What if I want to breed my parakeets? Let's start with the basics.

First off, they can not breed before 6 months of age. However, most people recommend you wait till at least a year of age before breeing your parakeets. Also, the male and the female usually have to be together for a long time before they will breed. Some parakeets will never breed with each other. Others will instantly breed together. For the most part, parakeets will need to develop a relationship with each other before they will breed.

Also, before you plan to breed your parakeets you need to make sure they are on a heatlhy diet. You should include fresh fruits, along with normal feed. Also, a cuttle bone and some sort of calcium suplement will help the female recoup nutrients lost in the egg laying process.

Make sure you have ample room to breed your parakeets in. Most people recommend getting a larger cage  when deciding to breed your birds. However, make sure it is at least 20" x 20" x 20". Most recommend a multi-tier cage with room for a large nest. These are luxuries, but if you can afford it then by all means please give your parakeet the best experience you can. These luxuries will help your bird feel safer and be less stressed and this will make the whole breeding/birthing process go much smoother.

Female Parakeets are known to be quick egg layers and it may surprise you how fast your female parakeet starts laying eggs. Usually they will lay 4 to 8 and its not usual for them to lay one every day or every other day until they are finished.  Also, incubation times varies from 17 to 20 days. However there have been several cases where it was a few days one way or the other. This is no concern, and normal.

There are a few things to consider about the new hatchlings. If the parakeet babies are to be tamed as pets, many breeders will only let the parents raise the chicks until they are weaned. During this time, they will handle the chicks now and then to get them used to human hands. Most baby parakeets will be weaned by the age of 6 weeks, and you can then remove them from the parents and interacted with on a one-on-one basis. Baby parakeets that are trained this way are known to be faster learners and better pets overall.