Birds--General/cockatiels

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Expert: - 12/15/2007


Question
Can the male tiel fertilize eggs after the hen has started laying.  Our hen has already laid 3 eggs and we just put a male in with her.  Will he mate with her, and will he fertilize any of the eggs still developing?

Answer
Hi, Gina,

Eggs are fertilized or not INSIDE the female before the eggs are laid.  Birds will not mate/breed if they are not pair-bonded.  You cannot just put 2 birds together and expect them to produce viable eggs immediately...it just doesn't work this way.  The laid eggs are infertile (since she didn't mate with a male).  Any additional eggs laid will also be infertile (unless she mated with a male).  

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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