BREEDING COCKATIELS
If you are interested in breeding cockatiels this article will give you information about the processes and phases of breeding. You will also learn how to properly breed them on your own.
If you buy two cockatiels, for instance a male and female and keep them together, you should definitely prepare for the possibility of breeding.
This is not for everyone but if you want to have a better understanding about how these birds procreate, then read on! Interested in becoming a reputable breeder? Then this is a must read article for you.
Basic Information about Breeding Cockatiels
a.) Sexual Dimorphism
Cockatiels are sexually dimorphic, that is males and females are visually identical. The male’s main plumage color is grey, same with females but with a very slight tone difference. The upper side of the male tail feathers is silvery pale grey, almost black.
Males and females both have a yellow face mask, but males have flashes of grey towards the tip of the crest reaching to its root.
Males have a red cheek patch that is covered with a thin layer of grey, while females have an orange red cheek patch on the ear area.
The clearest difference, besides the covered face mask, is a striped pale yellow pattern of the female’s tail.
Female’s tail have stripes that are not clearly formed. There are only tiny tear-drop flashes of black areas on its pale grey surface. The yellow parts are widest and clearest in the edge tail feathers.
It is best that your bird goes through DNA analysis, which uses sample blood or feathers, to determine the sex. Some breeders claim that they can distinguish if the bird is male or female by its features, it is still indefinite unless it’s DNA tested.
DNA Sexing or Surgical Sexing can also provide additional information on its sexual maturity and capability to reproduce. It is inexpensive and convenient so if you like to know more about your bird’s sexuality you should definitely give it a try. Some veterinarians might also try chromosomal analysis on your bird to determine its gender.
b.) Mating and Reproduction
Cockatiels are typically monogamous when it comes to mating. The breeding period for these birds usually occurs around spring. Once they start breeding, they’ll continuously breed all year long.
Cockatiels reach their sexual maturity for reproduction as early as 12 – 24 months. Females’ clutch size ranges from 2 – 8 eggs and incubation lasts for about 17 – 24 days.
The chicks become independent and leave the nest in 6 to 12 weeks or about 44 – 88 days.
It is highly recommended that you provide an additional 20% increase in fatty seeds as well as their intake of vitamin supplements. Add proteins such as hard-boiled eggs and shredded chicken during the breeding process.
It’s also important that the incubation temperature be kept at 80°- 85°F and humidity levels should be at about 50 – 55%.
The Cockatiel Breeding Process
a.) Selecting Cockatiels for Breeding
To select a healthy, fertile and active cockatiel it is recommended that your bird undergo clinical examination by a veterinarian. This is essential to determine if your cockatiel is capable of reproduction. At the same time it can prevent diseases that could be transmitted to the coming flock.
b.) Setting up a cockatiel nest box
Wild cockatiels usually nest in tree hollows or cliff openings. In captivity, you need to set up a nice environment to replicate that natural breeding and dwelling place. The nest box size should ideallymeasure 9″x 11″x 12″. The box should be three times the size of your Cockatiels.
It is highly recommended that the nest box is wide so that your Cockatiels can have lots of space to move around. It should ideally be made of oak wood or metal.
The nest box should have a round entrance hole that has an opening of about 2 ¼ inches. Make sure that a strong wire is attached to the outside walls of the nest to prevent it falling. To help stabilize the eggs, add about 2 inches of suitable nest box litter at the bottom of the box. Providing this may also be beneficial in absorbing the droppings from the chicks.
Baby Cockatiels
Baby cockatiels are fed day and night by their parents for the first 7-10 days. You should be able to handle the baby cockatiels daily if the parents are well socialized. This will allow you to weigh the chicks daily to ensure they are getting properly fed and to detect any problems early.
Click here to read more about the first 6 – 8 weeks of your baby cockatiels.
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