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The eggs will take between 2.5 and 4 weeks to hatch, depending on the species. The larger the bird, the longer the incubation, generally speaking. Clutches vary in size from two to six, and the female lays one a day. Incubators for egg-hatching are not essential kit for a breeder, but many do use them. The eggs of all parrots require a temperature of 37C or just below. Getting this right is essential for successful hatching.
A Cockatiel incubating eggs
Eggs sometimes fail to hatch. There are various reasons why this might have happened:
- Females sometimes lay eggs when there are no males to fertilise them
- A female may lay unfertilised eggs if the male has failed to achieve a successful coupling
- Single eggs may fail to hatch, due to a chick failing to develop properly inside, or because the egg itself somehow managed to avoid being fertilised
- The hen may neglect her eggs due to inexperience or stress - this is quite common in first-time layers
- If the nestbox isn’t a suitable size and shape the egg may have fallen to the floor and killed the embryo inside
- The male bird could be infertile
- The proximity of other birds or external distractions may be the issue - the female may be too stressed to sit on her eggs
- Nutrition is important - if eggs fail to hatch due to soft shells, it’s a sign that the hen didn’t get enough calcium (from cuttlefish bone or a mineral block, for example) when she was producing the eggs.
Comments
Jack, 1 May 2021
I have bred all kinds of parrots with good success ,I am now concerned with a Major Mitchell cockatoo who lays her eggs very sparodik,3 to5 days have been the days between the eggs,the birds were bought for me by my son but we are not sure of there ages, could this mean the hen is quite old,I have not had this experience before,please help.Jack
Jeff, 1 June 2019
What to expect win my blue &gold lays eggs she was going in and out the nest box for weeks her nest box is a wine barrel i have a back door that i can look in and i did after she was going in and out no eggs but know she has went in and not come out i dont want to look in afaid to disturb her she has not come out to eat what should i do
Neil, 7 April 2019
Why would my kakariki male often be in the nest box.? No eggs have been laid, the hen does not go into box. Would be grateful any comments .