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ARTICLE
| COCKATIEL HUSBADRY: BREEDING PROGRAMS FOR Y2K featuring Nutritional Requirements © 2000 LINDA S. RUBIN Speaker Paper presented at the 2000 Canadian Parrot Symposium, Toronto, Canada "All Rights Reserved" |
Aviculturists have been accustomed to working with cockatiels in captivity for many decades as their "bread and butter" birds, offering hand-fed tame babies, breeding pairs, and top exhibition stock for sale, all of which has led to an increased popularity of the species over time. Today, the cockatiel is the number two pet bird in over 6 million US households (Author's note: today the cockatiel is the #1 pet bird in over 6 million US households). Interestingly, not everyone who attempts to raise cockatiels can successfully reproduce them and newcomers especially have difficulty. What is responsible for the cockatiels continued popularity ranges from new breeding techniques learned over the years, to the dramatic appearance of fascinating new color mutations which has sparked a collective interest in both newcomers and seasoned breeders alike. Husbandry techniques gathered from avian research studies have benefited cockatiel breeders by directly improving their breeding studs or increasing their rate of reproduction. In addition, newer manufactured products ranging from prepared hand-feeding formulas suitable to the cockatiels' sensitive digestive system, to brooders and other equipment, have been of tremendous aid to breeding success. Rarer color mutations such as the Yellow-cheek, Pastel-face, Dominant Silvers, and the new Suffusions and their myriad combinations are impacting Cockatiel circles both on and off the show-bench at a challenging rate. The formerly known 'rares' of yesterday are now increasingly spotted at bird fairs, formally inscribed within show classifications, and currently rooted throughout classified advertisements, with a new list of contemporary mutations that continue to escalate. No longer are breeders confined to a world of a few simple sex-linked or autosomal recessive mutations. Now, the art of producing and combining such color combinations requires deliberate forethought and planning, and a better understanding of color genetics and color pigmentation to properly identify and classify new colors. Most breeders have their own preferences or favorite foods that they provide for their flock. However, today, a number of manufacturers have increased their product lines to include brands suited for cockatiels based on their own nutritional research studies. Many breeders are also aware that cockatiels live longer on a low-fat diet and therefore offer a basic diet that keep fats to a minimum. Feed: Obtain a high grade, well-cleaned cockatiel mix that contains canary seed, and white millet, with a variety of other seeds in moderation, and fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. Select a brand that is low in fat for resting birds, preferably near 4-5% fat. Breedingpairs, however, need to be offered a diet higher in both fat and protein content for the required nutrients to form eggs, develop embryos, and nourish chicks as they grow. If available, it may be preferable to select a pelleted or extruded diet instead of seed. Pelleted products are an excellent, optimum method of feeding for both breeding and resting birds. Each pellet contains complete nutrients, there are no seed husks remaining, and pellets and extruded diets are thought to be the most nutritionally complete diets as "best known at this time." (Update: Never feed solely pellets or extruded diets alone; include seeds and fresh veggies as well). It is important to introduce pellets according to the manufacturer's directions, as instructions do vary. There are two methods that are the most common. The first method of converting cockatiels to a pelleted or extruded diet involves mixing the pellets 50/50 with the existing seed mix, and increasing the amount of pellets over the next two weeks until only pellets remain. The second method is to offer only the pellets during the day, but replacing the seed in the evening for birds to feed so they won't go to sleep hungry. Each day the pellets are offered in this manner (some instructions do vary). It is important in both instances, however, to keep a close eye on birds so that they do not starve to death. Cockatiels are stubborn birds and creatures of habit and will often times literally starve to death rather than attempt something new or unfamiliar. Therefore, use common sense, monitor birds (ideally weigh them each morning) to see they are not losing too much weight in the process. If necessary, return to the bird's normal food and try again another time once weight has stabilized. Another point to be aware of when feeding pelleted or extruded diets is the change in the color of the birds' droppings. Also, because there is little moisture in the pellets, birds tend to drink more water than if on an otherwise all-seed diet. One initial research study at a well-known university found that breeding cockatiels flourished with a pellet containing 20% protein, producing healthy, robust chicks. It was also learned that resting cockatiels required a lower protein level e.g., 15% when not breeding, as too high a protein level could cause damage to certain organs. Millet Spray, Seed Treats: All cockatiels adore spray millet and the author feeds it to breeders and young daily, and resting birds each week. Millet spray is especially tempting to sick birds that often won't eat anything else, and it is a great advantage when weaning youngchicks onto hard seed, pellets, or other foods. Spray millet is especially useful for new birds who, when acquired as pets, are often too frightened to move for three days, let alone eat! Just hang a spray within easy reach for positive results. There are also many other treat typefoods on the market that can be fed in moderation. If such foods are packing on extra weight,cut back until birds are back to normal. Vitamins and Minerals: If one chooses not to feed fortified products, vitamins should be added to the diet. During the breeding season, a daily offering of soft food such as a cooked |
| "Providing Resources to the Cockatiel Community" The Cockatiel Foundation, founded in June 2007, began out of a growing need in the avicultural community to offer its members programs for pet owners, breeders and exhibitors, in addition to services never before addressed in the cockatiel community. CF is establishing a Cockatiel Adoption & Placement Program to hrlp in the placement and rehoming of cockatiels to new, permanent "forever" homes. CF offers a wealth of information on color genetics, mutations, and breeding research. CF is addressing the needs of our Youth Members in the CF Youth & Education Program developed for tomorrows' next generation of cockatiel afficionados. Please visit our unique LOST & FOUND Center to report and reunite birds with their owners! Joining the Foundation When you join the Foundation as a Member, you will receive many benefits, including the Cockatiel Chronicle and have access to the Members' Only Yahoo Group for chat, PHOTO CONTEST, Members' Articles & more! Please read about our Membership benefits and peruse the website. COME JOIN US! |
Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
C. 2005 Linda S. Rubin
ABSTRACT
