I have two cockatiels, Relena, a 9 and a half month old female, and Tidus, a 5 and a half month old male. We had been told that they wouldn't mate without a nest box or an enclosed space, but today, and that it was fine to house them together. However, today I had put them on top of their cage since they like hanging out there sometimes, and I heard them making noise. I turned and Tidus was standing on Relena, although being so young and inexperienced he was at a totally wrong angle. I was shocked they chose such an exposed place to do it, since there isn't a nest box or anything.
Anyway, how soon do I have to worry about them actually mating? I know Relena is still too young, and I'm not sure I ever want them to have chicks. Should I stop having their UV light on so much so they don't think it's breeding season? Will that affect their vitamin d levels negatively? What other steps do I have to take? I'd prefer to house them together, as they have a very large cage that was quite expensive, but I'd consider getting another one if that's the only way. I read that some people boil the eggs to make sure they don't hatch then put them back without the female knowing what happened, but I'd rather not harm fertilized eggs, so I think prevention is key.
I also heard that providing nesting materials like shredded paper can encourage them to mate. We have a toy they take paper streamers out of in the cage, as well as a bunch of the streamers in their forage box and playground area. They love them. Do I need to get rid of those? And what about their tube bed thing? At the bird store they said it's open enough that they won't nest in it. Is that true? I've included some pictures of the items I mentioned, as well as a picture of Tidus and Relena playing.
I'd appreciate any guidance here. Thank you!
Anyway, how soon do I have to worry about them actually mating? I know Relena is still too young, and I'm not sure I ever want them to have chicks. Should I stop having their UV light on so much so they don't think it's breeding season? Will that affect their vitamin d levels negatively? What other steps do I have to take? I'd prefer to house them together, as they have a very large cage that was quite expensive, but I'd consider getting another one if that's the only way. I read that some people boil the eggs to make sure they don't hatch then put them back without the female knowing what happened, but I'd rather not harm fertilized eggs, so I think prevention is key.
I also heard that providing nesting materials like shredded paper can encourage them to mate. We have a toy they take paper streamers out of in the cage, as well as a bunch of the streamers in their forage box and playground area. They love them. Do I need to get rid of those? And what about their tube bed thing? At the bird store they said it's open enough that they won't nest in it. Is that true? I've included some pictures of the items I mentioned, as well as a picture of Tidus and Relena playing.
I'd appreciate any guidance here. Thank you!
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