Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 6/8/2006

Question
my parakeet layed 7 eggs as of 4/17/06 I guess none were fertile because they didn't hatch, so when she stopped sitting on them I took them away. then she started laying another batch started on 5/21/06,she layed 9 so far, I didn't have a nesting box until she layed the 7th egg. My question is should I put the eggs in the box or leave them alone, she layed them at the bottom of the cage, the male is feeding her and preening her  she sits on the eggs all day,only gets off to drink water and go to the bathroom, as soon as she hears someone coming she runs as fast as she can to sit on them. I don't know if any of them are fertile. this batch and the other batch looked a little pink in color and the first batch only 1 egg was a pure white color does this mean anything? thanks for the anticipated help. from debbi

Answer
Hi, Debbi.  Thanks for posting.

It would be best if you could move the eggs into the nestbox, but this might upset the adults...I don't know for sure because I don't know your adult keets.  You could try and see what happens.  A nestbox is better because it provides protection and security, maintains warmth, eggs/babies won't roll/fall through cage wire to the floor, etc.  If you decide to move the eggs, don't touch the eggs with your bare skin (use a glove or other in order to keep skin oils and dirt/bacteria, etc., from penetrating the eggs) and try not to turn the eggs, i.e., move and set them down in the position they happen to be in when you move them.

Eggs look pinkish when first laid, but turn darker in color (the pinkish tint goes away) as the developing embryo grows inside and consumes the available room inside the egg.  One way you can tell if the eggs are fertile or not is by the egg color after about 2 weeks...as the eggs grow older, the egg will turn a darker white color.  You can also candle the eggs at about 10 days to see if you can determine fertility.

Come back if you need to.

Chrys