Your Comprehensive Guide To Breeding Cockatiels

Breeding cockatiels

Bird’s name :

Cockatiel, and its scientific name is (Nymphicus Hollandicus).

Length :

approximately 28-36 cm long.

Weight :

It weighs an average of about 90 grams.

Characteristics of cockatiel birds :

It is characterized by gray, which is the most common color, but it is also found in a white-faced pearl color, and it is also found in many different colors.

Average lifespan :

The cockatiel lives up to 25 years if it receives the appropriate care conditions.

The most important aspects of raising cockatiels

Cockatiels are among the favorite birds for home breeding , and the following is the most important information about their breeding:

Cockatiel bird food

The most important foods:

The following are the most important foods:

A mixture of 75% granules and 25% seeds; This mixture is the most important staple food for the cockatiel’s diet.

Dark leafy greens and fresh vegetables.

Fresh fruit such as berries, watermelon, papaya, or kiwi.

Some honey, or millet once a month.

Foods that are not suitable for cockatiels: Here are some foods that are harmful to cockatiels:

Avocado : The leaves of the avocado plant contain persin, which is an acid-like substance. When ingested by birds, this substance may cause damage to the heart, difficulty breathing, general weakness, and may lead to sudden death.

Caffeine : Caffeine can increase heart rate, cause irregularity, cause hyperactivity, and can lead to cardiac arrest in birds.

Chocolate : Chocolate can be toxic to birds, even in a small amount.

Salt : can cause dehydration and fluid imbalance; which leads to extreme thirst, dehydration, kidney failure and may lead to death; So the bird should not be fed salted potato chips, popcorn, pretzels, and crackers.

Fatty foods : It is harmful to consume foods rich in fats, such as butter, oil and fatty meat of cockatiels; It leads to hardening of the arteries, which leads to heart disease and stroke.

Onions and garlic: Onions contain sulfur compounds, which can irritate the lining of a bird’s mouth or esophagus, causing ulcers, and can lead to the rupture of red blood cells. Which leads to anemia, and garlic contains allicin, another chemical that can cause anemia and weakness in birds.

Fruit Stones and Apple Seeds: Apple and pear seeds are toxic to cockatiel birds, as are cherry, apricot and peach pits. They must be removed before offering these fruits to the bird.

Cockatiel home

The following is the most important information about the home of the cockatiel:

Cockatiel birds prefer to live in pairs, and the bird cage must be at least twice the size of the bird’s wingspan, with a minimum of approximately 60 x 60 x 76 cm. If there is more than one bird in the cage, it is better to increase its size.

It is preferable to place the cockatiel cage near the family, in the living room or bedroom, for example.

These birds are sensitive to strong odors, gases, and smoke, which is why the cockatiel’s cage should be kept away from the kitchen and away from windows.

Your cockatiel’s cage should have a variety of horizontal posts placed at different heights, as they help keep your cockatiel’s feet healthy.

Poles should not be placed directly over the bird’s food or water bowl; It is likely that the droppings will fall on the food when the bird is standing on the poles.

The floor of the cage should be covered with recycled paper, or a specially designated paper liner should be used, and the liner should be replaced at least every two days.

The cage should be cleaned thoroughly once a week, including washing the bottom grid and bowl, wiping down the cage bars, cleaning figures, toys and other cage accessories, and washing food bowls daily before adding food and water.

Cleaning cockatiels

Like all pets, the cockatiel must be kept clean. Here are some points to keep it clean and healthy:

Shower frequently, and a bowl of cold or room temperature water can be placed to bathe two to three times a week; This will rid him of excess dust and encourage him to clean his feathers, and if he is not using the bowl, he can be sprayed with a water mist bottle instead.

Trimming the bird’s wings; Which helps prevent him from escaping, and it is preferable to do this operation at the veterinarian to avoid harming the bird.

Trimming the bird’s nails and beak, and it is preferable to seek the help of a specialist.

Cockatiel breeding

Here is some information related to the breeding of cockatiels:

Do not allow birds to breed until they are at least 18 months old.

A cage should be provided with a large and comfortable space for the birds.

They must be provided with a quiet place, and kept away from anything that could negatively affect them, such as children or pets.

They must provide their own nesting box, and provide safety and comfort inside it, by placing suitable material.

You must take good care of the birds’ food when preparing for mating, not cut off their food, and add vitamins to their food.

Cockatiel health problems :

The following are some of the health problems or diseases that may affect cockatiel birds :

Respiratory diseases: Cockatiels can be infected with respiratory diseases caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psitataci , and cockatiels can carry this bacteria without any obvious symptoms, and these bacteria appear in the infected bird’s stool, and symptoms can develop into respiratory problems and weakness Hepatomegaly.

Giardia parasite: This parasite commonly infects cockatiels. Birds infected with giardia may develop diarrhea, severe itching, aggressively attack themselves and pluck their feathers, especially in places under the wings.

Gastrointestinal yeast infection: It is a common disease in cockatiels, and birds infected with the yeast often vomit, lose weight, develop diarrhea, and lack of appetite.

Obesity : Birds on an all-seed diet often become obese, developing fatty liver disease that can lead to death.

Tips for dealing with cockatiels:

Here are some tips for dealing with a cockatiel:

Sitting and talking with the bird, this makes him get used to the person’s voice, and makes him feel comfortable towards him.

Once the bird feels comfortable with the presence of a person near its cage; You must start feeding him food through the bars of the cage, and vegetables or fruits that he likes, or dry grains, can also be offered.

Talk to him softly while holding the food using his name, as cockatiels respond to words and learn his name quickly.

Once the cockatiel takes the food from the hand, it is recommended to open the cage door and offer the food on the palm of the hand. When he comes to the cage door and takes the food from the hand, it is important to praise him when giving him the food. This process is repeated daily until the cockatiel feels comfortable when sitting on the hand without fear.