Instructions
Install several nesting boxes in a sheltered area of the aviary. They should be at least five feet high but not to close to the ceiling. The sizes of nesting boxes depend upon the preference of the owner and can vary. An average-sized box is 16 to 24 inches in width and length. The cherryhead conures may prefer to breed in a box that is similar to the size of the one in which they were hatched and reared.
Create a three-inch inspection hole on the removable top of the nesting box.
Allow the parent birds to choose their own nesting box. Once a bird has chosen her own box and been successful in it, you can offer it to her each breeding season.
Remove any nesting boxes that are unused. Store boxes in a clean area.
Add nesting material to the box such as shredded newspaper, clean straw, large wood chips and corncob. Do not use wood chips or shavings made of pine, cedar or redwood, as they can be toxic to birds. Some cherryhead conures may prefer to lay their eggs on the bare wooden base of the nesting box and will remove all the nesting materials that you added.
Resist the urge to inspect the nest once the female has laid the eggs. They usually lay three or four eggs. Both parents share in incubating the eggs and can become quite aggressive as they are protecting the nest area. The eggs incubate for about 25 days.
Allow nature to take its course. By the time the chicks are 12 weeks old they are eating on their own and don't beg to be hand fed.
Clean and sterilize the nesting box for future use after the chicks have been eating on their own for at least two weeks.
How to Breed Cherryhead Conures
Cherry head conures get their name because of their red heads. They are medium-sized parrots that average 13 inches in length. They are also known as red-masked conures and red-masked parakeets. Endangered in their natural habitat, they have been observed feeding on fruits and nesting in palm trees. Most breeders exist in United States, especially Florida and California. According to Avian Web, it is fairly easy to breed cherry head conures. The breeder needs to create a safe, comfortable atmosphere where the birds feel safe.