New to Breeding

[joey201]

Hello all I'm in the market for a nice breeding pair of cockatiels the only problem is that where I live there is only three pet stores all of which seem to be run by the same people. I've been reading about breeding and everywhere I read recommends to get the first pair from a reputable breeder so I get a good start. The thing is I know these guys are not reputable breeders they just stick like 25 cockatiels in a tiny cage and sell them. I know this isn't the best start but I'm hoping to get the best possible and start breeding my own tiels. I've looked everywhere around here and these seems to be the only people to have cockatiels in here.

What would you reccomend to look after when selecting what to buy? For example I know no bald ones. Is there anyway I can tell if they are old/young birds?

Also I'm planning on getting a Lutino male and a Whiteface female one from each store so at least they are not related. Is this a good start or should I start with other mutations first?

Also I think they have 2 lutino males should I get these 2 and 2 white face females? or should I just go for 1 pair? I was thinking maybe putting all four in the cage and let them mate with whichever they want? would this be better than a single pair?

I would also like to know if there is an easy way to be certain of the sex of the bird?

thanks in advance!

[marieandchirpy]

joey201 time=1312253438of cockatiels the only problem is that where I live there is only three pet stores all of which seem to be run by the same people. I've been reading about breeding and everywhere I read recommends to get the first pair from a reputable breeder so I get a good start. The thing is I know these guys are not reputable breeders they just stick like 25 cockatiels in a tiny cage and sell them. I know this isn't the best start but I'm hoping to get the best possible and start breeding my own tiels. I've looked everywhere around here and these seems to be the only people to have cockatiels in here.

It is a good idea to purchase breeder birds from a respectable breeder. Most petstores get their birds from birdmills:

www.petstoreabuse.com/birdbreeding.html

What state are located. Maybe I can help you find a respectable Cockatiel breeder.

What would you reccomend to look after when selecting what to buy? For example I know no bald ones. Is there anyway I can tell if they are old/young birds?

I don't know how to answer that question. Hopefully someone else will be able to answer this. I could also ask some Cockatiel breeders on NCS facebook page if you don't mind.

Also I'm planning on getting a Lutino male and a Whiteface female one from each store so at least they are not related. Is this a good start or should I start with other mutations first?

It's a good start. It is preferable to get them from a respectable breeder. If you get them from a regular petstore they may not be socialized to be with humans. Most birds sold in petstores do not get the amount of attention and socialization they need with humans and if they were socialized by the breeder facility they may not be by the time of purchased. Birds who do not get the amount of attention they need from humans will become unsocialized around humans, even if they were socialized by the breeder. I know this from personal experience. Most of the staff that work in petstores are teenagers or young adults who have no knowledge of taking care of birds. Some petstore owners do care about the birds they sell and take excellent care of them and make sure the staff knows how to take care of them, but it is only a small minority who do this.

Also I think they have 2 lutino males should I get these 2 and 2 white face females? or should I just go for 1 pair? I was thinking maybe putting all four in the cage and let them mate with whichever they want? would this be better than a single pair?

Putting four Cockatiels in a cage like that may not be a good idea. It is better to start out with one pair and then purchase more later on as you get more experience.

I would also like to know if there is an easy way to be certain of the sex of the bird?

There is DNA testing. You could also learn how to differentiate the sexes based on behavior. Also female Cockatiels have bars on their tails.

[joey201]

thank you for your response. well im located in Puerto Rico and well there are no reputable breeders around that i know of and believe me ive looked. most say they treat their birds well but cant even provide the bird history and frankly i think they are all about the money. so i have no other source to acquire a healthy pair

[marieandchirpy]

Oops, I thought you were located in the U.S.

I'm gonna try asking breeders on NCS Facebook page and ask if there are respectable breeders in Puerto Rico.

[marieandchirpy]

Here is a list of bird breeders in Puerto Rico:

www.avianbiotech.com/Breeders/Search_Breeders.asp

However I don't if they are responsible breeders.

Someone on the NCS facebook page mentioned Birdsnways has an ad for a breeder in Puerto Rico:

Standard to Perfection Aviaries - ships

We are breeders of world class lovebirds,cockatiel,parakeets and fiches
We has A.roseicollis all mutations, A.Fisheris (fisher) all mutations, A.personata allmutation.A.Nigrenis All mutations, A.Lilinae Some Mut. A.Nigrenis(black Cheek) some Mutations We ship world wide We can supply you from Show to pet Quality [phone] Puerto Rico Email: [e-mail]. Juana Diaz, PR

However we don't know if they are responsible. You'll have to check them out yourself.

Right now I am still asking if there are responsible Cockatiel breeders in your country. If I get more info I will definitely post here.

[marieandchirpy]

NCS has Representative down in Puerto Rico. Juan Cotto is the regional director for Puerto Rico:

PUERTO RICAN
DIRECTOR
Juan Carlos Cotto
[e-mail]

[joey201]

oh wow thank you very much ill def check this out thanks a lot!!!

[marieandchirpy]

Good luck