Bird breeding generally begins as the daylight hours of summer. Territorial behavior becomes evident with males selecting and defending their territory by means of singing and flight displays. Territories vary in size depending on availability of food and requirements of birds breeding in the area. When a female enters a male’s territory she may be threatened by him as if she were another male. However, she will not fight back or fly away if she is ready to mate, and copulation will take place.
The first eggs are usually laid the day after the breeding pair completes the nest. Eggs may be laid daily or on alternate days, even up to five day intervals depending on the species. The parents transmit heat to the eggs, Eggs are turned as often as 12 times an hour and incubation periods vary according to species. When they hatch, some chicks are completely dependent on their parents and others are able to run and feed themselves immediately.
Caring of birds
Bringing a bird into your home should be a happy experience. A well cared for bird will keep you entertained, with many birds living a lifespan of between 10-80 years. Having a bird as part of your family is a considerable responsibility, as they are totally dependant on you for their food, water and shelter for there good health. Birds on a poor diet and in a non-stimulating environment can have a reduced lifespan.
Feeding
A balanced diet is the most important part of a healthy bird's life. The common problems that are seen by include obesity, egg binding and vitamin A deficiency.
Many birds are fed seed as their sole diet birds love this as it is interesting to open and often high in fat. But dried packaged seeds are low in vitamins (especially A), some seed mixtures contain added vitamins and minerals. Many birds also select only one or two types of seed in the whole mix and will not eat any other food or seed. Most commonly selected are sunflower seeds or oats (think of these seeds as chocolate). To provide a balanced diet, many other foods need to be offered daily. Vegetables especially green vegetables are extremely important. Good examples of green vegetables include spinach, silver beet, endives, parsley and celery. Fresh grasses, dandelion and fresh fruits are also great. Good quality bird pellets can be used instead of seed.
Food and Water Bowls
It can be difficult for birds to find sources of clean, easily accessible fresh water, especially during the dry summer months. Bird baths are an excellent way to provide birds with the water, bird baths can also reduces the health risk to birds. Many of the diseases that can be transmitted by dirty feeders can also be transmitted by dirty water sources. Follow these steps to provide your birds is safe and disease free:-
Keep your feeders clean, Feeders should be disinfected at least once or twice a month, but weekly is even better.
Use small-capacity feeders to be sure fresh food is offered more frequently.
Use plastic or metal feeders they can be more thoroughly cleaned.
Change the water and hose out any debris in your bird bath daily.
Empty and thoroughly clean the bath with a disinfectant at least once or twice a month.
Be sure that all disinfectant has been rinsed away before refilling the bath.
Budges
One of the all-time best birds to breed is the budges, also known as the parakeet. These lovely little Australian birds have been the mainstay in the pet bird market for decades. They are an ideal bird for someone just starting out in bird ownership or bird breeding. They have enormous personality but are small enough to not be too noisy or deliver serious bites. Wild budgies are mainly yellow or green, but a number of color mutations have occurred in captivity. Their size makes them ideal for indoor breeding conditions, even in small apartments; however they can also be bred in colonies. They are primarily seed-eating birds. A quality budges birds food along with fresh vegetables and dark, leafy greens make up the normal budgie diet. They are hardy birds but should not be kept in close proximity to other parrots, There has always been a market for pet budgies, and they are worth the investment.
Parrots are also known as Parrotlets. Parrots are an excellent choice for those interested in the bird breeding business. These diminutive South American parrots continue to be one of the most popular birds in the United States. They mature early and can often breed by the time they hit their first birthday. Although they typically produce multiple clutches of six to eight eggs, the hens still manage to feed all the chicks. Because of their size, parrots pairs can be set up in small bird cages, which make them ideal for apartments or houses lacking the space to accommodate larger species. Parrots thrive on a quality seed mix, small pellets and a variety of fresh vegetables. Pacific parrotlets produce color mutations that are quite popular in the United States.
Lovebirds are small parrots worth considering. Only slightly larger than parrots, they do not take up a great deal of space and breed easily. Their popularity on the show circuit is growing. Lovebirds normally lay four to six eggs, which they incubate for 21 days. The chicks usually wean within eight weeks. Best diet for lovebirds is a combination of seed and pellets plus fresh vegetables, dark leafy greens and fruits should be offered daily. Although the name lovebird suggests that they should be kept in pairs, it is only necessary if you intend to breed these beauties. Lovebirds should be kept alone so they will bond with their owner.
Cockatiels have long been one of the best small parrots to keep and breed. They are not the most colorful members of the parrot family, but their charming personalities and pleasant vocalizations make them one one of the most popular pet birds. Therefore the demand for cockatiels remains high. The numerous color mutations of cockatiels now available has only increased interest in these birds.Cockatiels mature quickly and may start breeding at 1 year old. Although larger cages are far more appropriate and desirable, cockatiels can be set up for breeding in cages 2 or 3 feet long. They can also be set up as a colony in a larger cases. A typical clutch includes four eggs, the hens usually do not start incubating until the second egg is laid. Cockatiels breed make good parents, feeding and caring for the chicks until they are removed for hand-feeding or sale.
Macaws are large, colorful South American parrots. Macaws big size and vibrant colors make them to overlook. These birds can create a racket when they feel so inclined, and their clownish ways are sure to draw attention.
Most species of macaws are endangered and a few are almost certainly extinct. Problems faced by macaws in the wild include deforestation "loss of habitat"and illegal trapping. While most macaws are captured for the pet trade, some are also captured and killed for their beautiful plumage.
There are 18 living species of macaws, not all commonly get adopted by people. The commonly kept companion macaw species are: blue and gold macaw, green winged macaw, Hahn’s macaw, hyacinth macaw, scarlet macaw, military macaw, and severe macaw.
