Reproduction of parrot: I decided to deal with the issue of the winter reproduction of parrot because I often ask it myself.
surprised to see the evolution of my young parakeets in the middle of winter. As is the case right now.
Obviously, I understand the substance of their thinking. I guess in their minds, births are usually only scheduled during the “spring” mating season. I find that to be quite logical.
In nature, according to the seasons and climatic conditions, parrots reproduce in only one period of the year.
Low temperatures, shortened days, and less abundant food cause birds to temporarily stop breeding and resume service with the onset of sunny days to begin a new chapter in their existence.
But sometimes, depending on the geographical areas and depending on the rainy and drought seasons, reproduction can take place over two periods of the year, as is the case in the tropics.
Is the reproduction of parrots in winter possible?
So if I recap what I just said above, the process of reproduction kicks in if and only if the weather conditions and the abundance of food are right. It’s like a condition for solving a mathematical equation.
In captivity, birds live indoors in a heated room, the answer to this question, of course, yes.
Fortunately, many organizations and associations reproduce throughout the year for the conservation of endangered parrots.
As is currently the case with Pairi Daiza in Belgium for the conservation and reproduction of the Spix’s Macaw, “Rio” for close friends.
In addition, many enthusiasts also do it to work on mutations and genetics in order to obtain quality subjects.
It is also a way of participating in the preservation of these species. As long as they are kept in the best possible conditions in order to preserve their health and manage the number of reproductions per pair (2 times per year maximum).
On the other hand, for captive parrots living in an outdoor aviary, this is often not possible, since they will behave exactly like nature birds and will wait for the right time to breed.
Conditions for better breeding success in winter
Temperature
The room for future parents must be properly heated. In France, Belgium, or Quebec, our homes in winter are well heated, so this condition is normally respected.
However, if your birds are in a poorly insulated room, a garage, a veranda, or a balcony…, it would then be necessary to heat a little more in order to maintain a homogeneous ambient temperature of 20 ° C minimum…
In both cases, make sure that the humidity in the room is suitable. An atmosphere that is too dry will compromise the hatching of the eggs …
Warning: During the Reproduction of parrot low temperatures can have a critical impact on the female who could develop a laying ache due to the lack of energy to expel the egg.
In addition, it would push the couple to spend much more than normal during brooding and feeding. So to exhaustion, which could be harmful to their health… Think about it!!!
The duration of sunshine
Lack of light is another determining factor that could hold back the pair from engaging in winter breeding.
The young need to feed several times a day to develop. This could explain blocking recurs.
However, they can still reproduce, but often babies are lost considerably due to insufficient feeding. Hence the failure of reproduction in winter.
To remedy this problem, it would simply be necessary to keep the room in a bright atmosphere for at least 14 hours a day. This will allow parents to better nourish their offspring.
This is quite possible, by switching on the light just before sunrise and sunset and during the day when the sun is scarce …
If you have other birds that are not intended for breeding, you can move them to another room if you feel this will disturb them.
The first simulates daylight thus allowing birds to remain active, the second promotes beautiful plumage and is essential for the proper functioning of the metabolism.
I have written a full article on the subject of interior light which you can read here.
The preparation of the couple before embarking on reproduction is essential.
First of all, provide them with a variety of foods, calcium, and vitamins. An Ensuite offers them a quiet place to avoid any stress, then a suitable home so that the couple feels comfortable and a suitable nest.