cockatiels?

Question

i have two cockatiles that have layed eggs ok i got a breddy box they wont use it why not.i move the eggs to the box they wont go in ok i move the eggs abck they nest them mike

Answer 1

You need to look at the placement and order of the box. There Here is a list of troubleshooting tips for you:

There may be a chance that the hole is too small for them to be comfortable with using it. Next time, try cutting an extra 1/4 inch off from around the hole to make it bigger, but try to not make the hole lower so prevent babies from tumbling out.

I have also found that regular brown Spanish moss (found in the floral isle of craft stores) is a wonderful substitution for nesting material. It is all natural, and dried without any additives or odors. I find that my birds prefer this over wood chips or that cotton stuff, even my Macaws. When you open the package, soak it in water for a day, and repeatably change the soak bath. Use a blow drier to dry it while splitting it into smaller, thiner sections. When dry, place it in the cage. They will know what to do. On the other hand, I have a pair that does not care for nesting materials, and I have tried just about everything under the sun. To prevent eggs getting jostled, however, I place in a decent layer of kibbled food, and it lasts long enough for the babies to, at least, feather out.

Also, look to see where you have the cage place. They may find it uncomfortable if there is a window nearby, where direct sunlight can raise the temperature of the box and will hinder egg development.

Make sure there are not gaps in the seams of the box. The only thing I can figure is Cockatiels are timid about non-enclosed spaces. My assumption? Maybe they may think a preditor may still be able to get in. I ran into this problem with a pair of my Cockatiels I used a peice of duct tape over the gap and the next time I place it on the cage, they used it.

Has a bug moved into the box? Make sure there are not any eight legged creatures that took up residence. If there is nesting material in the box already, inspect it for mites. Even if mites are not detected, scrub it with pure clear/white vinigar and blow dry it dry on high. Allow it to sit open in a well-ventalated area for a few days, maybe a week, to let the vinigar smell out.

For now, because the female found it more comfortable to lay on the bottom of the cage, you need to accomidate her. You need to follow these instructions carefully so not to disturb the eggs too much:

You need to get the eggs off of the bottom of the cage so they do not cool quickly. Please, wash your hands, first. Pull out a hand towel and fold it so there is a decent amount of padding, roll the edges under or place a 1 inch wide peice of cardboard ( 1 in short of the legnth of the towel so you can tuck the first layer under so the carboard is not exposed) under the top layer. This will create a guard to keep the eggs from rolling off. Place the folded towel near the eggs, one at a time, move the eggs to the middle of the towel, making sure that the top of the egg remains up- try not to turn them. Shift the towel carefully into the place where the eggs were origionally laid.

Most likely, the female will go back to them, and the male will follow suit. Please understand, the towel may be too little, too late. The eggs may have coold enough that they will not hatch, and please do not be disappointed. Just leave the eggs as they are for at least 3 weeks. This will keep the female from laying more, giving her a much deserved rest. After that 3 week period, or when you know for sure sh is ignoring them, seperate them for a while.

A good rule of thumb is to keep birds for at least six months before setting them up to breed. This way, you know at least how long you have had them. Cockatiels should generally be 2 years of age, or more, before attempting to breed. Breeding a female that is too young can be very detrimental to her health.

This, and, as with all parents, they will learn over time what to do. If they are first-time layers, trial and error will be the name of the game. If the eggs do not hatch, they will know for next time that they need to find a more suited nest for their eggs. Just prepare the new materials, and next time, hopefully, it will work for you :)

The "real" time that Cockatiels are in the mood for love (and are in OVERDRIVE :) is during the first few weeks of spring, well into summer. However, Cockatiels are more then willing to nest more then once in a year. Just make sure you give them three months break between every two clutches. Durring that time is the only time you should clean the box.

Answer 2

Just leave the eggs where they want them....for some reason they don't like the box---it could be the box isn't big enough or private enough for them. When I had my cockatiels My nesting boxes were 12" X 12", they opened at the top...and had a round hole in the center of the box,

Cockatiels are wonderful parents, If memory serves me correctly...both the male and female take turns setting and taking care of the babies.

Answer 3

Leave the eggs out and they will hatch them.
Birds are like any other Animal etc. They will "Choose" which place more comfortable to them. In the Box they not see around as well and my feel Threatened. Out of the Box they see around and know it safe. So; "Think outside the box" ;-)

Answer 4

Are they nesting them were when they hatch the babied will not fall? If so then let them do it their way remember they have the instinct. But if they are going to fall you are going to have to convince them somehow just keep trying.