Dietary Requirements
A proper diet is essential for the overall health and breeding success of Cockatiels. Here is a general diet plan for Cockatiels before, during, and after the breeding season:
Before breeding season:
- Provide a high-quality pellet-based diet that is formulated specifically for Cockatiels. These pellets should provide a balance of protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, berries, carrots, and broccoli. These foods provide important vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy breeding.
- Offer a source of protein such as cooked eggs, cooked chicken, or small amounts of cooked fish. These foods will help support the growth and development of eggs and chicks.
- Consider offering a calcium supplement to support egg production and healthy bone development in chicks.
During breeding season:
- Continue to provide a high-quality pellet-based diet.
- Increase the amount of protein offered, as the parents will need extra energy to care for the chicks.
- Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide the parents with the necessary nutrients to produce healthy eggs and feed the chicks.
- Offer a calcium supplement to support egg production and healthy bone development in chicks.
After breeding season:
- Gradually decrease the amount of protein offered as the parents will no longer need the extra energy to care for the chicks.
- Continue to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide the parents with the necessary nutrients for their overall health.
- Monitor the parents' weight and adjust their diet accordingly