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Poicephalus breeding

Poicephalus parrot standing on a tree

The poicephalus parrots are generally good breeders, and a good pair can produce as many as nine chicks a season. They should be healthy, checked by a veterinarian, and show all the signs of happy and robust birds: shiny feathers, alert eyes, normal beak growth, and clean bottom. To be safe, it’s better to breed birds that you raised yourself. If you bought them, it’s important to quarantine them until they get a veterinarian’s clearance. This will prevent them from introducing any diseases to the others.

Generally you want to preserve the parents’ good qualities while weeding out the bad ones. So if any of the breeders have any genetic mutations, they should be matched with another bird that can balance it off.

Don’t mix pairs. Males can get aggressive and territorial, and you may have to break up a fight and get bitten or clawed for your reward!

You will need to get a nesting box, fill it with nesting material, and give your birds only the highest quality pellets and seeds so they can provide nutrients to their eggs, and then their hatchlings. Some birds will soil the material, so check regularly and provide fresh pine shavings or sticks.

However, there are other considerations that many amateur breeders overlook. First of all, you may need to look at your property’s zoning restrictions. You will need to place your nesting boxes outside, and not all communities allow outside aviaries or breeding activities.

Your neighbors may also be the type who’d complain about the noise. Not only can parrots get noisy when they’re courting, but the combined sound of the parents and about 4 or 5 hatchlings can drive even the most dedicated owners crazy sometimes. Think about how they’d feel, and whether or not they’d find it amusing, annoying, or worth a signed petition to kick you out of the neighborhood.

Responsible breeders should also think about the future of the hatchlings. Unless you’re going to keep all of them, can you foresee a demand for them, and are you sure they will have good homes?

Lastly, you have to look at the time required. If you will be hand feeding the hatchlings, you will have to make a mash and feed them at least every three hours. You will also need to check them regularly for signs of neglect. Some birds will abandon their nests or simply refuse to take care of their young. You will have to step in and become the foster mommy.