We now have all of our breeding pairs of Greys set up in our outdoor aviary in cages two feet wide by three feet high by six feet deep, suspended from the ceiling with the base five feet up from the floor. Visual barriers between the cages, recommended by so many breeders, do not seem necessary if there is at least two feet of space between the cages. Any closer spacing without barriers results in territorial competition with constant sparring between the males. Securely fastened and stable perches are necessary for mating. The variation in width provides for exercise for the birds' feet.
Greys use the perches as well as the nest boxes for mating.
They normally mate several times a day for three to four weeks before laying their first egg. As part of their courtship ritual the male may feed the female and then do a little dance for her. He holds his wings out at an odd angle, turning in circles, much like an Indian War dance. After much feeding and dancing he will tread on her back and mate. Eggs are usually laid about three weeks after the courtship ritual is observed.