Reproduction of Catherine parakeets

Just like the other common parakeets such as cockatiels, wavy birds, and lovebirds … This finding does not surprise me, because it is a playful, clownish, and above all very calm bird. For more information on this species, it’s here.

Catherine parakeets breeding

Sexual maturity

Sexual maturity arrives fairly early in the Catherine parakeet. On average from 8 months. It makes sense given its small size.

However, this does not mean that she will be ready for breeding. It is important to wait at least a year and more before reproducing the female.

On the one hand to preserve his health and reduce the risk of egg-laying sickness and on the other hand for his general system to form properly.

Note: In this species, males are precocious. One of my young males became a father at the age of 6 months with a success of 5/5. Of course, there was no risk to his health because a male does not lay eggs

How does parakeets mate

The reproduction of Catherine parakeets or rather the mating is done side by side, each raising a leg.

If the couple is not shy, the act is done on the perches and it’s funny to watch. Otherwise, it is done inside the nest.

We can also see signs announcing the arrival of the eggs such as feeding between the two partners (see video):

Parakeet nest for cage

The nest that I use for breeding Catherine parakeets(Reproduction of Catherine parakeets)  is rectangular in shape. Its dimensions are as follows: 29 cm long, 14.5 cm wide by 14 cm high, with a flight hole of about 5 cm.

In the middle is a separation for more peace during the brooding. For the bottom of the nest, I use natural shavings.

The nest has an inspection hatch which is at the top allowing the control of the babies and facilitating cleaning as we can see in the video:

Spawning and brooding:

The female lays 6 eggs on average with a spacing of 48 hours between each egg. The incubation period is between 22 and 24 days. During this brooding period, the female hardly leaves the nest.

On the other hand, she is fed by her male. The latter can brood with her in the afternoon during the nap and at night.

The only outings that the female allows herself are to do these needs (once or twice a day).

Ps: hence the interest in having a practical cage with a removable tray. This will make cleaning easier to avoid odors.

Candling of eggs

To check if the eggs are fertilized, we can handle them from the 6 days of incubation for the first egg and so on. Here is a video of candling the eggs that I made at my couple Catherine:

Lineolated Parakeet hen seen laying an egg

SOURCE: jayz2cool

Egg hatching and feeding

After 21 days of brooding, the first baby points its beak. It is very small about 1g and its down is white. The others will follow…

Food must be available all the time because the parents will eat more to feed the young. Mixing the seeds alone is not enough.

As a result, parents must absolutely be given egg food. It is rich in protein to promote the nourishment and development of babies.

This is the reason why it must be introduced before laying to accustom the parents to this food.

In addition, this mash also promotes incubation. Besides in the picture is the strengthening food Orlux Frutti that my birds appreciate.

Taming of chicks

The Catherine parakeet is easily tamed. Of course with the breeding by hand (which is not given to everyone).

But also with manipulation at the nest. It is a simple method that gives very good results in this species. To practice this method, here is our article on this subject: Bird MAN: method and advice.