How to Breed Cockatiels

If you own a male and female cockatiel, you may be interested in breeding them. Many people breed cockatiels and sell the young. Others breed cockatiels to better the breed and to fill their home with more birds. Cockatiels are social birds that crave the company of each other and their owners.

• Wait to breed the cockatiels until they are fully mature. Birds that are 18 months or older should be mature enough, healthy enough and willing to breed. Birds that are bred at a young age might have trouble fertilizing or laying eggs and may not even be willing to breed.


• Breed during the spring when there are more daylight hours. You may also want to move the breeding pair near a window where they have access to sunlight. This will make them healthier and more interested in breeding.


• Avoid inbreeding by choosing birds that are not related or from the same bloodline. Inbred birds might fail to breed successfully or might produce unhealthy offspring.


• Add a nesting box to the birdcage, and remove any birds other than the breeding pair. Cockatiels prefer to nest in boxes that are lined in shredded paper or soft cotton. Place a small indent in the middle of the nest to create a nesting bowl. This is where the female will lay her eggs.


• Do not breed cockatiels more than twice a year. Laying eggs and raising baby birds can be stressful to a mother bird. Waiting between pregnancies will allow her to rest and regain her strength between clutches.