How to Breed Moustached Parrots

Mustached parrots, also known as mustached parakeets, are colorful, medium-sized birds. They get their name from the black colorations both above and below their beaks. Mustached parrots grow to between 13 and 16 inches long. They can live for up to 25 years. They are known to have vibrant personalities, but are thought to be somewhat calmer and less demanding than other common parrot species. Breeding parrots can be a large responsibility, as the chicks will require a lot of specialized care. However, mustached parrots are considered relatively easy to breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Nest box
  • Pine shavings
  • Nutrient rich bird food
  • Vitamin, mineral, and calcium supplements
  • Soft pieces of wood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pair the male and female parrots at as young an age as possible. Mustached parrots are ready to breed when they are between two and three years old. Parrots that have been paired for some time are often much more willing to breed.

    • 2

      Place a large nest box, big enough for both the male and female bird to fit in with room to spare, in the habitat. The nest box should be opposite the opening to the cage. This will make the birds feel more secure. These birds often feel the most comfortable when a sturdy hollow log is used for the nest box, but a regular bird nest box can also be purchased or made.

    • 3

      Fill the bottom of the nest box with a layer of pine shavings.

    • 4

      Feed the birds a nutrient-rich diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as vitamin enriched pellet or seed mix.

    • 5

      Add vitamin, mineral, and calcium supplements to the bird̵7;s food. This will keep the birds as healthy as possible, meaning that there will be a higher chance of a successful breeding and healthy eggs. Liquid calcium or powdered supplements can be added to the food. A mineral block or cuttlebone can also be placed in the habitat to provide extra calcium and nutrients.

    • 6

      Place soft pieces of wood in the habitat. Some female parrots and parakeets feel the need to chew as they get ready to breed. The chewing can even stimulate breeding. The wood should be small enough that the bird can get its beak around it, but not small enough for it to swallow.

    • 7

      Leave the birds alone as much as possible after the breeding environment has been established. Mustached parrots, like most parrots, prefer to breed and care for their young in private. Disturbing them could mean that the parrots will not feel comfortable enough to breed.

    • 8

      Wait for the parrots to breed. This usually happens between December and April, although the courtship rituals usually start happening late in the winter.