LOVEBIRD BREEDING QUESTIONS - Plz help!

[symondneil]

Hi there!
I recently bought a proven breeder pair of lovebirds. As soon as I got home, I prompty set up their cage. I put the cage in its location, added fresh seeds and water in the pots and gently released the birds into their new home.

Now, I was watching the birds who were sitting on top of the nest box. Suddenly, the female laid an egg which slowly dried. This was shocking as I had only had them for two hours.

The egg has rolled onto the far side of the nest box and the female cannot sit on it. Should I pick it up and pop it into the nest box? (They have not yet been in the nest box). They have also been mating. Will they lay the next eggs in a nest box? How long will it take for the eggs to be laid?

Thanks for all the help - it is much appreciated

 

[tsutcli]

First, what do you mean by "the female laid an egg and it slowly dried"? I would also not handle the egg in question. Can you move it lets say with a small plastic spoon or something else? As for any time table for these events, I only own very large parrots and cannot help you there. However, I should think the person that sold you these birds would be able to answer your questions so I would start there. A mother bird will discard an egg that she knows is not fertile and she can lay eggs without a male bird present. Don't ask me how she knows which eggs to discard but she does. Please go back to the person who sold you these birds so you know what care to give them. A mother bird will also need specialized care if laying eggs so that is important to know also.

 

[mvy]

The couple at A to Z Sewing and Vacuum Center in Niceville have several pairs of love birds and as well as other species. They have apparently had them for years. My advice would be to call them or go over there and talk to them. They probably know as much about the birds as anyone in the area. Their shop is on John Sims Parkway.

 

[Will B]

I have a cage full of finches that reproduce like rabbits and have had three parrots during my time. First off, love birds are not like laying chickens that will lay egg after egg without having mated. If it laid an egg, it mated at some time. Having seen loads of eggs laid and hatched, I can say that your egg is a loss. She probably laid it out of stress. Typically, a female will lay 5-6 eggs, and not all will hatch. The fact that only one was laid is odd in itself.

Before you can expect to have viable clutches of eggs the birds will have to build a good nest. If you want them to breed, make sure to give them fresh veggies and greens that are high in proteins. It helps a lot...

 

[hippiechick]

LoveBirds

Congratulations on your new birds. I had a pair of LoveBirds some time back. First let me tell you that birds are really easy to get spooked. By moving them to your house probably freaked them out. Give them some time to get adjusted to you, your voice and your house. Lovebirds have duds as they are called, which is laying an unfertilized egg. Throw the egg away that was layed right away. I had 3 babies born to my lovebirds over a 4 year period. They were so cute. leave the birds alone, and let them observe you and your habits. Once the birds settle down, they should be fine. Make sure to feed them fresh water every day and feed them good birdseed like Kaytee. Stay away from Hart's brand. Don't be surprised if the birds don't go into the breeding box for a while. Watch your female bird is not laying too many eggs. They can get a calcium deficencey. Remember never to smoke around a bird, and do not spray anything close to them, as they are very suspepticle to inhalants. Keep the birds warm and out of a draft of air. Have a great time enjoying those sweet birds.