Parakeet Laying Eggs: I Found Parakeet Eggs, What Do I Do?!
Taking care of parakeets does not take much effort. The parakeet will begin to lay eggs one to two days after the mating process. Female parakeets will lay an egg every second day and there will be approximately four to seven of them. Baby parakeets will begin hatching after 22 to 30 days gestation.
Fertilized or not fertilized parakeet eggs
If you only have one parakeet, you can discard the egg from the cage since there is no male to fertilize the egg. Be sure to place the egg inside of a zip-top bag or even down the garbage disposal so that it does not leave a noticeable smell.
Parakeet in a nest box
If your parakeet has a nest box and she is inside of it, your best bet is to leave the parakeet alone to do her job. If you want to, you can rotate the egg once a month. Be sure to put clean gloves on when doing this.
Natural nesting hair for parakeet nest box
If you do not have a nesting box, go out and buy natural nesting hair for the eggs to sit on. Even though the eggs are quite thick and tough, this natural nesting hair will keep them warm and prevent cracking. When picking up the eggs, be sure to always wear clean gloves.
Are the parakeet eggs fertilized?
Once you have moved the eggs to the natural nesting hair, leave them alone for five to six days. After five or six days, put a flash light up to each of the eggs to see their progress. If the egg is yellow inside, this is a clear sign that is has not been fertilized. If it is red or with veins running through, you know that this egg has been fertilized.
Hatching parakeet eggs
Once you know the eggs have been fertilized, wait anywhere between 22 and 30 days for them to hatch. Once hatched, the only thing you need to do is make sure that the little ones are being fed. You will be able to tell that have been fed by looking at their bellies. If they are full looking you have nothing to worry about.
Feeding parakeet babies
In case the mother parakeet is not feeding the babies, you will have to take charge and bottle-feed them formula every three hours. You can buy the pet formula at a local pet store. This, however, is very rare if the female parakeet is over a year old. Most female parakeets know exactly what to do when taking care of their young.
When to hold parakeet babies
After two weeks, you can begin to hold the babies for only 10 minutes at a time. After four weeks, you can increase holding time. Once they are old enough, 6 to 8 weeks old, buy a larger cage or another cage and place the babies inside of it. Once you have done this, enjoy your little ones until more eggs are laid.