[StinaBeena]

About a year ago, we connected a box to our cage for our 2 birds(1 male,1 female) to lay eggs in. They had not mated that we knew of, but my dad thought if we put the box in, the birds would feel inclined to do so. As the subject says, they are budgies. We now have found our bird has laid one egg so far...and its been a year and we had kind of lost hope of her ever laying eggs. Now we're not quite sure what we need to do. Anyone have any suggestions and/or links as to the care of the eggs and babies? We don't plan on keeping them so we'd also like info on when and what we can do with them when they are old enough.
Thank you very much!!

[Bob]

First of all they are old enough.
P'keets breed at 5 months.

It is best to leave it to them.

What specific questions do you have?

Bob
Administrator
Petswarehouse.com

[StinaBeena]

Well, we're wondering if there's a certain food we need to buy so they can feed it to the babies? Also, is there anything else extra we need to get? and when is the age to give away the birds?, as we do not want to keep them.

[mom of three again]

Bob maybe you can correct me if I am wrong but from what I am reading there is a possibility that what Steenabeena is feeding her budgies may be keeping them from reporducing. Is there not special breeding food that you need to feed them?

Leslie-Ann,
Moderator,
Cats,
Feral Cats &
Herbal Remedies.

[StinaBeena]

Well, they now have had 2 eggs and we just caught them about 10 minutes ago...er..mating. So, I think maybe it just took them some time to get into the idea of it? LOL I don't know.

Maybe my post was confusing, as I worded it kind of weird. what I meant to say is that the breeding box had been connected to our cage for a year and we had lost hope of our female bird, Emily, of ever laying eggs. But then in the last few days, she finally did..after a year of the box being there. And now there are 2 like i said. Its not that she laid the egg a year ago and it never hatched or something.

Just clarifying in case my original post was confusing on that point.

[cathy]

Sounds like your on the way to having your first clutch of baby budgies. Of course only time will tell if the eggs are fertile. Sometimes the first clutch may not be. It is very important that you provide a good mineral calcium block, as the female will having higher calcium requirements from the egg production. Feed them a good seed/pellet mixture and plenty of fresh millet spray. Sprinkle some powdered avian vitamins on their fresh greens or gated carrot treats. Be sure to remove any uneaten produce or vegetables. As the babies start to hatch the females fresh water intake will also increase. Even the males are usually helpful in feeding the babies. So be sure to provide plenty of fresh water and food. Good luck and let us know how you progress.

Cathleen
Director customer service PetsWarehouse

[StinaBeena]

thanks very much for the info..i will keep you all posted..she has had a 3rd egg now so thats nice. I have heard that its possible they won't hatch so *crosses fingers*

Again, thanks!!

[cathy]

Third egg is a good sign. Just another suggestion. Try to give them as much privacy as possible. At this time try to keep activities such as cleaning the cage or any type of stress or distractions to a minimum. They need to focus on incubating those eggs. Good luck.

Cathleen
Director customer service PetsWarehouse

[StinaBeena]

Alright, we try to keep the cats away too..one of our cats has become extremely interested in the birds ..somehow i think she knows the bird laid eggs. how she knows? *shrug*

We also make sure that the female bird is in the nest box before we turn out the lights because we noticed the birds do not move when its dark..so we wanted her in there. Sounds ok?

[cathy]

Not surprised to hear the cats are intrigued by the new events. Animals sense and know far more than we give them credit for. Your consideration/concern for making sure the hen is in the box before lights out shows you have great insight regarding their needs. Also, very important let them have natural darkness and a full nights rest. No nightlights are needed.

Cathleen
Director customer service PetsWarehouse

[StinaBeena]

yeah, we always turn the lights completely off for the night for them She's laid 5 eggs now! =)

[cathy]

Parakeet eggs should hatch between 18 and 20 days after they are laid. If you have 5 eggs now that sounds very promising. Monitor the time and keep up the good work.

Cathleen
Director customer service PetsWarehouse

[StinaBeena]

we've been marking them on the calendar..the first one should hatch around Feb.4th (18 days)..and then the rest are each around 2 days apart.