The Cockatoo Breeding Process

In order to have a clear sketch of how Cockatoos reproduce, this section will show you the breeding process and the information you need to know, so that your pets can successfully procreate.

a.) Selecting Cockatoos for Breeding

For you to select a healthy, fertile and active parrot it is recommended that your parrot undergoes clinical examination by a veterinarian. This is essential to determine if your parrot is capable of reproduction or not and at the same time it can prevent diseases that could be transmitted to the coming flock.

b.) Setting up a Good Nesting Environment

Cockatoos in the wild usually nest in tree hollows or cliff openings; in captivity, you need to set up a nice environment to replicate that natural breeding and dwelling place so that they can successfully mate and create healthy clutches. The nest box size for a small-size cockatoo should ideally measure 12” wide x 31” high or
(30 cm x 80 cm); for a medium-sized cockatoo should ideally measure 14” wide x 39” high (35 cm x 100 cm); while large-sized cockatoos 18” wide x 59” high (45 cm x 150 cm)

Keep in mind that the box should be three times the size of your Cockatoos. It is highly recommended that the nest box is wide so that your Cockatoos can have lots of space to move around and that it should ideally be made out of oak wood or metal.

The nest box should have a circular or round entrance hole that has an opening of about 4 inches (10 – 12 cm) for small birds; 4 inches to 5 inches (10 – 12 cm) for medium-sized birds; and 5 inches to 6 inches (12 – 15 cm) for large Cockatoos.

Make sure that a strong wire is attached to the outside walls of the nest to prevent from escaping. To be able to help stabilize the eggs you can add about 2 inches of suitable nest box litter at the bottom of the box. Providing this may also be beneficial in absorbing the droppings from the chicks

c.) Nesting Materials

If you prefer to build your own nest box instead of buying one, you have to make sure that the materials you use are strong so that it will have a good foundation otherwise, your Cockatoos could easily destroy it.

You should also put short pieces of wood or wood chips inside the box for your birds to chew; you can also give them bite-sized timber. Just make sure that it is large enough to not let the small chicks accidentally ingest it. This may help the breeders increase the percentage of fertile eggs and synchronize their breeding cycle as well.

d.) Brooding and Incubation

Cockatoos breed all year round but breeding season usually happens around August to January. Smaller species of Cockatoos reach their sexual maturity around
3 to 5 years old; females’ clutch size ranges from 2 – 3 eggs with a maximum 4 – 5 eggs and incubation lasts for about 25 – 30 days.

Generally, there is a 1 – 2 days interval for female Cockatoos after the first egg is laid. The chicks become independent and leave the nest in usually in 2 – 3 months or approximately 60 – 100 days.

e.) Hatching

On average, the eggs hatch in about 24 – 48 hours after the incubation period for Cockatoos and it takes about 2– 3 months before the young Cockatoos leave the nest. Consult your vet on the suitable type of diet and vitamins or supplements needed for your baby Cockatoos.