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Birds--General/Lovebird breeding
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Question
I have a pair of lovebirds. It's been almost two years since they've produced young. For about four or five weeks they have been exibating nesting/mating behavior. My question is...after the "act" of mating, how long before I should see eggs? I'm concerned because they have been actively mating for about two weeks and have not produced an egg. Thnaks, Fran
Hi, Fran. Thanks for posting your question!
Do you have a nesting box set up for them? If not, this might be why they haven't laid any eggs yet. Some parrots will lay on the cage bottom, but some won't lay until there's a nesting box available.
It usually takes about 10 days after mating for the first egg to appear, but this varies between pairs of birds. Perhaps 14 days isn't long enough for this pair. Also, I've known of pairs who've mated, but never laid an egg (fertile or infertile). There's much that can happen in the development process that can affect whether an egg is laid or not...here's a website with much information on this process: http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/avianemb.htm#form
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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