbers are declining in most of the 23 African countries they naturally occur - mostly due to habitat destruction and capturing for the pet trade.
These popular avian pets have the reputation for being amongst the most intelligent of all birds. They are in demand because of their human-like ability to mimic speech and generally gentle nature.
The most famous African Grey parrot was called Alex. In 1977, Dr. Irene Pepperberg purchased him from a pet store hoping to disprove that Parrots were just mimics. In the more than 30 years that she worked with him, Alex has shown amazing cognitive abilities, being able to name more than 100 objects, actions and colors. Alex was able to identify certain objects by their particular material. Sadly, Alex died in 2007.