Is breeding a good idea or not?

[Coco23]

I am learning so much about african greys and loving them more and more! I wanted to know from Captain Q, or anyone that has any background on breeding, whether or not I should or could in the future start breeding? I would like to - but I do not want to get myself into something that might not be the right thing to do - I have read articles on the net, and have seen that it is not as diffiucult as it seems - hard work yes - which I am willing to do!

With a full-time job, will I be able to manage the task?

I would appreciate your honesty!
Thanks!

[sandisbirdsitting]

I have alot of experience breeding (although not Greys/yet), I also deal with hundreds of breeders (breeders of all sorts of birds).
I found it to be a incredible experience. I miss my breeding days I get my bird fix through my clients and all their birds.
I have a nest box on my cage (I put up two weeks ago/early),
I would love to have my own baby Grey (only my very own/not buy from someone)  so I will hope that one day the two go for it  I am set up for pets in a higher traffic area (not crazy busy, but by my entrance and I am a home buisiness, however my hen has laid in the past (with a different male in a similair set up) she is a relaxed hen however she would not let the male near her ever.  This male she likes (alot) but he is young 5.5-6 years, so I believe I will wait for a couple seasons, I am a very patient person so this is ok by me.
Breeding is a great hobby it takes lots of work but the rewards are undescribeable.
If you deside to go that route I must warn you it can be very addictive
I was so involved I was showing birds, A bird judge, had a flock at one point of 280 (a bird freak/I am under control now) ha ha
currently only have my two greys but still have 8 others currently here for boarding (definatly under control)
                   Sandi   

[Coco23]

LOL! Yes I believe you! 
Ok, so one of my concerns is - How do I find the right male? My inlaws have 2 of my previous CAG's - but they are both "not so friendly" and they haven't been sexed - but I don't know anyone else with an AG - and most AG's we see here are babies - or either WC/handreared but put in an outside Aviary - I also don't want my precious baby girl to stop talking or feel harassed by a male - Will that happen? Oh - and how old should they be before they lay their first eggs?  I know I have a couple of years at least before I start doing this (if I decide to do it) - so I want to learn as much as possible.  By the way - I am in South Africa.

Will I lose my "closeness" with her once she has a "mate"?? Also - I have bought a harness for her  which I am so excited about! - I know that will "open" her up - Although she is very tame - and extremely lovable (when she wants to be) - I am going through CQ's steps on "Aviator Harness Training" - CAN"T WAIT TO GET HER UP THERE!!! I know it takes time though! 

How old can a male be before he mates with her as well??? (Sorry about all the questions) - but want to learn so much in too little time!!!

[sandisbirdsitting]

oh you have lots of time.

When I first paired my hen with my old Grey (KoKo) it was 3 years of working with them together most handling was done with both birds together but never left alone. When I finally put them together in a new cage that neither had a claim to. I did the introduction when I was home for a two week holiday. My female attacked the male almost removing his whole top portion of beak (I have heard stories from my clients of this happening) well over time the beak healed and the two of them got use to each other, but my female never let him near her and if she wanted something that KoKo had (perch/treat/toy) she took it and he gave it with no quarrels. She did go to nest clutch #1 had 3 eggs (clear as expected) but she was sure faithful to her eggs I let her sit the incubation term and she was as content and loveable as can be. Just before clutch #2 (34 hours) after KoKo had his accident she laid egg #1 (total 3 eggs) I can not tell you how much I hoped I had a fertile one. well they were all clear and I had lost my beloved male. My female continued as if he was never there.
3 years later I took on a new challenge a aggresive male plucker. A personal friend of 12 years had had him for 13 months and could not handle him but figured I could I accually said no 3 times over a 4 month period, went to give his birds a wing and nail trim and agreed to take him, I paid for the vet bill to have him checked out before taking him had him for 30 days in quarantine before adding him to my collection, well I new with in two days of having the bird in my possesion that I had a special one we clicked right away and it made that 30 days seem like forever. After bring him in my front area with my other 2 (female grey and BF amazon) my female showed interest within days. The male began mimicking myself talking to her all those special cuddle words I do and she loved it and laped it up. I moved them into the same cage after 18 months (new cage/2 weeks at home) only to have another beak bite after 3 days, this bite was not as severe as male #1 but I was none to impressed and still required much work after words to fully repair, however on a good note that is the end of the aggresion and she once again has a pushover companion to hold her food and take extra treats from, but this relationship is different from the first as she likes this male, but he is so young and playful I do not see he understands what she is offering at this point (he is about 5.5-6 years)
                   Sandi