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Birds--General/Love Bird eggs

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Expert: - 10/24/2006


Question
My love birds laid 3 eggs, one on the first of Oct, one on the third and one on the fifth.  After candling - two proved to be fertile. I'm a bit concerned because as of today's date (Oct 24th) none have hatched.  Should I be concerned?  

Answer
Hi, Fran.  Thanks for posting!

Assuming incubation started with the second egg laid, it appears hatching is a day or so overdue (takes about 18 days from date incubation begins).  I'd leave them for a few more days just in case your dates are off a little and/or she didn't start incubation with the second egg laid.  However, it's possible the babies have died in their shells for some reason.  Are you sure of what you saw inside the egg when you candled them (could it be the eggs were never fertile to begin with)?  

Come back with any questions.

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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