Breeding Cockatiels - mating or just look like it?

[mapache]

My cockatiels have been mating now for about 5-6 weeks. They have everything they need, nesting box, soft foods, cuddle bones, water. They actually have been mating at least two times a day everyday for this time period, but NO eggs yet?? Someone told me "maybe they just LOOK like they are breeding". What does that mean? The male gets on the back of the female and moves back and forth and makes chirping sounds while he does this for about a minute each time. Why isn't she laying any eggs?

[cherylrowland]

If everything is good in the diet, it is because the hen doesn't want to lay eggs. I have a hen who has been with a male for five weeks now and they were doing to deed several times a day, but still no eggs. I was told that it doesn't matter how may times the birds are together, if the hen doesn't want to make eggs, her body won't.

[sarak]

Cheryl is right again...however, in her case I know she has hens and boys. In your case, I have to ask...are you sure you have a male and female pair? Birds can and do form same sex pairs, go through mating behavior, some can even go to nest....some, incredibly enough, can be used as foster parents! If you are sure they are not the same sex...then you will have to wait and see. Maybe add some "extra" to their diet in the form of leafy greens (mine love mustard and turnip greens) and veggies, boiled or scrambled eggs, whole wheat bread, etc.

Good luck.

Sara K

[jperkins]

Agreed.
You should try to mimic their natural breeding season to encourage the hen to lay. Extra lighting (about 14 hrs), an abundance of foods and leafy greens like Sara said, spraying your pair with a waterbottle a couple times a day to mimic the many rains during the breeding season, etc. These are all great ways to try and get your birds "in the mood!"
GOOD LUCK! Be sure to let us know how they do!

[jonandamy]

Hi all. :) I am new here & not even sure im askin this in the right "area". Hopefully one of u can please help me out? How can I tell if i actually have a male or female tiel? We were told we have 1 of each with a big age difference. One IS a male & the one growing up, is supposed to be a female. Now that "she" is getting older, she is getting awfully bright in colors. Any other ways for me to tell which sex "she" actually is? Thank you in advance, AMY

[marieandchirpy]

Jan 24, 2011 20:17:57 GMT -5 jonandamy said:

Hi all. :) I am new here & not even sure im askin this in the right "area". Hopefully one of u can please help me out? How can I tell if i actually have a male or female tiel? We were told we have 1 of each with a big age difference. One IS a male & the one growing up, is supposed to be a female. Now that "she" is getting older, she is getting awfully bright in colors. Any other ways for me to tell which sex "she" actually is? Thank you in advance, AMY

Is she a mutation? That could explain the colors.

Males are more vocal and whistle while females are more reserved and quiet. Males bob their heads.

www.cockatielcottage.net/cockatiels3.html

[dreamcatchers]

Also - if you can see "tiger striping" (sometimes it is really really faint) on the underside of the tail feathers or under the wings and the bird is over a year old, then chances are it is a female. Another way to tell is do have the bird DNA tested. A few feathers sent off to the lab can give you a solid 99% accuracy for determining which you have.

While the vocal indication is a good one, I have a female here that mimics everyone's whistles - including my african grey. She was given to me as an infertile male according to her breeder. They didn't bother with the DNA sexing, just wrote her off as a sterile boy. Turns out, when she was paired with one of my boys, she laid 6 eggs. She sings every morning with all the boys to this day.

Michelle
Dreamcatchers

[elisha]

my female also sings and whistles ,,,, do you have material bedding in the box enough light , plenty of food n water