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Re: Breeding Poicephalus

Posted by Michael L on 1/23/06
(8) Comments
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    On 1/23/06, Lance wrote:
    They all have boot nst
    > boxes and get a varied diet of pellets, seed, soak and cook,
    > veggies, fruits, etc. What size cages do you have your birds
    > in? The 2 Senegal pairs can visually see each other and I am
    > trying to determine if placing one pair above the other would
    > be better. Also do you have yours near other birds?? I have
    > some pairs of Green cheeks and Lovebirds in the same area as
    > the Poicephalus. Thanks again.

    Your diet sounds great. If you can incorporate some more higher
    protein foods such as hard-cooked eggs that would be a benefit.
    Foods, such as dark greens, broccoli, yams and carrots are great
    sources of vitamin A and really make a difference. Almonds and
    some other nuts are good sources of calcium. I also use a liquid
    calcium source when they are in breeding mode along with cuttle
    bone and mineral blocks year round.
    My cages are 4 ft long by 2 1/2 ft wide by 4 ft high. They are
    the traditional breeder cages made of galvanized wire.
    I do provide all of my breeders with swings, toys and rope
    perches. A breeding bird that lives in an enriched environment,
    is more apt to reward you with chicks. It also keeps them alert
    and stimulated and makes for a better life.
    My Poicephalus are in a bird room that houses them along with
    lovebirds, Australian King Parrots and Moustache Parakeets.
    Right now I have a pair with two chicks and their cage is on a
    shelf above another pair that just started to lay today.
    Another thing that I provide is full spectrum lighting which
    stimulates breeding as well as helps with necessary rays that
    help utilization of calcium and vitamins by the body.
    Some will tell you that African prefer darkness to breed. I have
    a brightly lit room and there is not a problem with my pairs
    nesting. They do, however have dark nest boxes and I drape some
    fabric over the end of the cage that the nest box is attached to
    in order to keep excessive light from entering the entrance of
    the box.
    One other thing I will offer is that it sometimes takes newly
    acquired pairs quite a while to become familiar and relaxed
    enough to go to nest. They have to be comfortable and secure in
    their environment to want to breed. It's not uncommom for them
    to take a year or more to do this.

    Michael L