Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 5 yr old Pied male Cockatiel that I bought a girlfriend for a couple of months ago. The female was just a few months old at the time. I know that I should wait until she is 18 months old before I try to have them breed, but at what age should I place her in with the male?

I don't want the male to try breeding her before it's her time. (would he even try without a nestbox ???)

Thanks for your time,
buddyboat

A more aggressive male might try to mate with the female before she is ready and they can actually produce eggs before it is healthy for them (although not as young as yours is that I know of). It would probably be better to have them in separate but near cages until she is old enough. When you do eventually place them in the same cage (if you do) make sure the cage is changed to be a neutral territory so one will not feel the need to defend it and do not put in any nest spots unless or until you want them to mate.

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