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I have 2 cocktails. The female has bitten almost all of the feathers on top of the males head. I don't know why. And there was a point when they tried to mate but the male could not get on top should I get her a new partner. Could shemate withe her father?
Hi, Claudia,
The expert you sent your post to could not answer for some reason. I picked up your questions from the question pool this morning.
It is normal for a pair of bonded birds to preen each other. It appears your female is overpreening your male. Not to worry...this is normal behavior.
You don't necessarily have to get your female a new partner. You must be wanting to breed your birds. Perhaps your birds aren't old enough yet to know exactly what to do, perhaps something is wrong with the male (why can't he mount the female?)....won't she allow it, his toenails too long, something wrong with his balance, perch not stable enough???, perhaps they aren't pair-bonded yet.
No, do not allow her to mate with her father. You don't breed related birds the same as humans don't have relationships with their relatives. This can result in genetic problems, disabilities, etc.
Chrys.
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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