lets just say........

[TheHolisticNanny]

That I have high hopes and dreams.......BUT,
LOL

If and it's a big IF, I wanted to get information about breeding CAGS, and perhaps even obtain a pair, what reliable websites/breeders/books would you steer me too>?

Again, high hopes, a girl can dream.... and hey when I win the lotto, I REALLY want to be prepared!!!!,....LOL>.....
Thanks guys!
Danielle

[WhiteRaven]

Here's a really good article I've always found interesting, written by a CAG breeder on her technique: How I Breed African Greys - Jean Pattison, African Queen Aviaries

She has other articles on there too, haven't read them but this one looks good too: http://africanqueenaviaries.com/wanttobreedbirds.htm

[TheHolisticNanny]

Oooo, good stuff, thank you............. unfortunately it just leaves me with MORE questions! lol

What is the best way to go, obtain a proven bonded pair, or select the hen/cock individually, and pray for the best?

What criteria does one use when choosing a single or a pair, age, history, tameness? Reputation of owner/aviary?

I did a search for breeding birds, and there are a lot of "individuals" selling breeding pairs, few aviaries, and most looked like they were in bare bones cages and wild as anything. (those that HAD pics available)

I've raised plenty of animals in my day, horses, pigs, and handfed a few 'tiels, myself, so I'm aware that there is ALOT of work involved..... is there a reliable book on breeding greys?

I KNOW you guys that breed greys are out there... teach me teach me teach me!!!!!!!!!!!
YAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYyyyyyyyy

[loyallyroyal]

One day over the rainbow when I have acres and to much time on my hands I would get my babies from a highly respected breeder in that species. Just ask for an unrelated pair because you would like to breed. Unless you want to take your chances on a "proven pair" then you will have to wait a while for the babies to mature.

Would I breed CAGs, probably not, there are way to many of them needing to be rehomed and to many being bred with plucking and neurotic issues. But that is up to you to decide and if you would be willing to take back your babies if the owner no longer wanted them.

Have you thought about less common species? Linnies, uncommon conures (crimson bellied, golden, ect.), vasas, cockatoos (black toos, major mitchels, ducorps), amazons (cuban, ect.), macaws (red-bellied, blue throated, ect.).

[TheHolisticNanny]

Have i thought about diff species.... OH YES< I think about them ALL!!!...LOL

I have been in LOVE with greys since I was a CHILD, seriously! And that was a LOOOONG time ago!

A well respected breeder?.. Know any????? I've re-homed most of my birds, so I haven't had much bird-breeder experience.

I have given MUCH thought to the species proclivities toward neurosis due to their intelligent factor.....Which makes me lean more towards being very choosy with a hen for Mo.

SO in choosing birds I have 2 thought, both contradict each other but here it goes

First thought:
My grey Mo is a wild caught, and inspite of his biting he's a pretty cool specimen of the species. Mo isn't neurotic in the least, he doesn't bite scream or is afraid of almost nothing and on top of that he'll eat ANYTHING I give him.... If I could get him past this biting non-sense, I think he would be a FINE candidate to pass on genetics!
One problem is I do not have a DNA confirmed male, his last owner said she did it BUT she also told me he was @ 5yrs old. HE ISN"T.

My second thought is:
since I have NO clue how to get just the right girl for MO (after he's DNA'd of course)
I think I would need a proven pair. I've recently read that pet parotts CAN breed, and then after their done, convert back to pets again.... not too sure on that and I've not been able to find much backing that up. I would also hate to have a "pair" just for the sole purpose of breeding, BUT I have also read that tamer birds don't necessarily make the best breeders... like I said lots of conflicting stuff out there.

Ideally I would like to find someone who has been there done that and can tell me the pros and cons of each.


AND, what sort of pre-breeding vet workup/check up would a bird, including my older grey, MO, need to get the thumbs up for breeding? Besides the obvious confirmation of sex.

What age do birds start to decline in their fertility? If Mo is as old or older than I think he is, would that be a problem?

[loyallyroyal]

Why not talk to your avian vet? He should be able to get you on the right track.

A well respected breeder?

Sorry, I dont know of many African Grey breeders, try finding one who is really passionate about the species, keeps up on the latest research, does a wonderful job of socializing their babies, and doesnt mind keeping in touch and helping you out.
So many grey breeders Ive seen breed a bunch of other stuff and just breed greys because they are an easy sell.

Are you sure you want to breed Mo? Would you be ok if he was no longer pet quality?

Here are some people with great set-ups you can look at:
Quest Haven Pets: Rose-Breasted Cockatoos
Major Mitchell Cockatoo Breeder Lee Heaver - Aviaries

[TheHolisticNanny]

Ah, the vet..... that just might help!

No, I'm not sure I want to breed Mo. I'm trying to find out the pros and cons of it all, and hoping to find someone to help me better to decide.

[new guy on the block]

get a proven pair, this species can take a long to start breeding upto 15 years so go for a pair that have already bread for someone.