Do I add a nest box

[Emma&pico]

I am tempted to add a nest box to remi and pips cage to see what happens

if I get babies I am thinking on letting pip and remi raise them and just start handling them from 2/3weeks to tame them

I have been shown how to spoon feed babies I do have a old reptile viv with heat bulb and thermostat that I could heat babies with if anything goes wrong

pros and cons please if you think it’s a bad idea I am not 100% myself

reasons
I think it would be a lovely experience for me and iris to help raise some babies

off putting ideas
Will I be able to find good homes ? And not will I be able to let them go

 

[Karearea]

I would really suggest against breeding them unless you know the parents and grandparents of these two birds, and can confirm that they were all healthy individuals. Even if your pair looks healthy on the outside, they could have recent inbreeding in their lineage, or be carrying genetic weaknesses you don't want passed on to chicks. A lot of green-cheeks are bred by mills or backyard breeders, and end up with poor health/immune systems because they weren't careful with their pairs.

 

[Emma&pico]

I would really suggest against breeding them unless you know the parents and grandparents of these two birds, and can confirm that they were all healthy individuals. Even if your pair looks healthy on the outside, they could have recent inbreeding in their lineage, or be carrying genetic weaknesses you don't want passed on to chicks. A lot of green-cheeks are bred by mills or backyard breeders, and end up with poor health/immune systems because they weren't careful with their pairs.

While I appreciate your opinion no one should really own or breed birds then should they if this is your opinion

I did my research I picked a breeder for remi and pip that I know their lineage as far has great grandparents (which he actually still knows and has for years ) I’ve met the parents I’ve seen what the breeder feeds them etc I’ve seen how he keeps his birds actually now after nearly three years I am good friends with breeder he still offers me advise so I don’t think you can just assume I bought my birds from some random/backyard breeder

 

[Karearea]

Breeders and pet owners don't often consider genetics despite how important they are in determining parrot health. It's part of why pet-bred lutino cockatiels have so many health issues compared to ones kept by experienced non-pet breeders. Nothing in my comment was meant to be accusatory, so please don't take it that way.

 

[Emma&pico]

Breeders and pet owners don't often consider genetics despite how important they are in determining parrot health. It's part of why pet-bred lutino cockatiels have so many health issues compared to ones kept by experienced non-pet breeders. Nothing in my comment was meant to be accusatory, so please don't take it that way.

But sometimes your comments come off like that yes you might for all I know be this font of knowledge on parrot breeder genetics but I personally find it patronising at times and can make people worrying about their birds unnecessarily

I am not 100% I won’t to breed my birds I thought it would be a nice experience a one off experience I was looking for advise not that many birds maybe unhealthy genes wise

apart from Blu and posie I know the genetics background of remi and pip sunny

yes I’ve bought from a pet shop a gcc and olive died I am well aware of down falls in pet/bird trade
But I would take olive again because at least she had a good life while she was here not everything is black and white

 

[MommyBird]

Is your hubby on board with it now? Would Iris really help you with them (Being her idea, not yours?)
Recently you were worried about having enough time with your birds. Do you feel you could have time for additional ones that might need even more attention for awhile?
I know you would love them to bits and it could be a great experience if all went right.
I'd guess you will have a hard time giving up any babies, it would have to be a really special home for you to let them go. I think that would be the biggest problem of all.
I've never even been tempted as I know I could never part with them.

 

[Sarahmoluccan]

Personally I wouldn't recommend it, especially if it something that you'll just do for the experience of it. If you're determined I would talk to your vet about it first and get them vet checked to make sure they are healthy enough. It's great to trust their breeder, but I would look for other guidance as well.

 

[T. gillii]

Is your hubby on board with it now? Would Iris really help you with them (Being her idea, not yours?)
Recently you were worried about having enough time with your birds. Do you feel you could have time for additional ones that might need even more attention for awhile?
I know you would love them to bits and it could be a great experience if all went right.
I'd guess you will have a hard time giving up any babies, it would have to be a really special home for you to let them go. I think that would be the biggest problem of all.
I've never even been tempted as I know I could never part with them.

As someone who has bred gccs... They are absolutely overwhelming when they are weaning and going crazy. It requires a lot of time and patience. They will get into trouble, pick fights with other birds (esp larger birds!) and even their parents.

If you have to ask, I wouldn't recommend breeding. It needs to be something you are determined to do and willing to go through the pain and potential loss associated. I got lucky, Toto and Koko's first clutch was a success - but one of the babies was stunted and I had to learn how to handfeed VERY small chicks. There is no guarantee that Remi and Pip will know what to do. You also could easily lose the pet bond that you have with your birds. During later clutches, I did experience loss. It is not fun, it is not easy. Babies are extremely demanding. If you can't find homes, do not breed. Babies grow up.

 

[alshgs]

Personally, I wouldn't. I prefer the bond I have with my birds now. I wouldn't want that to go away. It's one thing that led me to getting our sun conure vs another green cheek. To me, it seems to be extremely overwhelming and I don't know how breeders do it! Especially when they're weaned and ready to go to a new home. And around here, there aren't many bird people that I trust so I would likely end up with the babies and my husband would definitely not support that.

 

[Emma&pico]

Is your hubby on board with it now? Would Iris really help you with them (Being her idea, not yours?)
Recently you were worried about having enough time with your birds. Do you feel you could have time for additional ones that might need even more attention for awhile?
I know you would love them to bits and it could be a great experience if all went right.
I'd guess you will have a hard time giving up any babies, it would have to be a really special home for you to let them go. I think that would be the biggest problem of all.
I've never even been tempted as I know I could never part with them.

Hubby said it’s upto me but he said he wouldn’t if he was me
Iris I think she would help but depends what she’s doing
It’s got better they are out more now than past few weeks/month
I agree I think I would struggle to rehome them
Was probably just a little pipe dream

 

[Emma&pico]

Personally I wouldn't recommend it, especially if it something that you'll just do for the experience of it. If you're determined I would talk to your vet about it first and get them vet checked to make sure they are healthy enough. It's great to trust their breeder, but I would look for other guidance as well.

I’ve spoken to my vet and only way would be a blood draw and I am not sure I am comfortable with risk just to breed them

 

[Zara]

I am not 100% myself

I am not 100% I won’t to breed my birds

I believe that if you are not 100% sure, then you should either not do it, or wait until you are sure.

iris to help raise some babies

I don't really know how much a small child could help with in regards to raising chicks. Maybe help scrape the nest box and fill it, possibly hold the chicks once they're weaned if they will let her. Feeding is something that she won't be able to do, that would be your job.

potential loss

One of the worst possibilities in breeding.

handfeed VERY small chicks.

Also not an easy thing. Handfeeding the day/s old chicks is more complicated than the older weeks old birds.

will I be able to let them go

I'd guess you will have a hard time giving up any babies, it would have to be a really special home for you to let them go. I think that would be the biggest problem of all.

I don't know how breeders do it! Especially when they're weaned and ready to go to a new home. And around here, there aren't many bird people that I trust so I would likely end up with the babies

I agree I think I would struggle to rehome them

Rehoming them is hard. Hard to find decent people. Making sure they're going to good homes is no easy task.

Was probably just a little pipe dream

It's ok to dream I also imagine many what ifs about my birds for different scenarios. Maybe one day the dream will come true, and if not, that's ok too.

 

[NancyS]

Ask yourself: what will I do if the hen doesn't feed? Then you will have day one chicks needing special equipment. Then there is getting up in the middle of the night. I am so glad to be retired from chick feeding.

 

[Finchbreed]

As a breeder - who knows a lot about genetics - including how much rubbish is out there.

Galapagos finches caught in act of becoming new species

A population of finches on the Galapagos is discovered in the process of becoming a new species.

www.bbc.com

Weakness is caused by faulty genes - not inbreeding.
BUT
Inbreeding will show up any faulty genes faster.
Back to your question - if in doubt do not start something you are unsure you can handle.