Cockatiel Breeding Basics
Cockatiel Breeding Basics Health Requirements: To ensure the good health of breeding Cockatiels and their babies, a male and female pair should be unrelated, free of disease and birth defects, and between 2 and 5 years of age. Nesting Requirements: A cage for a pair of breeding Cockatiels should be a minimum size of 20" x 20" x 50", and should contain a nest box that is at least 12" x 12". Proper nesting material, such as shredded paper, pine shavings, and even molted feathers, should be provided. Nutritional Requirements: Cockatiels are hookbills, and as such, should be fed a varied diet consisting of seed, high quality pellets, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Breeding pairs should be treated with a calcium supplement to ensure proper egg development and to help the hen recoup nutrients lost in the egg-making process. Egg Laying: Female Cockatiels will lay their eggs within 3 weeks of mating. Like many