Cockatiel: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Cockatiel eggs hatch after 18–21 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 32–38 days and are weaned and independent at about 49–56 days. A typical clutch is 4–7 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 80-120 |
| Length (cm) | 30-33 |
| Clutch size | 4-7 |
| Incubation (days) | 18-21 |
| Fledging (days) | 32-38 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 49-56 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 12–18 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 15-25 |
| Breeding season | All year; best Oct-Apr in Arab countries |
| Sexing | Visual in normal grey after first moult (6-9 months): cock yellow face, hen barred underside of tail and spotted underwing. Lutino/pied/pearl-cock hard; DNA for chicks. Pearl cocks lose pearling after moult. |
Origin: Australia — Scientific name: Nymphicus hollandicus
Size: 30-33 cm, 80-120 g
Breeding and care tips
Cockatiels like a roomy box with wood shavings. Lutinos often show a bald patch behind the crest, so limit lutino x lutino. The cock sits on the eggs by day.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Lutino, Platinum (SL ino allele), Pearl (opaline), Cinnamon, Yellowcheek, Dominant yellowcheek, Pied, Whiteface, Pastelface, Dominant silver, Recessive silver, Fallow, Emerald (olive). Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Creamface, NSL lutino.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Peach-faced lovebird
- Fischer's & masked lovebird
- Black-cheeked lovebird
- Nyasa Lilian's lovebird
- Indian ringneck
- Alexandrine parakeet
- Plum-headed parakeet
- Moustached parakeet
Frequently asked questions
How long do Cockatiel eggs take to hatch?
Cockatiel eggs hatch after 18-21 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Cockatiel lay?
Usually 4-7 eggs per clutch.
When do Cockatiel chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 32-38 days old.
When are Cockatiel chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 49-56 days.
At what age can a Cockatiel breed?
A Cockatiel reaches breeding age at about 12–18 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Cockatiel breeding season?
All year; best Oct-Apr in Arab countries
How do you tell a male Cockatiel from a female?
Visual in normal grey after first moult (6-9 months): cock yellow face, hen barred underside of tail and spotted underwing. Lutino/pied/pearl-cock hard; DNA for chicks. Pearl cocks lose pearling after moult.
How long does a Cockatiel live?
About 15-25 years with good care.