I want to breed senegals. Where do I start?

[jodi123]

I have a senegal at the moment and would like to start breeding them. I have been told that using a tame bird to breed is not a good idea, as they may become agressive. I am therefore looking around for breeding pairs for sale, however before I buy any I need to know a lot more about breeding. For example, what sized avairy is needed, can it be outside or does it have to be warm, any special treatment, what to do with the babies when they hatch? I have looked at loads of web sites but I cant seem to get the info I need. If anyone can help, or suggest any good web sites it would be much appreciated.

[SavvyMoon]

honestly? You can't learn all there is to know from a chat board or web sites.
The best thing to do is to go to your local public library and take out as many books on the topic as you can find.

Then, when you read a GOOD book that's been written within the last 5 yrs, and it contains lots of good information, go to a book store (on line or in real life) and order it for yourself.
The reason I (strongly) suggest that is because there is no way you can retain ALL the information you will need throughout the entire breeding process from start to finish and over again.
You should have books on hand at all times for emergencies and instruction as you progress.

Also there's no way the folks on any chat board could cover every
possible aspect of breeding for you.
Modern, well-written Books are your best bet.

[Joel]

Also go through our past posts and read all those you can find related to breeding. Easier to find by doing a search on here & elsewhere too. I always suggest to purchase a "MUST HAVE BOOK" (IMO) if ya are going to breed: "Handfeeding & Nursery Management" from www.avianpublications.com

[jodi123]

Thanks guys. Books were the next step, but the idea of going to the library first really makes sense. Will check out Handfeeding & Nursery Management too.. Thanks again :)

[SavvyMoon]

Your sennie is Very Cute!

What's his/her name?

Are you sure you want to breed? Sometimes (probably most times)
when there's breeding going on between birds, they are much less interested in being "pets" for their humans.

Savvy*

[Joel]

True what Savvy says as usual. Where do ya live? Always best to breed outside IMO if using a safe and comfy flight/cage but it can of course be done inside too. Don't forget proper indoor F.S. Lighting if you choose the latter.

Basically, breeding most medium sized parrots is very similar, so most info. on one species will apply to the other species. I know of no special requirements for Sennies. Do give proper diet of course and added protein, calcium etc. when planning to breed.

[jodi123]

Thanks Savvy, she's called Oakley. Named her that before finding out she was a she!
I live in Wiltshire, UK, so its pretty cold most of the time. Especially at the moment.
I dont think I would use Oakley to breed, but buy a breeding pair. I would hate it if she changed! The breeder I bought her from had a pair in a large avairy in her garden, then kept her tame ones indoors. It seemed like a good layout. Have you both been keeping/breeding parrots for a long time?

[SavvyMoon]

I don't breed birds myself, I only have pet parrots....

I've been around birds for about the last 10 yrs, having been introduced to the wonders of parrots when I was a vet tech.

I got my first bird about 2.5 yrs ago... after LOADS/YEARS of research and information gathering. I waited mostly because I wanted my kids to be grown and beyond needy-kid stage. (My youngest is now over 21)

At this time I have a male eclectus, a meyers parrot and a female Timneh Grey. They are all the BEST pets I could ever imagine having.