Why hasn’t the Egg Hatched?….and other points on Breeding.
This is in no way a definitive guide to bird breeding, however we hope it will provide you with some answers on the basics. For anybody hoping to get into bird breeding properly, a lot of research will be necessary. There are several books available on the subject, and advice from established breeders will be invaluable. There are many books available on the subject, too, and for further reading you can always check the links on our book page.
When you are just taking up, or considering taking up bird breeding you will have many, many questions. The basic advice here is simply ‘Ask’. You should be able to find details of local breeders online, and don’t assume that you’ll look stupid by asking questions – everybody has to start somewhere.
If you have a single female bird, then you are likely to see eggs at some point. Will they hatch? The simple answer is no – these eggs have not been fertilized, and as such there is no chance whatsoever of baby birds!! Just like chickens, Parrots and other pet birds will lay eggs even though they have not been fertilised.
You should simply dispose of these and either: – Buy a male bird to accompany your female, or – Allow her to keep the eggs. She should be discouraged from laying them after sitting on them for a while and noticing that they do not hatch. Will birds breed without nest boxes? Some birds actually do lay and successfully hatch eggs without a nesting box – this can be literally on the bottom of the cage, in an empty feeding cup, etc etc.
This is not something that should be encouraged. There is a reason for having a nest box – not only will it keep the newborns warm and safe, but it will provide a more natural (and therefore more relaxed) environment for the parents. Hygeine is also an important part of this – as everyone should be aware it is important to change the cage lining regularly to prevent infection and disease.
With a fertile egg on the bottom, changing same becomes impossible, and therefore the risk of your bird becoming ill due to infection caused by a lack of cleanliness increases. How long does it take for the egg to hatch? This depends on the type of birds you have, obviously, but most eggs take around three weeks to hatch.
Some birds won’t begin to incubate until all eggs are laid so that the babies are all born at the same time, but it’s more common their beginning to incubate immediately. This can result in five baby birds being born over a period of several days. Some breeders will choose to remove the eggs as they are laid then return them when the female bird has finished laying thus ensuring a closer hatch. This tactic has it’s possible downside though, in that the parents will sometimes not accept the eggs returned.
As a footnote, don’t worry if the hen doesn’t leave the next box as much as the male. She is unlikely to go hungry, as the male will return to feed her and allow her to concentrate on her role as a mother. As long as you check she is being fed this way there is no need to be concerned.
