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Birds--General/I found an egg and don't know what to do with it
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Question
I found an egg tonight that the wind had apparently blown out of a tree. I have read that they are extremely hard to take care of and have sent an email to the American Pigeon Union and plan to call my vet tomorrow to see if there are any breeders in my area. However, can you offer me as much information as possible until I can find someone to properly care for this little guy? It may not even be fertilized, but there is no way for me to know and I can't live with myself knowing that I may have allowed a little bird to die. I've had pet birds for years and I'm rather attached to the little guys. Thank you so much for your help.
Cheryl
Hi, Cheryl,
Besides the fact that this egg may or may not be fertile, if incubation had started then stopped and the egg allowed to cool, this egg will not be viable. The fact that this egg "blew" out of a tree/nest tells me it could be "empty," i.e., depending on how hard the wind was blowing, if the egg is empty, it wouldn't have weighed enough to stay in the nest. In addition, perhaps the parents threw this egg out of the nest because it wasn't viable. You can try candling it to see what you can see inside. This would help you decide what to do next.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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