The Complete Guide to Breeding Parrots
Breeding parrots is a rewarding but demanding pursuit that requires deep knowledge, patience, and dedication. This comprehensive guide covers the major parrot species, from macaws and amazons to eclectus and african greys — everything you need to breed parrots responsibly and successfully.
Track Your Parrot Breeding with BirdTracksBefore You Start Breeding Parrots
Parrot breeding is fundamentally different from breeding smaller species like budgies or cockatiels. Parrots are long-lived, highly intelligent birds that form deep pair bonds and require significant space, specialized diets, and years of maturity before they are ready to breed. A macaw that produces its first clutch at age 6 may live another 50 years. You are making a multi-decade commitment when you establish a parrot breeding program.
The financial investment is also substantial. A proven breeding pair of blue and gold macaws can cost several thousand dollars. Eclectus pairs, african grey pairs, and amazon pairs all carry significant price tags. Factor in veterinary costs, DNA sexing, flight cages or aviaries, nest boxes built to withstand powerful beaks, and the specialized formulas and equipment needed for hand feeding. Parrot breeding is not a casual hobby — it is a serious undertaking.
Most importantly, understand the legal requirements. Many parrot species are protected under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), and some require federal or state permits to breed and sell. Research the regulations in your area before acquiring breeding stock. Keeping meticulous records with software like BirdTracks is not just good practice — for many species, it is a legal requirement.
Major Parrot Species for Breeding
Each parrot species has unique breeding requirements, temperaments, and challenges. Here is an overview of the most commonly bred parrot species and what makes each one distinct.
Macaws
Macaws are the largest parrots and among the most impressive to breed. Blue and gold macaws, scarlet macaws, green-winged macaws, and hyacinth macaws are the most commonly bred species. Macaws require enormous flight cages or aviaries (minimum 10 feet long for larger species), heavy-duty metal nest boxes that can withstand their powerful beaks, and 24 to 28 days of incubation. Macaws are slow to mature, often not breeding until 5 to 7 years of age, and they typically produce only 2 to 3 eggs per clutch. However, macaw chicks are highly valued and well-socialized babies command premium prices. Pair bonding in macaws is strong and lifelong — introducing new pairs requires patience and careful observation.
Amazon Parrots
Amazons are medium to large parrots known for their vibrant green plumage and exceptional talking ability. Popular breeding species include the double yellow-headed amazon, blue-fronted amazon, yellow-naped amazon, and lilac-crowned amazon. Amazons can be challenging breeders because males often become aggressive during breeding season, sometimes dangerously so toward both the hen and the keeper. Experienced amazon breeders use flight cages with dual entry points so the hen can escape an aggressive male. Incubation runs 24 to 28 days, with clutches of 2 to 4 eggs. Amazons mature sexually at 3 to 5 years and can breed productively for decades. Many amazon species are now CITES-listed, making proper documentation essential.
Eclectus Parrots
Eclectus parrots are unique among parrots for their extreme sexual dimorphism — males are bright green while females are vivid red and purple. This makes visual sexing straightforward, unlike most parrot species that require DNA testing. Eclectus hens are the dominant sex and can be territorial and aggressive around their nest box. They are cavity nesters that prefer deep, vertical nest boxes (at least 24 inches deep). Clutch size is typically 2 eggs, with incubation lasting 26 to 28 days. Eclectus have specific dietary needs — they require a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and legumes, with limited seed and pellet intake. Their digestive systems are longer than other parrots, making them sensitive to artificial additives and preservatives in commercial foods.
African Grey Parrots
African greys are widely regarded as the most intelligent parrot species and are among the most sought-after as pets. There are two subspecies: the larger Congo african grey and the smaller Timneh african grey. Both are nervous, sensitive birds that require calm, stable environments for breeding. Greys are slow to mature (3 to 5 years), and pairs can take years to bond and begin producing. Clutch size is typically 3 to 5 eggs, with 28 days of incubation. African greys are CITES Appendix I listed, meaning commercial international trade is prohibited. Domestic breeding is legal in most countries but requires careful record keeping and often permits. See our dedicated African Grey Breeding Guide for in-depth coverage.
Parrot Breeding Requirements
While specific requirements vary by species, all parrots share certain fundamental needs when it comes to breeding setup and conditions.
Housing & Aviaries
- Flight cage or aviary appropriate to species size
- Minimum length of 3x the bird's wingspan for larger species
- Quiet, low-traffic location away from predators
- Protection from weather extremes (wind, rain, direct sun)
- Secure locks — parrots are expert escape artists
- Visual barriers between breeding pairs to reduce stress
Nest Boxes
- Size matched to species (boot-style boxes for macaws)
- Heavy-duty construction — plywood or hardwood
- Metal reinforcement around entry hole for large parrots
- Inspection door for egg checks without disturbing the pair
- Pine or aspen shavings for bedding (2-3 inches deep)
- Mounted high in the aviary for security
Breeding Diet
Parrot breeding diet varies significantly by species, but all breeding parrots need enhanced nutrition. Increase protein through cooked eggs, legumes, and sprouted seeds. Provide ample calcium through cuttlebone, mineral blocks, and calcium-rich vegetables like kale and broccoli. Fresh fruits and vegetables should make up 40 to 60 percent of the diet for most species. Amazons are prone to obesity and should receive a controlled diet even during breeding. Eclectus require a fruit and vegetable-heavy diet with minimal pellets. Begin the enhanced breeding diet 4 to 6 weeks before introducing nest boxes to bring birds into peak condition.
Nesting & Incubation
Understanding the nesting and incubation process is critical for parrot breeding success. Here is the typical progression from courtship to hatching.
Courtship & Pair Bonding
Parrots are not like chickens — you cannot simply place a male and female together and expect them to breed. Most parrot species form strong pair bonds that develop over weeks or months. Signs of bonding include mutual preening (allopreening), regurgitative feeding, sitting close together, and synchronized movements. Some pairs bond quickly; others never bond at all. If a pair shows persistent aggression after several weeks, separate them and try different combinations. Forced pairing rarely works with parrots and can result in serious injury.
Egg Laying
Once bonded and in breeding condition, the hen will begin inspecting and preparing the nest box. She may chew the entry hole larger, rearrange bedding, and spend increasing amounts of time inside. Eggs are typically laid every 2 to 3 days. Clutch sizes vary by species: macaws lay 2 to 3 eggs, amazons lay 2 to 4, eclectus lay 2, and african greys lay 3 to 5. The hen handles most or all of the incubation, though in some species (particularly eclectus and cockatoos) the male assists. Record each egg date in BirdTracks to calculate accurate expected hatch dates for each egg individually.
Candling & Fertility Checks
After 7 to 10 days of incubation, parrot eggs can be candled to check for fertility. Use a bright, focused light source and hold the egg gently (some breeders use a spoon to lift eggs to avoid transferring oils from hands). Fertile eggs will show a network of blood vessels radiating from a central embryo. Infertile eggs appear clear or show a uniform yolk shadow. Be cautious with large parrot eggs — some hens will abandon the nest if disturbed too frequently. Limit nest inspections to once every 3 to 5 days and keep them brief.
Incubation Period (24-28 Days)
Parrot incubation periods are longer than smaller species. Most parrots incubate for 24 to 28 days, with larger species trending toward the longer end. Macaw eggs typically hatch at 26 to 28 days, amazons at 24 to 26 days, eclectus at 26 to 28 days, and african greys at 28 days. Maintain stable room temperature (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderate humidity (50 to 60 percent) in the breeding room. Temperature swings and low humidity are the primary causes of dead-in-shell embryos. Some breeders use space heaters with thermostats and humidifiers to maintain optimal conditions.
Hatching
Parrot chicks pip their eggs using an egg tooth on the tip of the upper beak. The pipping process can take 24 to 48 hours for larger species — do not attempt to help unless the chick has made no progress after 48 hours and you can confirm it is still alive. Newly hatched parrot chicks are altricial — blind, nearly featherless, and completely dependent on their parents. They are surprisingly fragile for such large birds. A newly hatched macaw chick weighs only about 20 grams, despite the adults weighing over 1,000 grams.
Hand Feeding vs. Parent Raising
One of the most important decisions in parrot breeding is whether to hand feed chicks or let the parents raise them. Each approach has distinct advantages, and many experienced breeders use a combination of both methods.
Parent-raised chicks benefit from natural socialization with their own species, develop stronger immune systems from parental crop bacteria, and place no time burden on the breeder. However, parent-raised parrots are often less tame and may require more socialization work before placement as pets. For breeding stock, parent-raised birds often make better parents themselves, having learned natural parenting behaviors.
Hand-fed chicks are typically tamer, more bonded to humans, and easier to place as pets. However, hand feeding parrots is a serious commitment — large parrot chicks require feeding every 2 to 4 hours around the clock for the first few weeks. Improper hand feeding technique can cause crop burns (from formula that is too hot), aspiration pneumonia (from feeding too fast or at the wrong angle), or crop stasis. See our dedicated Hand Feeding Baby Birds Guide for detailed instructions.
A popular middle-ground approach is co-parenting: letting the parents feed and raise the chicks for the first 2 to 3 weeks (benefiting from crop milk and natural antibodies), then pulling the chicks for hand feeding to ensure tameness. This gives chicks the health advantages of parent feeding while still producing well-socialized babies.
Pro Tip: Track Feeding Method in BirdTracks
Record whether each chick was parent-raised, co-parented, or fully hand-fed in BirdTracks. Over time, you will see patterns in temperament and health outcomes that help you refine your approach. Some pairs are excellent parents whose chicks thrive with minimal intervention, while other pairs consistently neglect or damage chicks and require early pulling.
Permits & Regulations for Parrot Breeding
Parrot breeding is one of the most regulated areas of aviculture. Understanding and complying with the relevant laws is not optional — violations can result in heavy fines, confiscation of birds, and criminal charges.
CITES Regulations
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) classifies parrots into three appendices. Appendix I species (including hyacinth macaws, spix's macaws, and african grey parrots) are the most restricted — international commercial trade is banned, and domestic breeding often requires permits and detailed record keeping. Appendix II species (most commonly bred parrots) require export permits and monitoring. Even domestically bred birds of CITES-listed species should be banded with closed, traceable bands and have complete breeding records.
Federal & State Permits
In the United States, the Captive-Bred Wildlife Registration (CBW) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required for breeding and selling certain CITES-listed species. State requirements vary — some states require breeder permits, facility inspections, or specific record-keeping formats. Check with your state's fish and wildlife department. In the EU, Article 10 certificates may be required for CITES Appendix A species. Australia has its own state-by-state permit system for native parrot species.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Most parrot breeding permits require detailed records: band numbers, hatch dates, parentage, sales records, and disposition of all offspring. These records must typically be maintained for a minimum of 5 years and be available for inspection on request. BirdTracks maintains all of these records digitally, making compliance straightforward. You can export records in standard formats for submission to regulatory authorities and maintain a complete audit trail of every bird in your program.
Common Parrot Breeding Problems & Solutions
Parrot breeding presents unique challenges due to the intelligence, sensitivity, and physical power of these birds. Here are the most common issues and how to address them.
Pair Incompatibility
Not all parrots placed together will bond. Signs of incompatibility include persistent aggression (especially the male chasing and biting the hen), one bird preventing the other from eating, and stress behaviors like feather plucking or screaming. If a pair has not bonded after 3 to 6 months of appropriate housing and conditions, consider separating them and trying different pairings. Some breeders allow birds to choose their own mates in a colony setting before separating bonded pairs for individual breeding.
Egg Breaking & Eating
Some parrot hens develop the habit of breaking and eating their own eggs. This can be caused by calcium deficiency (the hen is seeking the calcium in the shell), stress, inexperience, or a poorly designed nest box. Address calcium supplementation first. Ensure the nest box has adequate bedding to cushion the eggs. For persistent egg breakers, some breeders use artificial eggs to satisfy the breaking behavior while removing real eggs for incubator hatching.
Chick Mutilation
Some parrot parents, particularly first-time breeders, may pluck, bite, or mutilate their chicks. This is more common in cockatoos but can occur in any species. If you notice missing toes, damaged beaks, or extensive feather plucking on chicks, remove them immediately for hand feeding. Some pairs improve with experience, while others must always have their chicks pulled early. Track which pairs exhibit this behavior in BirdTracks so you can plan accordingly for future clutches.
Chronic Infertility
If a bonded pair consistently produces infertile eggs over multiple clutches, investigate several factors: confirm both birds are actually the correct sex (DNA testing is essential for monomorphic species), check for obesity (especially in amazons), ensure perches are stable enough for mating, and rule out underlying health issues with an avian veterinarian. Some males are simply infertile due to age, genetics, or previous health issues. Artificial insemination is used in some professional breeding programs but requires specialized training.
Tracking Your Parrot Breeding Program with Software
Parrot breeding programs produce complex, multi-generational data that is nearly impossible to manage with spreadsheets or paper records. Here is how BirdTracks helps parrot breeders stay organized and compliant.
Complete Bird Profiles
Store each parrot’s band number, species, subspecies, DNA sex results, hatch date, parentage, and complete health history in one searchable profile.
Pair Performance Tracking
Track fertility rates, clutch sizes, hatch rates, and chick survival for every pair. Identify your best producers and retire underperforming pairs.
Incubation Calculators
Log each egg’s lay date and BirdTracks calculates species-specific expected hatch dates automatically. Track candling results and fertility status.
Genetic Diversity (COI)
Check the coefficient of inbreeding before making any pairing. Essential for small-population species where genetic diversity must be carefully managed.
Regulatory Compliance
Maintain CITES-ready records with complete chain of custody, band numbers, hatch dates, and disposition records. Export data for regulatory submissions.
Breeding Season Dashboard
See all active pairs, current clutches, incubation progress, and upcoming hatch dates on one screen. Manage complex multi-species programs efficiently.