African grey: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
African grey eggs hatch after 28–30 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 75–90 days and are weaned and independent at about 100–120 days. A typical clutch is 3–5 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 400-650 |
| Length (cm) | 33 |
| Clutch size | 3-5 |
| Incubation (days) | 28-30 |
| Fledging (days) | 75-90 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 100-120 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 36–60 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 40-60 |
| Breeding season | Year-round; mainly winter-spring in the Gulf |
| Sexing | DNA only. CITES Appendix I since 2017 - captive-bred papers needed. |
Origin: West and Central Africa — Scientific name: Psittacus erithacus
Size: 33 cm, 400-650 g
Breeding and care tips
Top talker; needs calcium, vitamin D3 and UVB. CITES Appendix I: keep captive-bred paperwork.
Mutations and colours
Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Red factor / red-pied, Blue (no red psittacin; white tail), Ino / incomplete ino.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Peach-faced lovebird
- Fischer's & masked lovebird
- Black-cheeked lovebird
- Nyasa Lilian's lovebird
- Cockatiel
- Indian ringneck
- Alexandrine parakeet
- Plum-headed parakeet
Frequently asked questions
How long do African grey eggs take to hatch?
African grey eggs hatch after 28-30 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a African grey lay?
Usually 3-5 eggs per clutch.
When do African grey chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 75-90 days old.
When are African grey chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 100-120 days.
At what age can a African grey breed?
A African grey reaches breeding age at about 36–60 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the African grey breeding season?
Year-round; mainly winter-spring in the Gulf
How do you tell a male African grey from a female?
DNA only. CITES Appendix I since 2017 - captive-bred papers needed.
How long does a African grey live?
About 40-60 years with good care.