Hi all , as anyone any experience of keeping / breeding the Magpie Shrikes .
I have kept shrikes before i.e. the Asian Long Tailed Shrike and the Gonoleks .
Is there any in Europe ?
I know that this species is a bird that lives in loose groups and the dominant female goes onto breed . The others in a group of six or so help with feeding the sitting hen and rearing any young . This species is one of the best songsters in the Shrike family .
I have seen on the internet that most Magpie Shrikes are kept in zoos and large bird gardens , but there must be private keepers of these birds .
Any info would be appreciated .
Gary

HI GARY
WHAT MAKES YOU ASK,ARE ANY AVAILABLE OR JUST INTEREST?SHRIKES ARE 1 FAMILY OF BIRDS I HAVE NEVER KEPT,BUT FROM PEOPLE WHO USE TO KEEP THEM I WAS GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THEY ARE EASY TO KEEP,BUT I DON,T KNOW OF ANY BREEDING SUCCESS.
BRIAN

We,ve bred the Barbary Shrikes.
Roland

Hi Brian , Roland , i have bought 3 pairs of African Magpie Shrikes and just wanted some extra info . I have had them 3 weeks and housed them in 3 in one flight and 3 in another , they are carrying nest material already with one pair just about completed a nest . I have given them a large nest basket with sticks lined inside , and they have now started to build a nest with coconut fibre and horse hair . Its fingers crossed time now . I do know they nest only when a dominant pair breaks away from a group of 6 to 8 birds . I also cannot believe what a lovely song bird they are , the cocks sing constantly .
They are fascinating to watch , and feed using one foot to old the prey while tearing it apart .
I do not think they have been bred on the mainland UK or its not been recorded if they have .
The Blue Breasted Kingfishers are mating and decided they like a new nestbox i have put up , so heres hoping .
GARY

I'm jealous Gary - I saw the birds a few weeks ago and must say they did interest me quite a lot! Let me know how you get on with them!!

All the best,

Jaypee

HI GARY
HOPE ALL THE BREEDING GOES WELL,APPARENTLY I MISSED YOU AT STAFFORD I WAS TALKING TO PAUL ABOUT US GETTING TOGETHER ONE TIME,WILL PM SOON.
BRIAN