You are here:

Birds--General/Unexpected eggs

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/20/2011


Question
both my cockatiel pair and one lovebird (unbonded female) have laid eggs on the cage floor.  I am especially concerned for the lovebird as the eggs are on a grid. This happened a few weeks ago and now I am concerned that when they hatch they will fall through.  Can I safely introduce some kind of box into their cages to protect them.  these birds are all rescues and not hand tamed so I don't want to upset them.  HELP!

Answer
All you need to do is introduce a cardboard box with some straw or hay and put it on the bottom of the cage and put the eggs in it. Sure, they will be upset but only for a bit. If the eggs were laid weeks ago, have the birds been incubating them? If not, the eggs may not be any good now.

Birds--General

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all questions about WILD birds - not caged, domestic or poultry. Can answer questions about identification, taxonomy, behavior, courtship, plumage, flight, or anything else.

Experience

Taught ornithology (the study of birds) at the university level for 30 years. Have written five books on birds, published 30 scientific articles, write a blog on birds, have the website www.ornithology.com, lectured to hundreds of groups on birds,and have traveled to 90 countries studying birds.

Organizations
A variety of ornithological and conservation organizations.

Publications
Real Simple Magazine, Enterprise-Record, and several ornithological and ecological journals.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology with emphasis in ornithology.

Awards and Honors
Professional Achievement Award, Jack Rawlins Chair of Environmental Literach.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.