You are here:

Birds--General/feather plucking/ unfertile eggs

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/4/2007


Question
i have a pair of kakariki parakeets, they have gone down on eggs twice, both times she has plucked her feathers and both times the eggs have come to nothing, any ideas?

Answer
Hi, Colin.  Thanks for posting!

I need lots more details from you in order to help you with this.

How old are your birds?  What type of diet are they on?  How many eggs are they laying per clutch?  Are they incubating these eggs that they lay?  Do you have a nesting box installed or are they laying on cage bottom or elsewhere?  Where is she plucking her feathers from (what part of her body)?  Are you sure of the sexes of your birds (females can lay infertile eggs without a male)?  Any other birds in the same cage with this pair?

Any other details would be most helpful.

Chrys

Birds--General

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.