Breeding Parrotlets

Once the breeder has the birds caged appropriately and on a healthy diet, the final piece of the breeding puzzle is environment.

Lighting plays an important role in breeding birds. In order for a bird to nest, it must believe that there is ample daylight in which to raise its chicks. This means at least 12 hours of daylight. Breeders in northern climates use artificial lights to help supplement natural daylight. This can be as simple as leaving the light on in the bird's room. Keep in mind, though, that when a bird sleeps, it needs total darkness, so be sure that the periods of light and dark are definitive.

Everyone enjoys privacy, and birds are no exception. While there are exceptions to every rule, keeping a breeding pair in a busy room, such as a living room, may distract them. A room with other pets, noisy children, or other distractions may also hamper the process. Ideally, the breeding pair should be in a room of their own in which the breeder can visit several times a day, such as a study integrated with a bird room.

Last, the bird room needs to be at the proper temperature and humidity. Thankfully, birds can breed at room temperature, and modern heating and air conditioning make it easy to regulate temperature. Humidity, however, is another challenge not so easily overcome. While the room shouldn't be so humid that it is like walking into the rain forest, it shouldn't be dry as the desert, either. In the winter months, it may be necessary to help the humidity levels. Plants, an aquarium, or a room humidifier all help to increase the humidity to proper levels. If you are comfortable (and those of us in the north are well aware with the dry skin of winter), then your birds will be comfortable.

While this article isn't everything about breeding birds, I hope it helps someone down the enjoyable road of bird breeding.

Go To Page: 1 2