Parakeets are very popular animals among people who love birds. If that's your case, why not create some? In the wild, they prefer to lead a monogamous life, which makes mating and breeding at home much easier. Just find out if your bird couple is in good condition (housing and comfort) and has good food available. Then use some strategies to encourage breeding and keep an eye out for eggs.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Matching parakeets in the same cage
Step 1. Buy parakeets from a responsible seller or breeder
Ask for references from people who have purchased birds from this seller before and talk to them. Then see if the animals are kept in clean, healthy, spacious and stress-free environments. Look carefully to see if the parakeets are really in good condition.
- Do an internet search and learn to spot potential red flags from a salesperson, such as complaints from people who have been customers in the past.
- A parakeet can cost around R$ 100.00, depending on the location.
Step 2. Choose two birds that are from different families to avoid congenital diseases in the chicks
Birds that are part of the same family can mate if they are of the opposite sex. However, puppies that survive will have deformities or be susceptible to disease.
- Find out if parakeets are related at the time of purchase.
- Birds raised by different vendors are unlikely to have any blood relationships.
- In some cases, birds with a relationship between a grandmother and a grandchild (or a grandfather and a granddaughter) do not present a high risk of producing young with deformities. Even so, it's better not to risk it.
Step 3. Buy two parakeets that are already used to each other
Birds that are kept in the same cage and get used to each other's presence mate faster than those that don't know each other (provided they're not related, of course). That's because these birds already get along well.
In some cases, birds can be more comfortable with each other if they are kept in cages that are close together. The relationship is not that close, but that helps
Step 4. Choose a female that is between one and three years old
Wait until the female is at least a year old before mating with the male for the offspring to be born healthier. On the other hand, the most fertile period of life for birds of this sex is around three years.
If you are unsure of the female's age, take her to the vet for a proper examination
Step 5. Choose a male that is between one and six years old
Like females, male parakeets produce healthier offspring from one year of age onwards. However, unlike them, they remain fertile until they reach the age of six.
Your veterinarian can help you determine the age of the parakeets. Refer to it in any case of doubt
Step 6. Take the parakeets to a veterinarian for some tests
Consult a veterinarian with experience in handling birds and who can advise you on mating and other care for parakeets. Here are some things he has to watch out for:
- If the parakeets' feathers don't have discolored spots.
- If there is no discharge coming out of the bird holes.
- If the bird holes are not obstructed.
- If birds are not lethargic.
- If birds are feeding and defecating well.
- If the birds are not vomiting.
Step 7. Place only the pair of parakeets in the cage
In addition to being more comfortable, they will be more likely to mate and produce offspring. This strategy is similar to the behavior of parakeets in the wild and therefore generates an advantage.
Get one of the parakeets out of the cage if they start fighting. In this case, place each one in an individual cage, but next to each other. Observe their behavior and return the bird to the same cage as the previous one when they get along well
Step 8. See if the parakeets exchange caresses and bits of food, which are good signs
Birds will have a good relationship when they start and take care of each other. Generally speaking, they do not mate until after that.
You can also see if birds play with each other and sleep close together
Method 2 of 5: Adapting Habitat for Birds
Step 1. Buy a cage that is at least 60 x 40 x 40 cm
This is the ideal space for parakeets to fly a little and get further away at times - remembering that, as much as the intention is to make the birds mate, they also need to be alone from time to time. This is good for your health.
You also need to buy a cage for each pair of parakeets. Don't try to put two or more pairs together, or they might not get along
Step 2. Place sheets of newspaper at the base of the cage
The grid at the base of the cage can hurt the parakeets' paws, which need all the comfort possible. In this sense, using sheets of newspaper is a cheap and safe alternative. As a bonus, the birds will "play" with the material!
Place two layers of newspaper sheets at the base of the cage
Step 3. Place two or more wooden perches and swings in the cage
You need perches and swings for both parakeets at the same time, but it's also good to put in some extra items of these types (if there's room).
The best material for perches and swings is wood. Do not use anything made of plastic, as there is a risk that parakeets will try to nibble on the spot
Step 4. Place a 15 x 15 x 25 cm nest on the side of the cage
Buy a nest with a side opening that is easily accessible. It needs to have a hole on one side for the female to enter and lay the eggs in a safe place.
- These wooden nests simulate real nests, those found in nature.
- Buy the nest at any physical or virtual pet shop.
Step 5. Place a concave saucer inside the nest to avoid paw problems
Use a saucer that is 2.5 cm deep and 15 cm in diameter. It will support the eggs and even the chicks as they hatch.
- You still have the option of making or buying a hollow piece of wood that sits at the base of the nest.
- Only use non-toxic materials such as wood or glass.
Step 6. Create a thin layer of sawdust on the saucer and the rest of the nest
Sawdust simulates the comfort of certain materials found in nature, such as sticks and tree bark. The female will nibble on this forage when preparing for mating.
You will place this layer in the concave saucer or hole in the bottom of the nest
Step 7. Clean the cage once a week
Empty, wash and replace the feed (or other food) and water in the cage. Replace the old forage layer with a new one with different wood chips and sawdust. Finally, wash and dry the toys inside the structure.
If there are eggs in the nest, do not change the forage until the female has hatched them all (but change the forage in the rest of the cage at will)
Method 3 of 5: Feeding the Parakeets
Step 1. Place a large feeder with feed, seeds, fruits and vegetables in the cage
Buy food pellets made specifically for parakeets and put plenty of them in the cage (so you never run out). Also, distribute seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables twice a day - always cut into small, raw pieces. The birds will be healthy and happy.
- Apple, banana, grape, guava, kiwi, mango, melon, orange, papaya, pear, peach, pineapple and strawberry are great fruits for parakeets.
- Broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, kale, squash, radish, spinach, zucchini, sweet potatoes and fresh tomatoes are great vegetables.
- Parakeets will need more food when they have babies. Always keep an eye on the feeder.
Step 2. Install two drinkers in the cage
Empty and replenish the fresh water of the parakeets every day in the morning and in the evening. Birds will need more when they mate. That's why it's better to have two drinking fountains instead of one. Also, this reduces the risk of them fighting over the liquid.
Install drinkers on different sides of the cage
Step 3. Put enough food in the cage so the parakeets don't eat the eggs
Most parakeets do not eat their own eggs, but this can happen if the cage lacks food. Unfortunately, some birds acquire this habit and therefore are not suitable for mating and breeding.
If your parakeets eat their eggs, put more food in the cage at the next mating season. If even that doesn't work, it's better to find another pair of birds to breed
Step 4. Place blocks of minerals and iodized salt and sepia bones in the cage
These supplements contain vitamins and minerals needed by parakeets, such as calcium. Put them in the cage and the birds will slowly eat everything.
Buy supplements at any physical or virtual pet store
Method 4 of 5: Optimizing Mating and Breeding Conditions
Step 1. Understand when parakeets are most likely to mate
Generally, parakeets begin to mate between June and November, but also in rainy months that fall outside this period. This is because, in nature, its main food sources are more prevalent after rains and storms.
In the Southern Hemisphere, parakeets mate from June to November because they are the hottest months, although there is periodic rain in the meantime
Step 2. Set the room temperature between 18 and 24 °C
These are the ideal temperatures for mating. You can try to adjust your home environment with an air conditioner or a fan, but this is not always necessary - as this is already the most common interval in much of Brazil.
Step 3. Cover the cage for 12 hours every night
Birds need to rest so they don't get stressed. So cover the cage for half the day, while they're quieter, and find out for the other half.
Cover and uncover the cage at the same times each day. For example, take this cover off at 6:00 am and put it back on at 6:00 pm
Step 4. Place wood chips in the bottom of the cage for the female to nibble on
This helps to get the bird in "the mood" for mating. Change chips every day so the female doesn't have to nibble on old material.
It is this behavior that parakeets adopt in nature. Encourage your pet to act like this
Step 5. Pay attention to the behavior of parakeets when mating
When the male wants to mate, he will approach the female making very characteristic sounds and then touch her beak. If she's interested, she'll lower her head and lift her tail - so the male can mount her. Lastly, they will mate for a few minutes.
As not all matings generate eggs, parakeets will repeat this behavior from time to time
Step 6. Spray water on parakeets to simulate mating conditions
Since parakeets mate after rains, you can try spraying them with water to encourage behavior. Repeat the process a few times a day.
This strategy works because the water makes the parakeets' feathers more attractive
Step 7. Leave the parakeets alone for mating
Don't get close to the cage all the time. Let the birds get comfortable until mating takes place.
Also, don't disturb the parakeets with loud sounds. Create a calm, relaxing environment
Method 5 of 5: Keeping an eye out for eggs and chicks
Step 1. Wait ten days until the female lays the first egg
The female will start laying one egg at a time in the nest about ten days after mating and fertilization.
Sometimes parakeets need to mate several times before fertilization actually takes place
Step 2. Count on four to eight eggs in about two weeks
After the female lays the first egg, it will take a day or two to lay the second (and so on). The entire process should take two weeks and generate a total of four to eight eggs.
She will lay eggs in the nest
Step 3. See if the female is sitting on the eggs after laying the third
The female will not start incubating eggs until she has two or three. In other words: you will certainly see the first or two "alone" while that doesn't happen. It's normal and doesn't need to be a cause for concern.
It is always the female who sits on the eggs. The male doesn't even enter the nest
Step 4. Pay attention to the 18 to 21 day incubation period
You will notice that the eggs get cracked after a while. This process takes a little while, but you don't have to do anything. The puppies will be out in a few hours.
Discard eggs if they do not hatch within 22 days. In that case, they probably won't-or, at the very least, the puppies won't be healthy
Step 5. See if the female takes care of the young
Parakeets tend to take good care of their puppies, but you'd better keep an eye on the family to make sure everyone is getting proper attention.
Take care of puppies that are ignored by the mother
Tips
- Generally, parents separate from their puppies when they start to take care of themselves (feeding, for example), around the fifth week of life.
- Parakeets can lay two or three clutches of eggs a year, depending on how often they mate.
- Males do not usually enter the nest, but can "protect" the area when the female is sitting on the eggs.