Ask Lafeber

Mated breeding pair mating before I’M ready!

Hi, I recently received a “proven mated pair” of cockatiels. It’s only been about 10 days but they seem happy and healthy and VERY loving toward each other. The problem is is that I’ve noticed them preening each other and making low cooing sounds and munching their cuttlebone a lot lately, and my son found them MATING this morning, but I’M not ready for them to breed right now!
I’ve read EVERY post on this board and find that I’m doing everything ‘right’ to keep them from WANTING to mate, besides flat out separating them. I’m wanting them to raise babies, just not yet! The shop owner said that they’ve had successful clutches and I feel if I separate them they might ‘fall out of love’ with each other. They are basically wild, and I want a baby so I can have a pet like I’ve always had – I’ve raised many single birds and have enjoyed having them as the special companions they are so suited to being!
Since I’ve read everything here, is there ANY OTHER advice you can give me to prevent them from starting breeding right now? They’re even in a heavily trafficked area, with NO nest box etc… Can they be so in love that preventing them is impossible? Lol
Thanks in advance for your reply!

Hi Freida,

Mating does not necessarily mean she will lay eggs. And if she does, without a nest box, it’s easier to keep them from developing. If the cage has a metal floor grate, she won’t be able to keep them warm. You can also pin the eggs – poke a small hole after each egg is laid – or replace the eggs with fake eggs which can be ordered online. Fertile eggs do not begin to develop until they have been incubated for at least 48 hours. So pinning or discarding the egg the day or day after it is laid is fine. There is the option of taking her to an Avian Vet for a hormone shot or implant. Both are very effective, but temporary.

I know you have done your reading, and taken steps to discourage the breeding, but just to review for others – reduce their light to 8-10 hours daily by covering the cage early in the evening, rearrange toys and perches in the cage regularly, move the cage to other places in the room every week or so(or when you have seen them mating), a high traffic area is best, no nest box, bowl or anything she can sit in, no paper or anything else she can shred, no egg food or high protein/high fat foods, sometimes it’s even best to stop offering fresh foods and just feed their regular daily diet, if you see her favoring a corner of the cage or anywhere on the cage floor, try blocking the area by hanging some toys there.

It’s good that they are so bonded and settled in so quickly. Again, it doesn’t mean they are ready to settle down and nest. Hopefully when you are ready for them to breed, they will be successful and you will have a sweet baby for yourself.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda