Since 1971 the Parrot Society of the UK has published 14 breeding registers. Individual members contribute to the results and provide breeding details for parrots held in their care. Unfortunately due to a level of apathy the numbers of members contributing to the register does not reflect the total membership. Nevertheless it is the only source of reliable information available for birds bred in the UK.

Only one third of all members made a contribution in 1998 although this is against 26% in 1994. A total of 200 species were bred in 1998 which indicates a steady climb from the 97 species bred in 1976. As with most things in this life parrots are also subject to fashions and fads. Lovebirds, Australian parakeets, lories and cockatiels appear to be on the decline in terms of breeding results. Notable increases in species such as African greys, Conures, Amazons and Eclectus is noteworthy.

The above results are the living proof that if aviculturists set their mind to a task or a particular species to target breed then it is possible to achieve impressive results. A particular notable achievement in breeding results is those of Amazons. In 1975 only 3 were bred and 1998 - 891. Although this is probably not the true number it does reflect the amazing increases. The true number of Amazons bred will probably never be known.

THE TEXT ABOVE IS FROM "BREEDING PARROTS IN AVICULTURE" A PARROTCARE PUBLICATION FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE