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Birds--General/Lovebird laid an egg, didn't build a nest
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Question
We've got 3 lovebirds, two females and one male, in a single cage. Based on mating behavior, we bought a nesting box, which one of the females took to immediately. In the last day or so, she has laid an egg in the nesting box, but has not built a nest (that we can see, anyway). We've placed nesting hair material, and strips of newspaper in the cage, and she has dragged a few strips of newspaper into the nesting box, but has not built a nest.
What should we do?
Hi, Susan. Thanks for posting.
First thing you should do is get the female who is not pair-bonded with the male out of the cage...you want only the pair who laid the egg in the cage with the nestbox. The 2 females will fight each other at some point and one will certainly lose! Lovebirds usually build a large nest inside the nesting box...don't know why these haven't, but let them do what they want as long as the material is available to them to make a nest. If you want them to have babies, just let them go about their business. If you don't, then you need to remove the nesting box.
There's much information you need to know on my website:
http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html
Come back with any questions.
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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