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Birds--General/who's the daddy?

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Expert: - 9/2/2007


Question
Okay, I know this is weird, but about a year ago my lovebird got out of her cage and got into my Quaker Parrot's cage.  They get along really well, so we left them together.  We put them on the porch for the summer and after about 2 months, two eggs appeared!  One dropped and cracked but the other one is ok.  Now, I know it isn't fertile, but it's the Quaker Parrot who seems to be "sitting" on the egg. The lovebird spends the day eating much more than normal.  A vet told me the QP was a boy.  Do male QPs sit on their eggs?  And even though I know they can't make babies, should I add nesting material to the cage?
Thanks,


Answer
Hi, Lydia,

What you have is a female laying infertile eggs.  When the vet told you your QP was a boy, was DNA or surgical testing performed?  If not, your QP could be a female.  I say this because the lovie would most likely be incubating the egg if she was a female.  No, adding nesting materal could encourage further egg laying and you should try to discourage egg laying with these 2 birds.  Keep their light source down to 8-10 hours per day and do not have any type of nesting box up.  Be sure to include cuttlebone in their cage for calcium supplementation.

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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