As a devoted pet owner, ensuring the well-being and proper development of your avian companions is paramount. This is especially true when it comes to addressing the complexities of sexual maturity, breeding readiness, and hormonal behaviors in parrots, such as Quaker parrots. It’s crucial to understand that while captive-bred parrots may reach sexual maturity earlier than their wild counterparts, they are not fully developed physically or mentally for breeding until much later. This article, drawing from expert advice, aims to guide you through recognizing these signs, managing hormonal behaviors, and understanding the implications of breeding your parrots.
Separating Young Parrots: A Necessary Step
Regardless of your intentions regarding breeding, it is imperative to separate young parrots that are exhibiting signs of bonding. If necessary, house them in different rooms. Quaker parrots, for instance, typically require closer to three years of age before they are considered mature enough for breeding. Allowing very young birds to breed can lead to significant mistakes and the development of poor breeding habits, potentially hindering their success as future breeders. For female parrots, breeding at a young age significantly increases the risk of serious health complications, such as becoming egg-bound. Both birds need additional time to mature both physically and mentally.
Managing Hormonal Behavior and Bonding
The reason young parrots may seem less tame is often due to their developing bond with each other. Parrots naturally form flock bonds and will associate with others until they choose a mate. Once a pair becomes bonded, they tend to view other parrots, and even humans, as rivals. This explains why your birds may prefer each other’s company over yours, which is a natural behavior. However, for their own health and development, these two birds need to be separated for a period of a couple of years. Following separation, they should gradually return to their previous tame state. For optimal pet companionship, it is beneficial if they cannot see each other.
You must also be vigilant about potential hormonal triggers. When interacting physically with your parrots, limit scratches to the head and neck areas. Petting them on the body can inadvertently trigger hormonal responses, as such intimate contact is typically reserved for a chosen mate. Avoid providing them with materials for shredding, particularly for the female parrot. Furthermore, refrain from offering any form of nest, such as bird tents, boxes, or anything that could be perceived as a nesting site. Only birds intended for breeding require a nest. Resources like webinars focusing on hormonal parrot behavior can provide invaluable insights.
The Implications of Breeding Parrots
Should you decide to allow your parrots to breed when they are older, it’s important to understand that they will likely cease to be handleable pets. Once parrots transition into breeders, their tame disposition often diminishes significantly, and they will require considerable privacy during the breeding season. Additionally, successful breeding necessitates specific diets and a range of specialized supplies. Fortunately, you have ample time to thoroughly research breeding practices and make an informed decision about whether this is the right path for you and your avian companions.
References:
- Lafeber Company. “Spring Is In the Air: How To Deal With Your Pet Bird’s Hormonal Behavior!” https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/webinar-spring-is-in-the-air-how-to-deal-with-your-pet-birds-hormonal-behavior/
- Lafeber Company. “Pet Birds & Hormonal Behavior: Part 2!” https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/webinar-pet-birds-hormonal-behavior-part-2/
