The Mamas and The Papas
I breed a variety of parrots, among them are Scarlet Macaws, Greenwing Macaws, Rose Breasted Cockatoos, Goffin Cockatoos, African Greys and several species of Amazons. Their nest boxes are built from 3/4 inch plywood, in a variety of sizes depending on the bird using the box. They love to chew the box to "fix" it to their liking. They will usually 2 to 3 eggs, but there are always exceptions to the rule. My African Grey hen laid and hatched four eggs this year. She's a wonderful mother, taking excellent care of her babies. |
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They sit the eggs for 28 to 30 days. Even when the parents take good care, the chicks are still pulled at approximately two weeks of age if not sooner. I hand feed the babies from that point until weaning. Typically they wean somewhere between 4 to 6 months of age. Most of the larger birds have expected life spans of 60 to 80 years. They are incredible to live with but its not for the faint of heart...or the neat freak. |
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My African Greys were not crazy about having their pictures made but they are very tolerant. She is a wonderful Mother, taking excellent care of her babies. This is her second clutch for the fall. The hen is on the left the male is on the right. He spends a fair amount of time with her in the box. They have big beautiful babies, that are very vocal, and gregarious and fun. The older babies currently in the house are wonderful to handle and will make excellent pets. You can click here to see them. |
| Here's Cookie, the Scarlet sitting her eggs. She and her mate Haley decided they would go to nest in December of 2007. Cookie is very nosey, so if she hears me in her cage, she has to come take a peek to see what's up. She's very calm and trusting and does not mind me checking on her or her box. I am hoping she will make a good Mom, this is their first clutch of eggs. She and Haley keep an eye on me while I keep an eye on them. She's actually sitting three eggs, but this picture was made after the second egg was laid. |
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