A question for those who breed conures...

[ObsidianPhoenix]

I have a question about my two conures. I don't know enough to be sure, so I wanted to ask some of you who might know.

I have a DNA checked Sun conure who is female (Phoenix). I just got the DNA results on my Pineapple GCC back and Mango is male.

The question I have, is will they breed? I know they are both conures, but will the differences between aratinga and pyrrhura species make them incompatible?

I'm actually hoping they will not breed. I don't have the time to dedicate to that kind of undertaking. But if they can breed together and they do, I just want to make sure I am prepared for it.

Phoenix

[tina in ohio]

They Can Breed But The Babies Will Be Hybrids, That Means They Will Be Sterile Babies.. And Usually They Will Only Breed If U Put Up A Nestbox And If They Are Bonded Together, Some Birds Just Are Just Bonded And Without A Nestbox They Will Not Breed.. Tina In Ohio

[xafsmom]

Can it happen? I've been told there are aratinga x pyrrhura hybrids, but I've never seen them or have had it proven to me. So, I would say tentatively that; yes, they might be able to. But, again, you don't hear about anything of that sort much so if they can reproduce, it probably isn't common. However, they can breed! Then again, male birds will 'breed' with anything - other birds, hands, toys, perches, ...you get the point.

As harsh as this sounds... IF your birds breed. IF the eggs are fertile... You can just shake the egg after she lays it really hard about 10 times and that will stop the embryotic development from progressing. I know that sounds horrific, but there it is.

Not to offer off-topic info, but this kinda goes hand-in-hand. What you don't want to do if/when eggs happen is remove them. Psittacines are indeterminate layers and when you remove the eggs (if she's still actively sitting), she'll usually just lay more. A lot of breeders will pull eggs to get the hens to double or triple clutch that way - which isn't very healthy for the hen. What I do for hens that I've retired but still lay eggs, is I buy fake eggs and when my old hens lay, I remove the eggs and slip the fake ones in there and let the hen incubate until she grows bored. You don't need fake eggs, but leaving them is important (I just don't like to take a chance on bacteria growth with real eggs).

[xafsmom]

Originally Posted by tina in ohio

They Can Breed But The Babies Will Be Hybrids, That Means They Will Be Sterile Babies.. And Usually They Will Only Breed If U Put Up A Nestbox And If They Are Bonded Together, Some Birds Just Are Just Bonded And Without A Nestbox They Will Not Breed.. Tina In Ohio

That info is incorrect. There are many fertile hybrids. That's the problem.. hybrids being fertile and diluting the pure stock. If all hybrids were sterile, there wouldn't be much of an issue. They also will breed without a nestbox just fine. Moreso, they'll also lay without a nestbox.

[Addicted to Tequila]

Yep... that is why I have ordered kits myself... as my two are actual roomies, AND have a sleepy tent. They seem more bonded to me than each other... but they are also only 5 months old!!!

[ObsidianPhoenix]

Originally Posted by xafsmom

As harsh as this sounds... IF your birds breed. IF the eggs are fertile... You can just shake the egg after she lays it really hard about 10 times and that will stop the embryotic development from progressing. I know that sounds horrific, but there it is.

Ok so they can produce little ones if they try and things work out bewteen them. I may have been a little misleading on what I said before that I did not have time for little babies. Yes I would have little time for it, but I would make time for them.

If a little one has a chance at hatching and living, I will make whatever time I needed to make sure they have every single chance at life.

I could not do that to any living thing, and if my 2 conures want to be parents and they are successful at reproduction, then I will have some grandfids to take care of! And if that does happens, you will get a crap load of pics of what they look like, especially since mom would be a sun conure and the dad is a pineapple GCC. Talk about a cool possible combination.

My 3rd child, Sarah was conceived even while my wife was on birth control. So some thing happen for a reason, and who am I to take that chance away.

[xafsmom]

Originally Posted by ObsidianPhoenix

I could not do that to any living thing.

I'm really the same way. But, I had to offer the objective advice! LOL

[ObsidianPhoenix]

Originally Posted by xafsmom

I'm really the same way. But, I had to offer the objective advice! LOL

I do appreciate the objective advice. But if it does happen, looks like I will be doing some hand feeding again!

However, both of them are still 6 months old or younger, so it will not even be a possibility for a few years yet. I wias simply asking so I could be prepared if a couple years down the road I saw Phoenix laying on a clutch of eggs.

Thanks to all of you who answered my question.

[Addicted to Tequila]

I agree with the sentiments... but also agree with those that worry about the gene pool. I really have no idea what I am going to do if mine turn out to be male and female. To split them is mean as well... as they are quite insistent on being together if they are not with me.

[huntress]

The info of about a few years or more is also wrong. I dont know about all species but a for instance: budgies are ready and Do reproduce at about six months old. Better do some research.