Read About Breeding Cockatiels

Breeding Cockatiels is an art that produces these extremely popular pet birds in a wide assortment of colors. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Breeding Cockatiels - Breeder Facts

  1. Professional Affiliations:

    There are several cockatiel and related clubs of good repute in the US. Some of them are the Mid Atlantic Cockatiel Breeders, the International Parrots Society, and the National Cockatiel Society. But the one most important affiliation to have is with the American Federation of Aviculture.
  2. Why Use a Breeder:

    Breeders will use several strategies and care provisions to breed cockatiels for their color, physical traits and temperament. They will begin inoculation programs and guide you on how to continue with them, besides giving you valuable tips on healthcare and feeding.
  3. How to Find:

    It is very easy to locate cockatiel breeders. You can visit any of the avian sites on the internet to get a host of reputed breeders. Your local vet could also provide information.
  4. What to Expect:

    The breeder will not sell the cockatiel if they are not assured that you will be able to look after it. You might have to sign a promissory note that you would look after it, and in any unforeseeable event, inform the necessary breeder and the cockatiel club with which it is registered.
  5. Breeder's Surroundings:

    Cockatiels must be kept in clean surroundings and even cleaner cages. They are susceptible to microbial infections passed on through food and feces.

Breeding Cockatiels - Newborn Facts

  1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

    The number of eggs a cockatiel hen lays in a single clutch could vary from 3 to 8.
  2. Age To Be Sold:

    Cockatiels will require the few initial months to develop their bones and wings. This may extend to about two or three weeks, after which they can be sold.
  3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

    Cockatiels should be inquisitive about their surroundings and flit around their cages when disturbed.
  4. Registry:

    You can register cockatiels with any of the various cockatiel clubs. It is better to opt for a national level avian club.
  5. AKC Recognized Characteristics:

    The AKC is devoted to the promotion of dog breeds. It does not recognize cockatiels.
  6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

    The price of cockatiels depends upon their colors. Better colored cockatiels are priced above $150, while white ones could be very cheap.
  7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

    Cockatiel parental information is necessary to be ensured that they do not suffer from any genetic diseases like bird goiter.

Breeding Cockatiels - Breeder Concerns

  1. Breeder Reputation:

    It is advisable to take a cockatiel from a reputed breeder who would know the right approach to breeding and raising the birds. You can get an indication of the reputation by looking at their affiliations and the number of cockatiels they have sold in the past.
  2. Pet Health:

    Cockatiels can suffer from goiter. They can get mites and microbial infections. Extreme care must be taken pertaining to their hygiene.
  3. Assurances:

    The breeder must be able to provide a health guarantee on the bird for a particular period of time after the purchase.