Instructions
Buy your cockatiels from a reputable breeder. When planning to breed you birds it's best that you choose birds from a reputable bird breeder who has bred birds for health and who knows genetic traits of the species. It's unlikely you will be able to find out the genetic background of birds purchased at a pet store and it's more likely you could get a bird of the wrong sex. Pet stores will often sell a male as a female and vice versa. You could wind up attempting to breed two males.
Wait until cockatiels are old enough for breeding. Females should be at least 18 months old. It's best if males are at least a year old before breeding. The birds should be physically and mentally mature before mating them.
Listen for the male. The cock will become very vocal when it's time to breed. Flying back and forth from perch to perch, he will let out a loud, high-pitched and persistent call.
Observe the mating dance. The male will perch in front of the female, twist his head from side to side with the tops of his wings pulled away from his body and his body lowered.
Notice if the female is soliciting mating. The hen will lower her body on the perch while elevating her tail to indicate she's ready to breed.
Watch for mating to begin. The male will step up onto the females back and tuck his tail under the female's tail. She will make chattering noises throughout the copulation.
Be on the lookout for eggs. The hen will lay eggs approximately one week after the birds begin mating. Mating will often take place several times over the week and even occurs when the female begins laying eggs. She will lay one egg every other day and usually produce five or six eggs.
How to Know If Cockatiels Are Ready to Reproduce
Breeding cockatiels is relatively easy, but it's important that the birds are old enough before mating to ensure you won't have problems. They are opportunistic breeders and will breed at any time of year under the right conditions. Cockatiels aren't fussy, to breed all they need is 10 to 12 hours of daylight or bright artificial light a day, an abundant supply of water for drinking and bathing, plenty of food and a suitable nesting site.