Birds--General/soiled eggs

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Expert: - 9/17/2007


Question
i have 3 baby budgie chicks. the oldest is 8 days old and the youngest is 3 days old. I've 2 eggs left and there all soiled. i clean the nest box out every day but what should i do about the eggs. i read they might not hatch if soiled.

Answer
Hi, Maureen,

I'm sorry for responding late to your question(s).  I was hospitalized and trying to catch up.

They may not hatch, as being soiled can introduce contaminants inside the egg itself and result in an embryo's death before hatching.  The eggs can be very gently cleaned with warm water and a Q-Tip, but don't touch the eggs with your bare hands, as oil/dirt from your skin can also contaminate the egg.  Get as much crap off the eggs as possible.  At this point, these eggs will either hatch or they won't.  

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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