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Post by foreveryours on Dec 18, 2004 19:36:52 GMT 10
I want to start breeding cockatiels I have read heaps and heaps of info but i am still a little confused  What different colours can i get from pearl hensmated with differnt coloured males? And what colours produce what chicks? One more thing (sorry) if i want to handraise the babies how do i go about it? What do i feed them? And is a suringe ok to feed them with and how often do they eat? Sorry for all the questions but i want to cram in all the info needed so i don't do anything wrong  |
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Post by hillcresttiels on Dec 18, 2004 20:23:17 GMT 10
Hi Foreveryours,
With colors in tiels their are many arrangements available you have to decide what mutation color you want to breed and then work backwards from there in investing the correct birds otherwise its just a gamble at what you breed.Breeding season is nearly over as far as Cockatiels go most birds are now approaching moulting stage and its time to look forward to next season depending on where you live and your climate.Depending what male you put to your Pearl hen will determine the outcome and with handrearing maybe one of the other members can help you there as there is a bit involved cheers Frank
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Post by josiedownunda on Dec 19, 2004 7:09:04 GMT 10
Hi Foreveryours, The best way to learn how to handfeed is to get someone to show you and then supervise you while you try. There are lots of things that can go wrong but once you are shown how it isn't hard. If you let us know where you are then maybe someone here that lives near you can assist you. There are some good websites with explanations and instructions too. Here is an article I like. www.cockatiel.org/articles/handfeeding.htmlJo-Anne |
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Post by lovemytiels on Dec 19, 2004 7:48:57 GMT 10
Hi Foreveryours, Handrearing baby tiels can be very rewarding, but there can be some down sides like sour crop & slow crop which tiels can be prone to, hence you can loose the babies even if you are experienced & that can break your heart & put you off h/rearing tiels. I would agree with Jo-Anne get somebody who knows what they are doing to show you as it can be a bit daunting at first & you are doing the right thing by getting as much info as you can. Also a good handrearing Formula like Paswells should be used as they now include omega 3 & omega 6 along with a probiotic & a digestive enzyme which all help. I would recommmend that if you h/rear its best to leave it till the babies are about 3 weeks of age & start off with the formula a bit more on the watery side till they get use to the formula & you. As to whether you use a spoon or syringe it depends on what you would feel comfortable with. I personally like using a syringe as I make a total mess of the baby with a spoon. (more on the baby than in it's mouth LOL). Here is another good site for beginners. www.kcbbs.gen.nz/lori/ar/handrear2.html I love h/rearing baby tiels but it does take up a lot of time so remember to have a good schedule to include the babys feed time & for playing with them. All the best with your decision. Cheers for now Anna Olive |
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Post by foreveryours on Dec 19, 2004 8:56:36 GMT 10
Thankyou so much I won't be expecting any eggs and babies until next season so at the moment just doing a lot of research  Just a couple more questions When does breeding season start and how old the hens and cocks have to be before breeding? Both my pearl girls are 7-8mths old and i was hoping they would be ready for next season if not the season after. ;D |
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Post by lovemytiels on Dec 19, 2004 9:31:05 GMT 10
Hi Foreveryours, Your female tiels should be ready by next season to breed. Both females & males can breed from the age of 12 months onwards but I prefer to wait till they are at least 24 months old, just my personal chioce & less chances of females getting egg bound first time around if they are still too young. Depending on where you live can dicate the start of breeding season but it usually is the start of springtime. Unfortunately here in Adelaide the breeding season is getting later. I use to be able to put the nest boxes in at the start of September but the last couple of years it has been just too darn cold with temperatures still getting down to 4 degrees, hence breeding season is starting later here.(can be as late as end of October now) Hopefully someone on this forum who lives in your state & breeds tiels will be able to help you more on when they breed their tiels. Before you even think about breeding your females make sure they have a really good diet to bring them in to tip top condition as breeding takes a lot out of them. See all the good advise here on this forum about foods to give our fine feathered friends. Cheers for now Anna Olive
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