Eggs makes very good as they are generally good-nature. Once they are accustom to their home and feel secure, they are less high strung and less demanding than many other birds.
Some other great things about these birds, besides their unusual colours, is that that they are quiet and unobtrusive. Though they may be the noisiest of all the Pionus species, they are still generally much quieter than other parrots. They make a great pet for people who live in apartments or in close proximity to neighbours where noise can be a problem.
They are quite intelligent with good memories and will learn simple tricks. Once they have learned behaviour such as stepping up they are very obedient and will remain steady in their training.
There is no visible means of sexing these birds. The Dusky Pionus or Dusky Parrot does breed well in captivity, and it has even been said that they have been hybridized other Pionus. Place a nest box high up in a dark area of the aviary. The female will lay 3 to 4 eggs which incubate for about 26 days. Pairs may take mealworms and greenstuffs when they have chicks in the nest. Corncob is a favourite weaning food. The young will fledge in about 2 1/2 months and be fully on their own in about 3 months.
Care and feeding
A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend a good deal of their time on a playpen or parrot perch. They eat a variety of seeds, fruits, berries, and greenstuffs. Including a formulated diet would also be beneficial.
