Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 7/28/2007

Question
I have just bought a male to breed with my female, exept they dont seem interested with each other. Does the male need to settel in more before he starts to breed? Please answer! Nettie

Answer
Hi, Nettie.

Yes, your male needs to settle down and get used to his new environment in your home first.  Also, this new bird should be quarantined from your other birds for at least 30 days.  

Before birds will mate, they need to pair-bond.  Pair-bonding is when the male feeds his female beak-to-beak.  First, you need to give them time to get used to each other.  Just because you put 2 birds together, doesn't mean they will like each other either!  This process can take much time (the amount of time depends on the individual birds involved).  Your female also needs to be at least 1 year old before you allow her to breed...the male needs to be at least 9 months old (1 year would be better).  When you see the male feeding his female mate (if they pair-bond), then set up a nesting box, and let nature take its course.

Chrys