When breeding ringnecks there are two approaches that can be
successfully practiced--housing the birds separately according
to their sex, or housing individual pairs together permanently.
Both methods are commonly used with great success. Choosing a
type of breeding method usually depends on the breeder's
motives.
Housing
Ringnecks According to Sex
Breeders who raise ringnecks
for mutations usually separate the males from the females.
Just before the breeding season approaches the male is
introduced into the cage of the female who has worked the
nesting box (digging inside the box). If this method is
practiced special caution should be used before introducing
the male into the female's cage.
A female
ringneck can be very aggressive, especially when guarding
her territory. She sets the pace of courting and will gladly
make her mood known to her mate. A female ringneck that is
not supervised can quickly injure or kill her companion. So
before placing the male into the female's cage, a few
techniques can be practiced to help minimize any aggressive
behavior.
When the female begins to show an interest in breeding,
usually by spending time inside her nesting box, the male
should be placed near her cage. The female needs to adjust
to the male's presence before he can be introduced. During
this time, the female might spend hours clinging to the side
of her cage near the male. The male might pin his eyes and
bow while the female tilts her head back. Keep them separate
for about a week or until the breeder is sure she is
interested
in her mate. Then place the
ringnecks together.
After the ringnecks have been introduced the female might
chase the male. During this time the breeder should wait
around to ensure the female is not harming the male. If
it's obvious the male is being harmed or the breeder
believes the pair will not bond, the pair should be
separated or a new mate chosen.
A great
technique would be to clip the female's wings enough to
allow her to fly into her box, but not enough to harm her
mate. The male's wings should always be fully grown to
avoid any sudden attacks.
If the birds
cannot get along and the breeder wishes to try to keep them
paired, placing both the female and the male together in a
new cage in a new location should help to solve this issue.
Moving the pair to a new cage will force them to cling
together and develop a bond.
Housing
Individual Pairs Together Permanently
The second
method, which is housing pairs together throughout the year
is my favorite. This method is preferred because it reduces
any aggressive behavior. This will reduce the chances of
the male being attacked because the female has had a full
year of bonding with him. When breeding begins, the male
and female will start to become more affectionate towards
each other--usually both will go about their business
throughout the year, then become exceptionally interested in
each other during breeding. When this happens, I know it's
only a matter of time before the first egg is laid.
I find keeping
my pairs together has many benefits. Firstly, I can predict
how well both parents will care for their young and what
mutations are possible. Secondly, it makes keeping accurate
records of the babies easy and is less work for me.
Choosing
Your Method of Breeding
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