July 12, 2023
Breeding
How many times in a year do cockatiel breed and how long should I wait before breeding again? When is the best time to breed?
Question:
Answer:
Hi,
In the wild they only breed one time per year. Then the season changes and they move on until the next year. In captivity, they do not get the signal from nature to stop, so they will breed all year. But this is very bad for them, so we recommend removing the nest box after each clutch – whether it hatches or not – and resting the pair for 6 months. This means they should only be allowed to breed twice a year. Any time of year is fine if they are indoors because the temperature is usually kept the same year round. If kept outdoors, never let them have a box if the temperature will be above 80 degrees Fahrenheit because it will be significantly hotter in the box. Always remove the nestbox as soon as the eggs fail to hatch, or as soon as the chicks leave it. Always remove the chicks from the parent’s cage as soon as they are eating on their own. Never allow related birds to breed.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
