Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs.

$65.00

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs

Cockatoos are of the 21 species of parrots belonging to the family Cacatuidae, the only family in the superfamily Cacatuoidea. Along with the Psittacoidea (true parrots) and the Strigopoidea (large New Zealand parrots), they make up the order Psittaciformes. The family has a mainly Australasian distribution, ranging from the Philippines and the eastern Indonesian islands of Wallacea to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia.

Genera and species

There are about 44 different birds in the cockatoo family Cacatuidae including recognized subspecies. The current subdivision of this family is as indicated on our website.

Behaviour

Cockatoos are diurnal and require daylight to find their food. They are not early risers, instead waiting until the sun has warmed their roosting sites before feeding. All species are generally highly social and roost, forage and travel in colourful and noisy flocks. These vary in size depending on availability of food; in times of plenty, flocks are small and number a hundred birds or less, while in droughts or other times of adversity, they may swell up to contain thousands or even tens of thousands of birds; one record from the Kimberley noted a flock of 32,000 little corellas.

Breeding

Cockatoos are monogamous breeders, with pair bonds that can last many years. Many birds pair up in flocks before they reach sexual maturity and delay breeding for a year at least. Females breed for the first time anywhere from three to seven years of age and males are often older.

Diet and feeding

Cockatoos are versatile feeders and consume a range of mainly vegetable food items. Seeds form a large part of the diet of all species; these are opened with their large and powerful bills. The galahs, corellas and some of the black cockatoos feed primarily on the ground; others feed mostly in trees.

Social learning

Cockatoos have been shown to learn new skills through social interaction. In New South Wales, researchers and citizen scientists were able to track the spread of lid-flipping skills as cockatoos learned from each other to open garbage bins.

Description

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs

How do you hatch cockatoo eggs?

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs: A Guide to Understanding and Caring

Introduction

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, also known as the Pink Cockatoo, is one of the most strikingly beautiful cockatoos, recognized for its vivid pink and white plumage. These birds are not only visually stunning but also known for their intelligence and strong bond with their human companions. Breeding these cockatoos in captivity can be a rewarding experience, especially when it comes to caring for their eggs. In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo eggs, from their appearance to proper incubation and care.

Appearance of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo eggs are typically white and oval-shaped, similar to those of other cockatoos. They are generally about 1.5 to 2 inches long and can weigh between 20 to 25 grams. The eggs are laid in a clutch of 2 to 3, though sometimes there may be just one egg. The surface of the egg is smooth, and it has a slightly glossy finish.

Breeding Season

The breeding season for Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo usually occurs from August to January in the wild, coinciding with the Australian spring and summer. In captivity, breeding can be encouraged by replicating these conditions, including temperature, daylight hours, and humidity. Providing a large enough nesting box that mimics their natural habitat is crucial to successful breeding.

Incubation Period

Once the eggs are laid, both the male and female Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo take turns incubating them. The incubation period lasts for about 24 to 26 days. It’s essential to maintain a stable environment during this time, with the temperature ideally between 98.5°F and 99°F (36.9°C to 37.2°C). Humidity levels should be kept around 50-55% to ensure proper development of the embryos.

Care of the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs

For those breeding Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos in captivity, careful monitoring of the eggs is essential. If the parents are incubating the eggs themselves, it’s important to minimize disturbances. However, if you’re incubating the eggs artificially, using a reliable incubator that allows precise control of temperature and humidity is key. Turning the eggs gently several times a day helps to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.

Hatching

As the end of the incubation period approaches, you’ll notice signs that the chicks are ready to hatch. The chicks will begin to pip, or break through the eggshell, which can take several hours to a day. During this time, it’s crucial to maintain the proper environmental conditions and avoid unnecessary interference. Once hatched, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born naked and helpless, requiring significant care from their parents or the breeder.

Post-Hatching Care

After hatching, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo chicks are typically fed by their parents, who regurgitate pre-digested food. If you are hand-rearing the chicks, it’s important to provide a suitable formula and feed them frequently. Chicks should be kept in a brooder with controlled temperature and humidity to mimic the warmth provided by the parents.

Conclusion

Breeding Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos and caring for their eggs requires dedication, knowledge, and attention to detail. By understanding the specifics of their egg characteristics and the proper incubation process, you can ensure a successful breeding experience and contribute to the conservation of this magnificent species. Whether you’re an experienced breeder or a first-time bird enthusiast, the journey of raising these beautiful birds from egg to adulthood is truly a rewarding experience.

For more information on cockatoos and other avian species, visit Rollic Bird Talks for expert advice and resources.

Incubate the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs in an incubator designed for parrot or Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Eggs. The incubator you use should have accurate temperature control within one-tenth of one degree, and ideally a system for humidity control. Maintain the temperature at 99.3 degrees F, and the humidity at 40 to 50 percent.

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