Breeding Information: Breeding Cockatiels

Cockatiels are fairly easy birds to breed. They require little assistance other than the proper diet and hen nesting boxes. Breeding information for cockatiels is easy to follow and will help ensure a successful breeding season. Breeding cockatiels can cause you to run into some complication; therefore, it's important to learn as much as you can prior to breeding cockatiels.

Breeding Information

Hens are capable of breeding for up to ten years if they are cared for properly. It's important not to pursue breeding if the pair is unhealthy or below 18 months of age. During the first breeding season, it is not uncommon for cockatiels breeding to abandon their eggs and to even eat or traumatize the offspring. In most cases, breading cockatiels is simple, but in certain pairs infertility may be an issue. Cockatiels are best breed during early Spring to late Autumn but if they are kept indoors and the environment is correct, they can breed at any time. Never allow cockatiels to breed more than twice per year.

Breeding hens need the proper diet to include calcium and protein, as well as a mineral block. A hen should be offered grains and green vegetables. A proper diet is essential to prevent egg binding and for healthy off spring.

Hen Nesting Boxes

Hen nesting boxes are vital for breeding cockatiels. An ideal nesting box should be at least 9"-12"-12". Make sure the opening is large enough for the birds to enter easily. White papers towels should line the inside of the nesting box. The bottom of the box should have a small indentation, kind of like a bowl, to prevent the eggs from rolling. Only use organic materials in the hen nesting boxes for bedding.

Egg Laying

Cockatiels breeding results in the hens laying 2 to 8 eggs. Egg laying typically begins about 7 days after fertilization. A cockatiel laying eggs will lay an egg every 2 days, typically in the morning. During the egg laying process, the hen may not nest until two or three eggs have been laid. It's important the eggs are in a nest box because most often, eggs that have been laid on the bottom of the cage won't hatch. If the eggs are on the cage floor carefully place them inside a nesting box without rotating them. In two or three weeks after egg laying has began you can determine if the eggs are fertile by holding a bright light to them. Red lines like veins should appear. Eggs will hatch in about 18 to 21 days after all eggs have been laid.

Breeding Complications

Breeding cockatiels often cause aggression. If severe aggression occurs, usually with the male, the pair may need to be separated until after breeding season. Severe cases of aggression can lead to the death of a bird. Slight mate squabbles are normal though.

References:
CockatielCottage.net

"Breeding Cockatiels Part 1"

"Breeding Cockatiels"

"Breeding Cockatiels"AvianWeb.comBirdsnWays.com