Exotic Cranes Breed Overview and Care

Exotic Cranes for Sale

For those looking to add elegance, beauty, and natural grace to a pond or landscape setting, Waterfowl and Exotics Australia offers a limited selection of exotic crane species.

All exotic cranes are sold strictly as bonded male/female pairs to ensure proper social behaviour and long-term welfare.

Species Overview

Demoiselle Crane

The Demoiselle Crane is the smallest exotic crane we offer.

Weight: Males average ±3 kg; females ±2 kg
Height: Approximately 75 cm
Wingspan: Up to 180 cm

Both parents share chick-rearing responsibilities. They typically lay two eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of 27–29 days.

Adult Demoiselle Cranes are difficult to sex visually, as males and females appear similar. Their plumage is slate grey, with darker charcoal tones on the head and neck, accented by distinctive white “eyeliner” feathering.

East African Crowned Crane

The East African Crowned Crane is slightly taller than the Demoiselle, reaching approximately 105 cm in height.

Weight: Around 3.5–4 kg for both sexes

Males and females look identical. Their most striking feature is the golden crown of stiff feathers on the head. Plumage transitions from light grey on the neck and shoulders to darker grey across the body.

Clutch size: 2–5 eggs
Incubation: 28–31 days

Stanley (Blue) Crane

The Stanley Crane, also known as the Blue Crane, is larger and more robust.

Height: 105–120 cm
Weight: 3.5–6 kg

Its plumage is predominantly blue-grey, darkening along the neck and head, with the crown becoming nearly white. Wing and tail feathers are darker grey to black-tipped.

Clutch size: Typically 2 eggs
Incubation: Approximately 30 days

Care Requirements for Exotic Cranes

All exotic crane species require substantial space and secure housing. If kept enclosed, a minimum aviary size of 9 m × 9 m (30 ft × 30 ft) is recommended. Enclosures must be fully predator-proof.

In cooler regions of Australia, cranes benefit from:

Wind protection
Dry shelter
Insulated housing in colder climates

While cranes originate from regions spanning Africa and Eurasia, they are not naturally adapted to prolonged cold, wet, or frosty conditions.

Housing Near Ponds

Cranes do not naturally roost in coops at dusk like chickens. If housed near a pond, secure night housing should be located nearby, and birds should be guided into shelter each evening to protect them from predators.

Diet and Feeding

Exotic cranes are omnivorous. In the wild, they consume:

Grass seeds
Worms, snails, and slugs
Frogs, insects, lizards, and small rodents

In captivity, their diet should include:

A wide variety of vegetables and leafy greens
Berries and fruit
Seeds and nuts
Dried insects
A balanced commercial crane or game bird feed

Important Notes

Ownership of exotic cranes may be subject to state wildlife regulations and permits in Australia. Buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all local and state requirements prior to purchase.