How to Breed Grass Parrots

Peaceful and non-destructive, the grass parrot demands remarkably little to keep it happy and maintain its overall health. The birds reach sexual maturity at approximately five months old. House a pair in a flight cage separate from other grass parrots, so quarrels do not erupt. Despite their diminutive size, they require a flight cage to thrive when breeding. A quiet bird, they prefer to keep to themselves -- and do best when located in a peaceful area. The hen usually lays about six eggs per clutch. Both male and female work together to make excellent parents.

Things You'll Need

  • Aviary flight cage
  • Nest box
  • Sawdust
  • Potted plants
  • Eucalyptus branches
  • Water dispenser
  • Food bowls
  • Parakeet and finch food
  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Millet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the breeding pair into a flight cage that measures 7 feet long by 2 1/2 feet wide by 7 feet high. Place eucalyptus branches of varying diameter throughout the cage to work as perches. Consider placing potted plants on the floor of the cage. Choose non-toxic varieties.

    • 2

      Affix a nest box high in the cage. Use a commercial parakeet nest box. Line the bottom of the nest box with 2 or 3 inches of sawdust. The male bird will spend a day or two inspecting the nest box and messing with the sawdust, until he feels it is perfect. Once it passes his inspection the female will retreat to its dark confines. She will lay approximately one egg every other day. The eggs take about 18 days to incubate. The female will be the only one that sits on the eggs, but the male will remain close and feed the female.

    • 3

      Mix a commercial parakeet diet with a finch diet. Free feed the birds as much as they will eat. Provide fresh millet for the birds to pick at. Chop up fresh fruit and vegetables such as apples, oranges, dandelions, mustard greens, collard greens, kale and corn for the breeding pair to enjoy.

    • 4

      Give the breeding pair bowls of mixed vegetables and fruits each day. Toast a piece of whole wheat bread and crumble it into a bowl for the birds to enjoy. Provide fresh water daily.