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Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond10.4 Techniques Used to Control BreedingMost species of birds have evolved so that they can respond to environmental conditionsand come into breeding condition at an optimal time for chick survival. Two types ofstimuli are involved, proximate stimuli, such as day length, rainfall and temperature thatcan induce a bird to come into breeding condition; and ultimate stimuli, such as theavailability of food, water, nesting sites and a suitable partner that can trigger mating andegg laying.The manipulation of these triggers may be used to control breeding, if required. Theproximate stimuli naturally control breeding with seasonality through the year but may bedifficult to totally control. However, it is possible to manipulate the ultimate stimuli tocontrol breeding. Varying the diet fed to change from non-breeding and to a breeding dietwould act as a trigger leading into the breeding season (refer section 6 FeedingRequirements). Separating the males from females would provide the most effectivebreeding control. (Macwhirter 1987)10.5 Occurrence of HybridsP. swainsonii has hybridised with Polytelis alexandrae (Princess <strong>Parrot</strong>), Polytelisanthopeplus (Regent <strong>Parrot</strong>), Apromictus erythropterus (Red-winged <strong>Parrot</strong>), Alisterusscapularis (Australian King <strong>Parrot</strong>) and Platycerus eximius eximius (Eastern Rosella).(Sindel and Gill 2003) (Wilson 1990)10.6 Timing of BreedingThe breeding season has been recorded mainly during the period from early September tomid November. However depending on climatic conditions and locality breeding can takeplace from August to December. (Shephard 1989) (Sindel and Gill 2003) (Wilson 1990)10.7 Age at First Breeding and Last BreedingYoung P. swainsonii females have occasionally been known to breed at one year old butmales have not been known to fertilise eggs until two years old. Generally breeding ismore successful with pairs that are two or more years old. A prolific breeding pair of P.swainsonii has been known to produce young for twenty years. (Sindel and Gill 2003)(Wilson 1990)10.8 Ability to Breed Every YearP. swainsonii will produce one brood per year. This will depend on the birds beingmaintained on an appropriate diet, provided with sufficient space and a healthyenvironment in an enclosure. However, the breeding season may vary depending on theclimatic conditions in a given year i.e. dry climatic conditions may influence theproximate stimuli. (Shephard 1989)Keith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 62