Breeding Moluccan Cockatoos has still not been achieved as widely as some of the other Cockatoo species. The main reason for this appears to be the difficulty of finding a compatible breeding pair. Compatibility is best achieved by raising several young birds together and letting them form natural couples. Male Moluccan Cockatoos can be very aggressive Breeding: Breading in Captivity Moluccan Cockatoo during breeding. Unless there is a spacious aviary, chances are the male can trap the female, and in his anxiety to mate, could even kill the female. To minimize the chances of the male injuring the female, some breeders trim its wings and clip its nails. They also suggest a cage box with two entrances so that the female is never trapped inside the cage box. A nest box of 3 feet (0.9 m) x 1.5 (0.4 m) x 1.5 (0.4 m) should be adequate. The entrances can have a diameter of 9 inches (23 cm). The nest box should also have an inspection door. A bedding of wood shavings should do fine. The shavings may be changed as required between breeding activity. Clutch sizes differ. Most clutches are of 2 eggs. But clutches of 1 and 3 are not rare. Eggs are white and take 28 days to hatch. Both partners take turns at incubation. Newly hatched chicks weigh about 1/2 an ounce. They are covered with a yellow down that falls off within a few days. Hatchlings fledge in about 3-4 months. If the eggs are to be artificially incubated, maintain an incubator O O temperature of 99 F (37.4 C) and a humidity of 55% for 25-26 Moluccan Cockatoo days. Once internal/external pipping is noticed, lower O O temperature to 97.8 F (36.6 C ) and raise humidity to 80-90%. O The eggs are to be turned over through 180 several times a day. The turning should be in alternate directions. If it will help make a pencil marking on one side of the egg. Turning should be stopped once pipping is noticed. Once the chicks hatch, remove them to a brooder after about 8 - 10 hours. Brooder temperature should be maintained at around O O 96.8 F (36 C) for the first 5 days. Subsequently, brooder O O temperature can be lowered till it around 91 to 93 F (33 34 C). This lowering has to be gradual so that the chicks are not subject to any sudden significant changes. Hand-raised should be fed after about 12 hours of hatching. A Lactated Ringer Solution should be sufficient. Thereafter the chicks may be put on a regular chick rearing formula. How much of this and in what frequency should be decided in consultation with an avian vet. Hand- rearing Cockatoo chicks is a taxing job that will require a lot of your time and attention. Unless you have plenty of both, don't even think about breeding cockatoos. Moluccan Cockatoo species is still listed as "vulnerable" in the IUCN Red Book. Conservation Status Moluccan Cockatoo Galah Cockatoo The Australian Galahs, seen feeding on the ground in huge flocks or flying in the air in huge numbers, are a fantastic sight for bird watchers. Their flight is a treat to watch, as it is energetic and full of shrieks, dives, swoops, downward spirals and twists. They are also the most memorable sights for tourists. These birds are considered to be the oldest of the Cockatoo species. They were initially endemic to the region and later spread to the South Pacific Islands. They were imported for the first time in the year 1843, when they were sent to the London Zoo. They were later cientific Name: SLength of Body: Wingspan: Male Weight: Lifespan: Other Common Names: Eolophus roseicapillus 14 inches (35 cm) 10 - 11 inches (26 - 28 cm); Female 9.8 - 11 inches (25 - 28 cm) 0.7 - 0.9 pound (300 - 400 gm) 70 - 80 years Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Rose Cockatoo, Willock Cockatoo bred in many countries, but real success came in the 1920s when the price of Galahs fell. |