Expert: Kyle Lohr - 6/3/2009

Question
I just had a few basic questions. I plan on breeding my birds in about a week, and have started adding pellets to their diet about two weeks ago. I don't believe they are completely converted, so should I revert back to a high protein seed diet or keep it as it is? Also, does the nest box need any lighting? And finally, how often should i clean their cage when they are breeding? Thank you!

Answer
Hello Mustafa.
Pellets are much better for parakeets rather than the seed diet. Seed diets provide too much fat and other unecessaries. I would suggest you continue and the conversion to pellets and if they are not completely on them by the time you were wanting to breed, push out the breeding date a little until they are completely converted. Pellets can help the parents come into breeding condition faster also.
Nest boxes do not need any lighting. The only thing that helps, but is not necessary, is to have the nest box on a side of the cage in which a little bit of light shines in.
Clean the cage as needed, or as you normally do, threw the whole breeding process.

Hope I helped!

Good Luck!