The choice of material to breed depends on the type of bird: parrots will need boxes made of resistant wood, capable of withstanding the incessant action of their strong beaks; Canaries like flat nests, finches, in general, can use small “basket” nests, or nests like those of canaries …
It is our job to inform ourselves and adapt the nesting needs to the species we have at home; in general it will be appropriate to provide several nesting sites to stimulate reproductive activity.
Among the materials that the different species of birds use for the realization (“lined” or finishing) of their nests are the bark of branches, dry moss, coconut fibers, hairs of different animals (goat), sawdust, wood … The use of these materials depends on each species and their availability in specialized stores.
Among the different signs that there is reproductive activity, we can mention the carrying of the materials previously mentioned to the nest … This behavior is a clear indication that reproductive activity is about to begin.
From this moment we must be very sure of the necessary and special nutritional contribution, the abundance of materials to line the nest and, above all, a lot of tranquility in the environment that surrounds the brood cage.
In the signs of reproductive activity we can also observe body changes; as an example the slight swelling around the year of the female parakeet, immediately before the laying of eggs. The droppings also undergo changes: they are larger, looser and with a stronger smell.
The parents are in charge of feeding the chicks and we will only take care of the older ones
The most common is that the spawning takes place in the morning, at fixed intervals. The number of eggs depends on each species, as well as the incubation period.
The incubation period does not usually begin until the second or third egg is laid. It is important to note the date of laying to plan the approximate day of hatching.
Chicks are usually born with their eyes closed and their bodies covered in down. In general, both the father and the mother are in charge of feeding the chicks, so our work will be reduced to adequately cover the nutritional needs of the parents.
It also depends on each species when the chicks begin to “make their first steps”, leave the nest, feed … From the moment when the youngest develop alone, we must consider their early separation from their parents.
As always, and in the face of such an important phase in the life of our birds such as reproduction, we must be in continuous contact with professionals. They will be responsible for adapting the specific needs of each species of bird and will supervise that all phases of reproduction come to fruition without problems.
