Tag: breeding

Posted on by

Nest Boxes

Birds are impressive animals, able to construct nests out of mud, grass, and twigs without hands or tools. While there is an exception or two, parrots are one group of birds who do not build nest. Parrots prefer to find cavities in logs and tree trunks and do a little (or a lot) of chewing. This is why, when breeding, nest boxes are offered that simulate a small, dark, nest cavity.

There are two main materials for nest boxes: wood, and metal. Wood boxes are usually less expensive, but also easily chewed, and should be changed after each clutch or yearly because they can absorb droppings and harbor bacteria. Metal boxes tend to be more expensive, but are more durable and can be more thoroughly sanitized. In outside aviaries, metal boxes have a tendency to get dangerously hot in summer and cold in winter.

There are also a variety of shapes and styles of nest boxes: cubes, tall boxes, L-shaped and Z-shaped boxes, and even barrels for very destructive parrots like macaws and cockatoos. Some nest boxes are designed to be secured inside the cage, and others are made for outside if your cage has a nest-box door.

  • 5″ – 9″ rectangular boxes are used by finches, lovebirds, parrotlets, and cockatiels.
  • Taller, and larger boxes can be used by amazons, greys, eclectus, and other medium-sized birds with short tails.
  • Nests like L- and Z-shaped boxes are useful for long-tailed species such as ringnecks, conures, and rosellas.

You want to insure that your box is not too small for your birds as it can become cramped and lead to broken eggs or deformities in chicks. Sometimes it is trial and error to see what style box your parrot pair prefers.

Posted on by

Nesting Materials

When breeding birds, it is important for the parents and the babies to have a nest and quality nesting material. In the wild we observe nests constructed of twigs, grasses, bits of cloth, fur and hair. Small birds in captivity, like finches and canaries, also enjoy using a variety of materials to supplement their nests.

Hay and orchard grass: A stiffer, natural material that many birds, like grass finches, enjoy adding to their nests.
Coconut fiber: Prefered by canaries, coconut fiber is very fine and attention must be given so long pieces do not get tangled around the birds. Help prevent this by snipping it into smaller sections.
Fine string: One of the most commonly available materials, this can usually buy it already cut to appropriate lengths and inside a box you can attach to the cage.
Feathers: Some birds will use down feathers or molted feathers to line their nests, but sterile feathers can be offered as well.
*** Do not use feathers collected from the wild as they may contain harmful pests.
Cotton: A soft and light material, untreated cotton fiber is also a popular natural nest building material.

All of these materials can be offered in a bundle tied to the side of the cage, or in a box with a few large openings on the sides that the materials can be pulled out from. Sometimes finches and canaries will have preferences, so it may help to offer small amounts of different materials so they can choose what they like best.

For most parrots, they do not build nests, instead they prefer to find hollowed out logs or abandoned tree cavities. As pets, parrots use nest boxes, and most breeders use a layer of pine shavings in the bottom.

Posted on by

Breeding

Spring is approaching and hobbyists and breeders alike are preparing for babies. Breeding birds can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to be knowledgeable, well informed, and responsible.

Considerations to make before breeding:

Space: Can you accommodate breeding cages, and cages for separating offspring or mating pairs? Do you have space to
keep babies if you cannot find homes for them?

Cost: Even by selling babies, there is considerable overhead of feeding and providing for the parents and their young. Funds
will also need to be available for vet checks and emergencies.

Time: Will your schedule allow for hand-feeding babies every few hours? Extra time will also be needed for cleaning and keeping a watchful eye on the nests.

Starting off is easier said than done. Make sure your pair includes an unrelated, healthy, male and female. An appropriate sized cage and nest box will make pairs feel safe and comfortable in their environment- important factors for breeding successfully. Pairs should be safely introduced prior to breeding, and this can be a very slow process. Some pairs may be together for years before being successfully. With all breeding birds it is important to always provide a calcium source and an enriched diet; laying eggs and raising young takes a lot of energy.

Small birds like finches and canaries can be good for beginners, as they normally don’t require handling or hand-feeding. Even parakeets, and sometimes cockatiels, can be parent-fed and stay tame if handled frequently. To become good pets, most birds will require early hand-feeding, either by a syringe or a bent spoon. This must be done properly at the correct consistency and temperature or you may risk injuring the babies. A second important aspect to be very familiar with is weaning; the stage when a bird transitions from being fed to eating on it’s own.

Many parrot owners consider trying to breed their pet “once for fun” or “for the experience”, and there are generally two outcomes. The first being that tame parrots begin their life with human interaction and don’t know how to be proper bird parents. Conversely, instincts may kick-in when placed in a breeding situation, which causes many owners to become confused and upset when their parrot loses its friendly disposition.

Specific breeding information will depend on what kind of birds you are trying to breed. This article is meant to briefly address very large topics. It is important to gather all the necessary details in depth prior to beginning so you know what to expect and how to prepare for most situations/complications.