Setting up a breeders cage

[Wayner]

Is there any special way to set up locations of food dishes ,perches , etc in a breeders cage for tiels - 30 l x18 w x18 ht . will the parents come out of the nest box & locate all their needs . Also should a breeders cage with a parenting pair in it be kept in a seperate room from the main flight cage with other tiels in it that have free flight ..Will the birds in the breeders cage be upset if the free flight birds come near the breeders cage . I am just enquirering info in case I ever decide to let a pair mate ..Thank you for your input -Wayne

[CrazyBirdLady]

Wayne, good for you being prepared "in case". I'd first suggest, a larger cage for a breeder cage, especially if your tiels are flighted. I use 30x18x18 breeding cages for my lovebirds.
As for separating them completely from the flock, it's a personal choice I guess. Many breeding pairs do fine in with the rest of the flock while nesting, others prefer a more isolated spot. For my breeders that prefer to still stay around the flock, I try to keep the breeding cages in the furthers corner from the entrance door and most of the movement in the room. I always keep the nestbox hole facing away from the door (and windows) as well. Keeping plenty of fresh, clean water and foods as well as cuttlebone is also necessary for healthy breeding pairs and offspring. They generally have no issues finding the food, water,etc.. as long as they can see it.

[Wayner]

Crazy Bird Lady . Thank you for your info . there is all kinds of info on the internet about breeding Tiels & raising their young . They all suggest to put a pair together in a breeding cage - I guess for privacy so the other birds do not bother their nest or young & gives them a chance to bond better . . QUESTION - do you allow your breeding tiels out to fly while in the breeding cage ,or let them be alone & stay in ???

[CrazyBirdLady]

I keep the pair in the cage until all eggs are either hatched or past their due dates. I don't like letting hens out while in the laying process because a bad fall or crash could cause issues with the eggs inside and it's just not worth the risk. Once chicks are eating moving about on their own some, I'll let the parents out to play and exercise.