A successful breeding season in songbirds does not start with the first egg, but several weeks earlier. In our practice, we see that issues such as infertile eggs, thin eggshells, embryonic mortality, growth retardation or increased loss of nestlings are often linked to insufficient or incorrect preparation.
Good breeding management in songbirds is based on three pillars:
- Health
- Environment
- Targeted nutritional support
In this article, our NeorniVet veterinarians explain how to optimally support your songbirds from preparation through to weaning.
PREPARATION OF THE BREEDING SEASON IN SONGBIRDS
1. VETERINARY CHECK
Breeding preparation ideally starts six to eight weeks before pairing.
During this period, we recommend a thorough health check of the group, with particular attention to birds that are in the poorest condition at that moment.
In addition, a mixed droppings examination collected over three to five days is strongly recommended.
⚕️ What does the veterinarian say?
Collecting fresh droppings daily and storing them cool improves the reliability of the screening. We prefer receiving slightly too much rather than too little sample, as a larger sample allows a more accurate evaluation.
For example, placing aluminium foil under perches allows fresh droppings to be collected without drying out, providing a better picture of current intestinal health.
If a bird has died during this period, an autopsy can provide valuable information to proactively adjust management for the entire group.
2. ECTOPARASITES
Controlling ectoparasites is an important but often underestimated part of preparation.
Although many breeders mainly think about red mites, we have observed a clear increase in feather mite infections in recent years.
Chronic infestations with feather mites can lead to:
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continuous energy drain
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pressure on the immune system
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reduced condition
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lower fertility
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unstable breeding behaviour
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insufficient care of the chicks
Diagnosis is based on a combination of environmental inspection, clinical examination of the birds, and droppings examination over several days.
Screening is strongly recommended especially before moulting and before the breeding period.
Thorough control of ectoparasites is essential to optimise overall health and breeding results. A detailed article on this topic will soon be published in De Witte Spreeuwen and on our website.
3. ENVIRONMENT
Besides bird health, the environment plays a crucial role.
A successful breeding setup starts with a microbiologically stable and thoroughly cleaned environment.
Important steps include:
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mechanical cleaning
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intensive wet rinsing (possibly with high pressure)
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disinfection
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thorough drying of the aviary
⚕️ What does the veterinarian say?
Traditional disinfectants often have little effect on mite eggs, coccidiosis oocysts and worm eggs. For these, thorough rinsing, steaming or burning remains necessary.
After previous bacterial infections such as mycobacteriosis or salmonellosis, a stabilising spray like Neorni Stabilizer can be used to help re-establish beneficial bacteria.
Housing intended for weaned young birds should also be prepared thoroughly and in advance.
Climate also has a direct influence on fertility and breeding results.
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ideal humidity: 50–70%
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sufficient light and warmth
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gradual increase in light exposure 6–8 weeks before breeding
Both overly dry and overly humid conditions can negatively affect breeding.
Bird sperm is sensitive to cold shock. Low temperatures may contribute to infertile eggs.
In certain situations, it may be useful to stimulate males slightly earlier than females, for example when many infertile eggs were observed in previous first rounds.
4. NUTRITIONAL STIMULATION DURING BREEDING
From a nutritional point of view, daily administration of Immuno-Plus can start six weeks before breeding until the first clutch.
This product works in a pro-metabolic way and stimulates the production of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which supports increased sperm production in males and stimulation of egg cell development in females. Within the breeding world this is sometimes referred to as “bird viagra”, referring to its reproductive stimulating effect.
Depending on previous issues, Vitamin E + Se can be added for two to four weeks before breeding. Vitamin E and selenium play a key role in antioxidant protection and reproductive functions.
The NeorniPharma Vit E + Se formula is characterised by high, accurately dosed concentrations and the use of highly bioavailable natural forms of vitamin E, complemented by supporting nutrients such as flaxseed oil, spirulina, carnitine, arginine and zinc glycinate to support fertility.
Many breeders use Vita-Plus year-round, one day per week, as a concentrated multivitamin in drinking water to prevent subclinical deficiencies.
In the period just before breeding, Vita-Energy can be administered daily, especially in females with previous laying issues. This preparation contains essential nutrients and building blocks for optimal egg formation and smooth laying.
In cases of calcium-related problems or thin eggshells, Vita-Min-DCP can be used to support calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D metabolism, especially in exotics or indoor breeding where vitamin D deficiency occurs more easily.
When birds are overweight or not in optimal condition without underlying disease, Ready can be used one to two days per week or temporarily for fourteen consecutive days to support fat metabolism and energy utilisation.
BREEDING: FROM HATCHING TO WEANING
From the moment the first chicks hatch, the focus shifts to optimal growth and intestinal health.
Immuno Booster NEW can be added to egg food from this moment onward (20 g/kg). This all-in premix contains, among others, maintenance-dose polypeptides, probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, and phytogenic substances such as spirulina, curcuma and echinacea purpurea.
This supports both parental condition and uniform growth and resistance of nestlings.
In situations with eggshell problems, additional support with Vita-Min-DCP may also be considered during the breeding period.
Gut health as a key factor
Gut health is a key factor in successful songbird breeding. Super Start-Up contains a highly concentrated fatty acid blend that supports intestinal health and intestinal transit.
⚕️ What does the veterinarian say?
A so-called “black spot” in young birds may indicate reduced intestinal transit and in some cases can improve with targeted nutritional support via feed. A stable gut flora is crucial for optimal nutrient absorption, immune resistance and uniform growth. In specific cases, additional support with Probi-Plus or Dysbac Liquid may be recommended.
Importance of the first weeks of life
Growth delay is rarely fully compensated later. The first hours, days and weeks are decisive for the development of strong and vital songbirds.
In sensitive species or in cases of recurring problems, targeted early support can be considered in consultation with an avian veterinarian.
CONTACT A NEORNIVET VETERINARIAN
Nutritional support optimises physiological processes but does not replace proper diagnosis.
Preferably have your birds checked six to eight weeks before breeding.
Contact us during breeding in case of:
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repeated infertile eggs
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high mortality in chicks or parent birds
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chronic watery droppings (read more about this in this blog post)
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poor growth
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laying problems
In addition to clinical examination, our NeorniVet veterinarians can perform autopsies and investigations on infertile eggs, embryos or newly hatched chicks (preferably within 72 hours after death and kept refrigerated).
Good luck with the preparation and the upcoming breeding season!
