[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:VIDEO::PULSIFER
Created:Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:942
Total number of notes:6016

693.0. "Rosey future for Edith???" by GERBIL::MAGEE () Sun May 31 1992 17:42



       I have two tiels. Edith is a three year old female who
has had babies when another person owned her. Rosey is a seven
month old male that I have had since December. It would certainly
appear that Rosey has started looking at Edith in a new and more
erotic way. He now does all kinds of fancy posturing for her 
while whistling "happy birthday to you" (he just knows how to
drive women crazy! As it would appear that he is also trying to 
feed her I think that there is something on his mind.

      Is he old enough to breed? 

      I hope you say yes because I have already bought the 
breeding box!



      chet
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
693.1Go For it!CSOA1::DIRRMANWed Jun 03 1992 13:127
     If it were the other way around - I would say no - but If the male is
    getting the 'ole gleam in the eye and if Edith seems interested - give
    it a try. The eggs (if layed) may be fertile - may not - you will find
    out. I can't think of any reason it should hurt the male. He may not be
    the greatest parent as he is young - but then again!!!
    
    		Go for it!
693.2TEIL RELATIONSBRAT::BOURGAULTThu Jun 04 1992 14:2529
    I agree with noter #1.  Try it out.  The worst that can happen is that
    the eggs are infertile, or they don't incubate them properly and they
    never hatch.  Another thing that you might encounter is once the eggs
    hatch, the parents (Mainly the male) will not feed the fledglings.
    Since the male is the primary feeder of the youngsters this could be
    a problem with a young male.  I have even had an older male that 
    didn't feed them.  And when they are that young ( a day or two), it
    is extremely difficult to pull them through by handfeeding.  They are
    so suseptable to fungus/bacterial infections, even if you use
    the Lactabacillis (I'm sure misspelled!) in their food.  Speaking
    to very experienced breeders, I find that even they dread this and
    have a very high mortality rate when this occurs.
    
    I have had the parents just feed one bird and let the others starve.
    Why, I don't know, but through speaking with other breeders of
    cockatiels, they find this a problem as well.
    
    I hope that this hasn't discouraged you.  Just thought I'd advise you
    on the problems I have encountered over the years.
    
    On the other hand,  Budgies make excellent parents and very rarely
    do you have to intervene.  These little birds have a tremendous
    amount of dedication to their brood!  
    
    Best of luck!
    
    Denise
    
    Unlike budgies, cockatiels can be poor parents quite often.
693.3Grandpa?...Is that you?...SELL3::MCETTRICKTue Jun 09 1992 11:1110
    My book says 8-9 months.  The concern is if they are too young they
    don't make good parents.  But then again, if you are going to hand feed
    them it probably won't matter.  
    
    Rosey is almost of age anyway...
    
    I was reading about the way they "do it"...that is really amazing. 
    Good luck!
    
    Wen