Expert: Christopher Emory - 2/22/2011

Question
Hi
I have two beautiful budgies 1 male and 1 female. The male is two years old and the female is 18months old. They are getting very broody. If I don't put a nest box in will the female still lay eggs and if I do put a nest box in the cage what should I put in it for bedding?
Thanks
Lynda

Answer
  Lynda,

Yes budgie hens can and do lay eggs without a nest box, it is not uncommon and the eggs should just be discarded. As for bedding material, I only use the non-scented aspen shavings much like hamster/gerbil bedding. It only takes a very small amount, arguably none at all. I prefer to use a small amount just to keep the eggs from resting on the wooden box and to prevent the eggs from getting rolled around to much. When your eggs hatch you will be glad that you used little to no bedding, baby birds will make a mess that is hard to keep clean!