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Birds--General/Cockatiel Incubation - Fast reply PLEASE!

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Expert: - 5/19/2007


Question
Hello!
  
         So here's the whole story:

  Our birds, Charlie and Banjo - both Cockatiels - mated, and Banjo started
having eggs.  But, she never hatched them! Charlie tried, but failed as well.
So, we got a incubator.  Next batch she laid, she only laid one.  But none the
less, we put it in the incubator.  so, it's now been in there 28 days! We think
there's a little tiny crack in the top.. But nothing else so far.  My mom & I
were wondering, could it be having problems opening the shell? We are probably
going to try and help it open the shell today .. I'd appreciate the fastest
reply possible!! Thanks.


Answer
Hi, Shiri.

If it's been 28 days and you only see a crack, this egg is likely not going to hatch at all (if you have your dates correct).  Cockatiel incubation only takes 18 days and when hatching out, they don't crack the shell, they actually pip all the way around the shell on the inside first, then the same on the outside, and then push 1/2 the shell off so they can crawl out.  This process of pipping takes 24-48 hours.    

Chrys  

Birds--General

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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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