Breeding Large Parrots

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum. I am planning to keep parrots for breeding and was hoping you experienced people could kindly tell me which large parrot species (by large I mean size like macaws, cockatoos, amazons, electus, grey parrots etc.) are the easiest to breed and produce the most offspring? Hardiness is also a criteria.

If you could rank large parrot species in terms of easiest to breed and number of offspring one can expect per year it would be just fabulous. I live in Karachi, Pakistan where the climate is hot, humid (March to November), negligible rain and we don't get much winter. I am mentioning this since I plan to have an outdoor aviary. Here is a link to a climate chart of the city:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Karachi

Thank you in advance for taking out the time for answering my questions. Good luck with your birds!!! :red:

Unfortunately none of those species are suitable to breed without considerable knowledge and hands on eperience, and to do so without years of experience behind you would likely result in birds dying when you make mistakes. I would strongly recommend rethinking this as large parrots are sensitive and delicate animals and to cause them distress and suffering, no matter how good your intentions, is exceptionally cruel to the birds.

I fully agree with the above!

Just as an idea for 'trying' breeding, holding your costs down and still be able to recoup some of your investment. Especially, if you have never done any of this before, try chickens. Not kidding here. Chickens are much easier and more hardy. So for a first timer it would allow you to garner some experience and determine if this is something you really want to do.

Your climate will be a challenge understanding the majority of the Parrots your a considering are from much wetter and a 'little' cooler climates.

Also, the Parrots you are considering are not known for laying large number of eggs.

Be very careful of the claims that breeding parrots is a big money maker. Commonly, once you include your time and everything else that is needed in most all cases its a breakeven or a few dollars above cost of operation.

There is so much more to responsible breeding than meets the eye. From picking the healthiest birds genetically and disposition wise, conditioning them first with the proper foods and environment for the specific species, learning about deadly contagious diseases and their transmission, having an area for strict quarantine, equipment and plans if/when something goes wrong.... Etc etc.

Also as was mentioned, it's generally not something people do to make money, and to do it properly takes a lot of money to keep your operation running, and your birds healthy. I would never personally want to do it.

We are so glad you found us, and were smart enough to ask the questions!

What experience do you have with birds? Any pet birds in your life ever? What about some of the parrots native to Pakistan? The Indian Ringneck, also called the Alexandrine Parakeet - is a bird that should do we'll there climate-wise, but has been available as a pet for generations ....

I second the suggestion of breeding chickens first. You might also consider smaller birds that aren't parrots, but native to your region. Doves and pigeons are also another good suggestion, and also make good pets!

Most parrot species will not be able to survive in an outdoor setting in your region, and there are many predators that can threaten your birds, especially in an aviary that isn't well built. I also don't know the legality of having parrots in your country, as there are many regulations in regards to leg bands and microchipping across the world.

Avian vets also aren't as widely available in the middle east and it's essential for breeding healthy, long lived parrots. I also believe most of the standard food we feed is also not available, and you can only find basic seed mixes which are not adequate for parrots.

Lastly before I go on a whole rant here, but birdkeeping understanding in many countries is inadequate. Cages are too small, too many birds in cages, and general care is not as widely known, so even if you plan to sell these birds to try and make some kind of profit, it's very unlikely that they will receive top quality care from the average person. These birds might get released into the wild if the owner decides they don't want them any more, and will not survive, so there are many moral issues to consider as well.

Thank you everyone for taking out the time to reply.

I have been keeping pets since I was a toddler. I have kept all kinds of animals... monkeys, tortoise/ turtles, sheep, goat, cows, cats, exotic wild cats (have written for the IUCN on the subject), chickens, turkeys, pigeons, love birds, budgerigars, Alexandrine parakeets, peafowl and the list goes on. I have bred most of the animals I have kept. And yes, I have bred chickens.

I realize that large parrots are tough. The cost are substantial and difficult to recover but I am not willing to do it for commercial benefit... a good result would be reward enough.

An outdoor aviary that is well built and designed to provide a wetter and cooler environment can be managed.

One has to start somewhere. They might be tough to breed, but I am sure not all large parrots pose exactly the same level of difficulty. Some would be lesser than the average level and some would be higher. I was hoping that I could get a rough list in ascending order that would give me an idea. I could then locate local breeders for species that are RELATIVELY easier to breed and get relevant experience.

I spent 3 years researching and meeting people who have kept wild cats before I got my own. I am willing to do the same or more in this case if required.

PetoftheDay thank you so much for welcoming me. I would love to know whatever you can tell me about breeding Alexandrine Parakeets.

Once again. thanks everyone!

PetoftheDay said:

We are so glad you found us, and were smart enough to ask the questions!

What experience do you have with birds? Any pet birds in your life ever? What about some of the parrots native to Pakistan? The Indian Ringneck, also called the Alexandrine Parakeet - is a bird that should do we'll there climate-wise, but has been available as a pet for generations ....

Click to expand...

PetoftheDay thank you so much for welcoming me. I would love to know whatever you can tell me about breeding Alexandrine Parakeets.

Welcome and be welcomed, southshore. We don't often get folks who open up their posting with this topic in mind, most people here are owners, not breeders, so the responses will reflect that. We are all for the welfare of the parrots here, and can offer you many insights regarding that. Research and thought are your best tools at this point. Remember, parrots are so much more feeling and emotional then the animals you have worked with before. Keep that in mind, and good luck.

Southshore, some of the first response to your original post were a bit harsh, but I must applaud you on your reply!
You, very clearly, gave your credentials, and stated your desires-- without taking offense!

I wish you well in your venture! Remember, as Wrench13 stated, these little guys really are emotional goofballs with very different needs!