2009-12-11 • by Administrator

Cockatiel breeding can make you feel like God, but unless you have the right information and tools at your disposal, there is a chance you would be the Devil himself since Cockatiel babies are absolutely helpless when they are born. They depend solely on an external being to take care of them and feed them as their eyes are still closed and they do not know what’s happening around them. Make a thorough, informed decision before you start cockatiel breeding as there may be significant costs involved for veterinary care if needed. When you’re ready to go, read the tips below and start playing God!

Patience is a virtue

Cockatiels can begin to mate once they reach the half year mark. However, it is recommended you do not start cockatiel breeding as soon as they reach their sexual maturity. Wait for another year or two to prevent any further health complications. The males can mate till they are 14 years old and the females can mate till they are 10.

Healthy, wealthy and wise

When you choose a pair to begin the process of cockatiel breeding, make sure you choose cockatiels that are in the peak of their health and are totally unrelated to each other. They need to be plump and well fed before they begin to mate. As a precautionary measure, take the pair of cockatiels to a vet and have them examined for any health problems or ailments.

Too many cooks spoil the broth

The recommend clutches per year for your healthy cockatiels is two. Since you create external factors that facilitate easy cockatiel breeding, the natural tendency is to breed all year long. However, this must be avoided because it can cause severe strain on the female’s reproductive organs. Moreover, there is a chance of the female getting calcium defiance as a result of all the egg laying which cause further complications in the future.

When the time is right

In the wild, the cockatiels generally breed during the spring and autumn seasons. The factors that lead to them choosing such seasons are longer duration of daylight, warm temperature, more sources of food and adequate rainfall. To simulate such a time and trick your bird into thinking its spring or autumn, place artificial lighting in the cage, spray water mist in the cage and give them a highly nutritious diet. Once that is done, leave it to their natural urge to mate and provide them with a cozy nest box.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

To help the female lay her eggs properly, place a plate or bowl of water next to them for the female to bathe in. The moisture absorbed during bathing helps her lay eggs and also keep it moist so that the chick is able to hatch out of it easily.

An egg for an egg

After the first batch of eggs hatch, boil an egg and peel it. Cut the boiled egg and feed the chicks tiny strands of the egg as the protein content in the egg will go a long way in helping them grow and be healthy.

Playing God is so very easy, isn’t it?