Cockatiel Breeding Basics

Cockatiels belong to the cockatoo family and are cherished for their warm, outgoing personalities and distinctive whistling, particularly among males. These traits make cockatiels a popular pet choice in America. The feathers on top of the bird's head are a sure-fire indicator of its mood. Cockatiels are small birds of gray, white, and yellow, with the female bird's coloring more subdued. They can live to be 20 years old.

Health Requirements

To ensure the good health of breeding cockatiels and their babies, a male and female pair should be unrelated, free of disease and birth defects, and between 2 and 5 years old. Bring your cockatiels to the vet for an exam prior to breeding to ensure they are healthy.

Nesting Requirements

The cage for a pair of breeding cockatiels should measure at least 20 x 20 x 50 inches and include a nest box with a minimum size of 12 x 12 inches. Provide appropriate nesting material like shredded paper, paper towels, and molted feathers.

Nutritional Requirements

Cockatiels are hookbills and should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality pellets, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and small amounts of seeds. Breeding pairs should be treated with a calcium supplement to ensure proper egg development and to help the hen recoup nutrients lost in the egg-making process.

Egg Laying

Female cockatiels lay their eggs within one to two weeks of mating. Like many other types of birds, it's not uncommon for cockatiels to lay one egg every other day until they have all been laid. There are usually between four and six eggs in each clutch.

Incubation Time

On average, cockatiels incubate their eggs for about 18-20 days. This can vary by a couple of days in either direction and is usually no cause for concern.

Hatchling Care and Weaning

If cockatiel babies are to be hand-fed, many breeders let the parents raise the chicks until they are about 2 weeks old. The breeders then "pull" the chicks from the nest and place them in a brooder for hand-feeding until they are weaned. Most baby cockatiels can be weaned between the ages of 7 and 8 weeks by offering them millet, small bits of fruit, and vegetable and softened pellets.