How to Breed Major Mitchell Cockatoos

Major Mitchell cockatoos are large, attractive birds with strong personalities. These cockatoos are mostly white, with pink highlights along their faces and fronts, as well as large red, yellow and white crests of feathers atop their heads. Their striking appearance attracts many bird enthusiast. However, these cockatoos require a great deal of attention and training, as they are both energetic and intelligent. Lack of attention can lead to the cockatoo become destructive, loud or aggressive. These traits can also make the Major Mitchell cockatoo a challenge to breed. It can take years before a pair decides it's ready to mate.

Things You'll Need

  • Breeding aviary
  • Various nest boxes
  • Bird bedding or wood shavings
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a pair of mature, bonded cockatoos. There are a couple ways to do this. You can purchase a young male and female bird, and allow them to bond as they mature together. Male cockatoos have darker brown irises, while female birds have redder irises. However, the best way to determine gender is to have a veterinarian determine gender through DNA tests or surgical sexing. A breeding pair can also be purchased from a reputable cockatoo breeder. These cockatoos are usually sexually mature at 3 or 4 years old.

    • 2

      Place the breeding pair in a large breeding aviary. These birds, which can grow to 1 ½ feet long, require a lot of space. An aviary between 13 and 16 feet long, 4 to 5 feet wide, and 8 feet tall, is a good size. This breeding aviary should be in a private place, away from both people and other birds. These birds can be very territorial and may not breed if they are constantly interrupted or watched.

    • 3

      Place several nest boxes in the aviary. These boxes should all be large enough for both of the birds to climb in, although some should be larger than others. The boxes can be different shapes, such as true boxes or hollow logs, and should be placed in different areas throughout the aviary. This lets the breeding birds select which box they like best. Each box needs an opening of about 4 inches around for the birds to enter. Because male Major Mitchell cockatoos can often become very aggressive, it's usually best to equip each box with two entrances, so the female can escape if needed.

    • 4

      Fill the bottom of each nest box with a layer of wood shavings or another bird bedding material. This is what the cockatoos will lay their eggs in.

    • 5

      Wait for the birds to breed. At this point, by carefully choosing a bonded pair and providing them with nesting areas, you've done all you can to encourage the Major Mitchell cockatoos to breed. Now, the birds need to settle in, and will breed when they're ready. Don't be discouraged if this doesn't happen immediately. It can sometimes be years before a pair mates. When they do breed, between two and four eggs will be laid. The eggs will hatch within 24 to 30 days.