Parakeet Breeding
The Basics of Parakeet Breeding
Collecting parakeets in the wild has not been allowed for many years, and that is why parakeet breeding is the only way that people can continue to have these birds as pets. While they are fairly easy to breed it is very important that breeders of parakeets – and any other animal – are very responsible about how they breed and who is able to buy their pets.
Below are some of the basics that you will need to know if you are considering parakeet breeding.
A Healthy Start
One of the first things that you should do before breeding a pair of parakeets is to take steps to ensure that both birds are healthy. The only way to do this is to have your vet do a thorough examination of both birds. It goes without saying that breeding unhealthy birds is not advisable. Start with a healthy pair and you greatly increase your chances for success.
Other considerations: The birds should not be related and need to be a minimum of one year old.
A Happy Home
The nesting environment for your parakeets should consist of a cage that is of adequate size. In the cage should be a nesting box. You will also need to provide materials for the birds to use in nest building. A common material for that purpose is pine shavings, but there are other options as well.
You will need to take needed steps to keep the cage clean and free of debris.
Feeding
As with all animals (including humans) a healthy diet will help ensure successful breeding. Your birds should be fed not only fresh fruits and vegetables, but also a very high quality pellet. Including the pellets in their diet will ensure that the parakeets are getting the proper nutrients.
Eggs
Typically, when parakeet breeding you will notice that the bird will lay an egg on alternate days until she has laid her entire clutch. Usually this includes at total of about eight eggs. The number varies and can be as low as four eggs in some cases.
The eggs will need to incubate for a bit over two weeks and sometimes as much as 25 days.
Baby Birds
The best way to make sure the baby birds are cared for properly is to leave it to the parents for the first six weeks. During this time, you should interact with and handle the baby bird in order that it become used to the human touch and voice.
Once the bird reaches six weeks, it can be safely removed from the parents and placed in its own cage.
Selling the Birds
If you are to be a reputable member of the parakeet breeding community then you must take care about to whom you sell your birds. This should include asking potential buyers to fill out an application. Check their references, including a vet reference if they have ever owned a pet before.
The above information is only intended to provide you with the most basic information about parakeet breeding. Before you breed your birds, you should certainly read a good quality book about the subject so that you will be prepared to handle any problems that may arise during the breeding and hatching process.