There is a secret to breeding birds. The females do not go into heat and breed with any available male. They cannot be forced to breed, they must bond and then there is a long breeding ritual that takes place. There are breeders that have birds set up for years without success. Some times the birds are just not suited to each and never bond. Sometimes they are too old or may have been very young when put together or have some other problem that prevents breeding. I did say there was a secret didnt I? So, what is this mysterious key that successful breeders all know? Dont try to breed the birds. Try to make them happy. Happy birds are incline to reproduce. Happy birds reproduce for a longer period of their life and their babies are healthier, happier chicks. What makes them happy? A sense of security and enrichment. Their home, which is their flight. It should be placed in a secure area with some measure of privacy. Birds that need additional privacy can have a wire privacy screen erected near them and a vine (either planted in the ground or in a pot) can be trained to grow up the wired. Different species find different environments to be secure. The breeders must be informed enough and intuitive enough to know what the pair finds secure. The people who care for the birds are also a part of the security the birds sense. People who do not behave in an aversive manner and are reliable, create a sense of security. Breeding birds benefit from a little bit of training. Targeting and stationing makes it easier to feed the birds and check their nest box. Birds that are trained in a few behaviors that make maintenance easier for people are not nearly as nervous around humans as untrained birds, when humans are invading their home. Security includes pleasurable surrounding, a balance of privacy and social interactions, training and reliability. Enrichment is required for all living things to enjoy life and be happy. Enrichment includes having something to do and stimulation of all the senses. Toys to play with, a swing and a little training provide birds with something to do and stimulates the minds of intelligent creatures. Toys for parrots can be natural or man made. The sense include slight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. Birds see in many colors and so provide them with color. This can be in many forms, on the wall, plants that flowers or in their food and toys. Varies texture in foods, perches, and toys satisfies and need for tactile simulation. Playing soothing, soft music, singing and talking to the birds gives them auditory simulation. Parrots and some other species learn to talk, hearing is important to them. Smell is very important for some species like Lories which can distinguish between certain scents, especially flower scents. Warm foods produce more fragrance than cold food and many pellets. A diet that includes a variety of in season fresh foods provides taste, texture and pleasurable odors. All forms of enrichment do not need to be provided all at once. Like toys they can be rotated to keep things interesting and stimulating.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 13:26:34 +0000
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