AFRICAN GREY BREEDING

Question
Hi Mr:CHRYS. Hope everything will b fine overthere.
I have been helped by previous answers of u people, so first of all thank u all for this great service.
My question is that i want to own an African Grey Pair for breeding purpose. Many Breeders offered me Adult pair (not yet started breeding), one breeder offered me that he will give me a confirm pair of 7 years, when i asked that the pair had been with u from 7 years n u haven't yet breed them, he then said that i wanted that they shall become of full age. Sir would u kindly help me out that should i take that pair of Congo Grey??? I know it's a luck bcoz some friends told me that many Congo do not breed even when thay r 10 years old but can breed when they have been owned by a new owner n on a new place even if they r 10 years old. So what is ur suggestion?? should i purchase Congo of 7 years??? n what diet should be given to them for helping breeding??? Sir i shall be highly greatful to u if u kindly suggest me in detail. God bless u n have a happy n healthy life. Tc. Bye

Answer
Hi, Shani,

I'm glad we've been able to help you here.

When you are dealing with the larger parrots, such as greys, amazons, macaws, etc., it takes them much longer to become sexually mature than it does the smaller parrots.  This is most likely why this gentleman hasn't successfully bred the 7 year old pair of greys.  Sexual maturity also depends on whether the birds are domestically bred birds or whether they were taken out of the nest.  Considering efforts to curtail smuggling have been successful the past 7 years, I'd say this pair was domestically bred.  7 years of age is probably a good age for a pair of greys to start thinking about breeding.  Whether you should take this pair of greys should depend on a lot of other factors as well, such as diet, is this pair pair-bonded with each other, health and how well they have been cared for so far, etc.  7 years old is young for a grey, as they can live to be 30-40 years old is cared for properly.

Any parrot should be on a varied diet of fruits, veggies, pasta (no sauce), whole/multigrain types of breads, etc., occasional nuts, cooked beans, pelleted food, seed only as treat/reward.....as much variety as you can provide is the best diet for a parrot.

Chrys