Breeding Pair

[boldqueen]

I recently purchased a breeding pair (Proven) of Black Capped Conures. They, as expected, are far from friendly (quite wild) but have decided not to enter breeding mode at all.

When I purchased them they were, apparently, getting quite ready to breed, but ever since I have brought them home, they have done nothing other than make a lot of squawks, and poops.

I curious if there is a way to entice them to go into a breeding cycle, such as mimicking natural clues in the wild.

For 2 months they have done nothing but make a lot of noise.
They have a nest box that they go into at night, and sleep the night away in there, but will not mate.

Would love to get my mating!

I have plenty of experience with Cockatiels, but conures are a whole new venture for me.

Thanks!

 

[SilverSage]

Often a transition like this will startle a pair enough that they will not breed this season. I would not expect a clutch until next year. In the mean time, make sure they are in a place where they can feel comfortable enough to get in the mood - they seem like they most likely were housed away from humans, so keeping them in a livingroom or bedroom most likely will not allow them to feel secure. Also, try offering more than one box, and several kinds of food. You could consider putting a board on the front of part of the cage by the nest box so they feel they have more privacy. Offer starchy foods like bananas and fatty foods like nuts (not too much!). Where are you located? Do they get at least 12 hours of sunlight each day?

At the end of the day they most likely will not breed this season, and sadly, maybe never. Something you might not know is that "Proven" only means that the birds have been seen mating, that does not necessarily always mean they are even of opposite genders, as birds have been known to play the opposite roll. And even if they are opposite, they may not be fertile. I hope for the best for you though! Did the seller tell you how many babies they usually produce? Also, it would be wise to ask the seller about his breeding set-up, if they produced for him, and mimic it as best you can to help them be comfortable.

 

[boldqueen]

Okay, so we've done a bit more research into these two little twits. They were kept in a bedroom with the previous owner (he had a small apartment) and were around people (at least just him) all the time. They got a bit of sunlight, but I don't think they got bright 12 hour sun every day, but probably did get a fair bit.

They had already clutched this year, and he sold the babies already. Apparently they had usually between 2 to 5 babies. They were, supposedly, ready to go again (double clutch) but he had to get rid of them as they are very loud. Thankfully we're in a house, because yes, they are very very loud!

The setup we have currently is not too different from his current setup. Medium to large flight, with a nest box on the side.
Located in Canada, we easily get 12 hours of sunlight every day at this time of year.
I had tried adding 'extra' food as a sign of 'plentiful' food for breeding, but they don't seem to care much about it. I've added bananas, which they just kind of look at, and even green peppers, apple slivers, kiwi, and sunflower seeds..

They love the sunflower seeds (not surprising) but seem indifferent to the fruits.

I'm really hoping that they'll give us a clutch, as we have a second male Black Capped we'd love to breed. He's friendly (for the most part) and technically speaking, he's a pet, but that said, we got him with every intention of breeding... We have, however, become rather fond of him, even though he is a little schizo, and bites.. from time to time...

Thanks for the info! I am really hoping they'll breed. They are beautiful birds, and we really enjoy breeding and caring for these feathered creatures!

 

[SilverSage]

Please keep letting us know! I have never met a black capped conure, but the pictures are pretty! Green cheeks have captured my heart though

A lot of people might tell you that a pet bird will not breed, and a breeder will never become a pet but neither is true. Sometimes a tame bird may mate-bond to a human, which can cause problems but simply being tame does not mean they will not breed. However, be aware that a tame bird may choose to bite you when upset, while one that is not tame may choose to fly away in fear.

Good luck!