How to Breed Whiteface Cockatiels

The whiteface cockatiel is a color variation of the standard cockatiel. They are no harder to breed than standard cockatiels but, to make sure the chicks are white-faced, both parents need to have this color mutation. The main problem is making sure you have a male and a female. With standard cockatiels, you can tell on sight because the male is darker gray with a colorful face. Whiteface cockatiels look very much the same no matter what sex they are.

Instructions

1. Purchase a pair of whiteface cockatiels, one male and one female, preferably from a breeder who produces good breeding stock. Aim for birds of about 18 months old as they are almost mature and will breed more effectively. If you wish to buy the birds at a younger age, delay breeding by keeping the nesting box closed.
2. Buy a nesting cage of a minimum size of about 18 inches wide, 18 inches tall and 48 inches long. The nest box should be a 12-by-12-by-12-inch cube. This offers enough space for both parents and up to five chicks within the nest box.
3. Cover the floor of the nest box with 1 to 2 inches of wood shavings or pine bedding. The male will remove the bedding and adjust the wooden box openings to his own comfort, readying for the female to lay eggs.
4. Leave the lights on in the room where the cage is placed 12 hours each day to simulate the long days of summer. This entices the birds into thinking it is the season for them to breed.
5. Feed the birds a mixture of dry food as well as soft fruits and offer bird calcium supplements to help with egg formation and general health of the birds. Make sure there is plenty of fresh food each day so that the birds eat enough and can feed the chicks once they eventually hatch.
6. Supply the birds with plentiful water for both drinking and bathing. Make sure it is fresh and clean every day; this also makes the birds think it is the right time of year to breed.

Source: ehow
Author: Nancy Hayden