How to choose a pair of parrots?

A parrot cannot confine itself to communication with its breeder. At some point, he will really miss another bird next to him. Therefore, you should definitely think about how to pick up a pair of parrots.

It should be understood that such exotic birds are looking for a partner for themselves, guided by both personal sympathy and the instinct of procreation. In this case, such a pair should be formed that could produce healthy and strong offspring. The success of future reproduction depends on the competent choice of a potential partner.

But before you buy a parrot, you should understand the external differences between the male and female.

How to determine the sex of a parrot?

To do this on your own, especially for an inexperienced breeder, is somewhat difficult. First of all, you need to look at the shade of the supraclavicular wax. This is a patch of skin at the top of the beak. But it makes no sense to evaluate a very young bird (up to 2-3 months). With maturity, the color of the beak changes.

You can accurately determine the sex of a parrot in an adult bird.

Female

With maturity, the upper part of the beak acquires a brown tone. But during the period of illness or molting, it can turn blue. The paws will be pink. Young birds like to calmly observe everything around. Often females do not speak.

Male

Its characteristic difference is the rich blue tone of the beak. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the feathers on the forehead often fluoresce. The paws are also blue. Males are lively and noisy. They are easy to learn sound imitation.

Once you’ve decided on the gender of your bird, it’s time to figure out how to pair your parrot.

How to match a budgie

1. First of all, pay attention to the behavior, age and color of the bird. If you are going to breed parrots, it would be preferable to focus on a similar plumage color.
2. In order for the female not to dominate (which happens often), the male must be a couple of years older. This is the most optimal age difference, otherwise the female will take the lead.
3. At the time of acquaintance with a potential partner, the male must already be sexually mature. Unlike him, the female is a very young bird (about 3-4 months). If you acquire an adult female, at some point she may show aggression. As for their size, it is better to pick up approximately the same birds. Some varieties of parrots do not get along with their small or too large relatives.
4. Pay attention to the behavior of the birds, and create all the conditions so that they feel calm during the adaptation period. To do this, prepare a spacious cage, preferably with a small house.
5. Before buying, be sure to agree with the seller that you can change the bird if the parrots do not get along with each other. Many shops offer money back guarantees. This is common practice.

Exhibition budgerigars: how to choose a pair and follow the rules of quarantine

When a partner is found, it’s time to take care of quarantine for birds. During this period, it is important to keep them not only in different cages, but also in different rooms. The quarantine will last about a month.

If you launch a bird to your parrot right away, there is a risk of infectious diseases. Therefore, during the quarantine period, pets should be protected from any contact with each other. Even acquaintance through the bars of the cage is not allowed. It is better to completely isolate the parrots so that they do not even hear each other.

And only in a month it will be possible to show the birds to each other. Gradually, they will begin to get used to the partner and enjoy communication. For starters, you can keep them in different cages, but close enough. Joint walks are allowed from time to time.

If after a while you plan to start breeding parrots, create the necessary conditions for this in advance.

1. Get a spacious cage for two parrots.

The coexistence of birds often becomes a reason for the struggle for food or perch. To avoid such conflicts, duplicate all the elements in the cage: toys, drinkers, perches, and so on. If one of the parrots lived alone for a long time, be prepared that the addiction will drag on.

2. Let the birds have more time together.

To help parrots get used to their partner faster, remove toys, swings and a mirror from the cage. Thanks to this, the birds will spend more time with each other.

3. An important point is the order of placement.

Experts recommend that the female be hooked up to the male, and not vice versa. Otherwise, the female may not let her partner into the cage and desperately defend the territory.

4. Watch the behavior of the birds.

At first, it is better not to leave parrots unattended. Keep an eye on whether they have fights and quarrels. If conflicts arise frequently, for a while it is better to seat them in different cages. Try again in a few days. Failure in this case will also mean that the pair needs to be changed.

Remember that random pairing should not be relied upon! Especially if you are planning to breed a breeding bird. It is important to keep genetically pure lines that guarantee healthy offspring.

In addition, mating of closely related birds is unacceptable. This threatens to reduce the fertility of eggs and egg production. Even if the chicks are born, they will be stunted and have birth defects.