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Birds--General/parakeet eggs and nest
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Question
I have been doing a lot of research about breeding our 3 year old male and female parakeets. I have found mixed answers about a couple things. First, I have put a nesting box in the cage with wood shavings (not pine or cedar) (this is what the breeder gave me). My female keeps tossing the shavings out and I keep putting them back. Is she doing this because she doesn't want it and stop putting it back or should the nest have some soft bedding. At this point I already have 1 egg in there and didn't want to handle it to be on the safe side. How careful should I be about touching it (them). What should I do about the shavings? Thank you so much for all the GREAT info.
Hi, Krystal. Thanks for posting!
Do not put anything inside the nesting box. Keets (as well as most parrots) don't want anything inside. This is why she's throwing the wood shavings out.
If you have to touch the egg(s) for some reason, do not touch them with your bare hands/skin. The oil and dirt from your bare skin can clog up pores on the egg. Use latex gloves or something on your hands.
Take the shavings out of the nesting box. You can add a thin layer of the shavings after babies arrive in order to help keep the nesting box clean of the babies feces and keep the babies dry, but substrate isn't needed for egg incubation.
Chrys
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Awesome, thank you. I will definately use this advice. We still only have 1 egg, but since its her first clutch, Ive read this may be the only one or she may have another soon. I cant wait, and dont worry we have done all the reading we can and are ready to help our new parents and babies in any way. Thanks again, and Ive bookmarked my new favorite site! | ||
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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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