How to Breed Cockatiel Birds

Cockatiels are attractive and outgoing birds that make a pleasant addition to the family. Many owners are curious about how difficult it is to breed the birds, either to raise as pets or to sell. Cockatiel birds are not extremely challenging to breed, but the process does require some knowledge, preparation and investment of time. The two most important factors are, of course, that you are certain you have two birds of the opposite sex and that both birds are in optimal physical condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage (30 inches long by 18 inches wide by 36 inches high)
  • Nesting box
  • Shredded newspaper or clean straw
  • Perches
  • Bird toys
  • Cockatiel seed mix
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Sprouted seeds
  • Container for bathing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a cage that is at least 30 inches long, 18 inches wide and 36 inches tall.

    • 2

      Place a nesting box inside the cage that is 12 inches tall and 12 inches deep with a 3-inch hole in the front. Add a 3-inch layer of shredded newspaper or clean straw to the inside of the box.

    • 3

      Place several perches throughout the cage. Provide two to three toys to prevent boredom, which could result in a refusal to mate. Offer a variety of foods including cockatiel seed mixture, vegetables, fruit and sprouted seeds. Provide fresh water at all times.

    • 4

      Add a container of water large enough for the birds to bathe in to the bottom of the cage, in an area where droppings are least likely to fall.

    • 5

      Provide between 10 and 12 hours of bright light, natural or artificial, each day. This step is crucial to the success of cockatiel breeding.

    • 6

      Offer more soft food, such as soft fruit or cooked vegetables, after eggs begin to appear. This will allow the birds to become accustomed to the change in diet before they start to feed the chicks.

    • 7

      Examine any eggs that haven't hatched within three weeks by holding a small flashlight to the large end of the egg. This should be done in a very dark room. If you see any blood vessels in the egg, place it back and wait 28 days before disposing of it.

    • 8

      Move the chicks into their own cage or to a new home when they are weaned. This usually occurs when they are 8 to 10 weeks old.