Finding out that your bird has laid an egg can be a big shock. Yet, female birds can lay eggs, even without a male present. This is a phenomenon known as “infertile egg-laying”. However, if there is a chance that your female bird has been near a male bird, there’s a possibility that the egg could be fertile and hatch.
Below, we’ll explore what you should do if your bird lays an egg, when to speak to your vet, and other important things you need to know.
Understanding Egg-Laying in Birds
Okay, so you’ve found an egg. Before deciding on the best course of action, you should first understand why your bird has laid an egg. Female birds, including cockatiels, parakeets, and canaries, may lay eggs as part of their reproductive cycle. Factors such as nesting behaviors, hormonal changes, or environmental triggers can prompt egg-laying.
If a female bird hasn’t been in contact with a male, the eggs she lays are most likely infertile, meaning they won’t hatch, and there’s no need for concern. Many owners choose to get rid of these eggs during a regular cage clean. However, if there’s any chance at all that the female was with a male, even briefly, the eggs could be fertile.
Considerations After Your Bird Lays an Egg
The very first step in managing your bird’s egg-laying situation is to assess whether there’s a possibility of the eggs being fertile. You need to consider these questions:
- Was the female housed with a male bird?
- Have you recently introduced a new bird to the environment?
- Could the female have been in contact with a male before you got her?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the egg may actually be fertile. In this situation, leave the egg in the nest. Allow the mother bird to incubate it, as this behavior is both instinctual and leads to healthy chick development.
Monitor Your Bird for Behavorial Changes
After finding eggs in your pet bird’s cage, note any behavorial changes. It’s not uncommon for mother birds to become agitated or protective when others approach her cage. This is normal and part of her maternal instinct. You should also take the time to understand the signs of stress in birds, such as feather-plucking, screaming, and loss of appetite. If you notice these signs, you may consider moving your bird’s cage to a quieter location or otherwise adjusting her environment.
Make an Appointment With Your Vet
Speaking to your vet is a great idea if you have any concerns about the health of your bird or the egg she has laid. If you notice that your bird isn’t caring for her eggs properly, exhibiting signs of stress, or not eating, an examination is critical. Laying eggs can take a heavy toll on a bird’s system. Malnourishment, hormone problems, and common health issues can affect your bird’s quality of life if they don’t receive proper treatment. A vet can explain your bird’s treatment options and prioritize their health.
Let Your Bird Care for the Chicks
If your bird’s eggs hatch, let her maternal instinct take over. She’ll incubate the chicks, socialize them properly, and feed them. Chicks don’t need your help. In fact, handfeeding them can prove detrimental to their development and cause stress for the mother bird. While your bird cares for her chicks, ensure that her cage is in a safe place away from other pets, such as cats and dogs. Give the new family space and watch as the chicks develop.
Note that how long it takes for a chick to mature into an adult bird depends on the species. Small species of birds, like finches, can fledge in under a month. Other birds, like cockatiels, aren’t fully mature until they’re more than a year old.
You Can Dispose of Infertile Eggs
If your bird’s eggs are infertile (whether because she lives alone or they never hatched), you can dispose of them in the trash. Wear gloves and handle them carefully to avoid breaking them and causing a mess. After the eggs have been removed, monitor your bird’s behavior. If she seems stressed without the egg, you may need to consult your vet and create a treatment plan. If not, then it’s business as usual, and you can breathe easily.
Other Things to Know After Pet Bird Egg-Laying
Here are some additional things to know regarding egg-laying in pet birds:
- You should prevent future egg-laying. As noted, laying an egg (or several) takes a toll on your bird’s body. So, you should limit her exposure to male birds, even if that means housing them separately. Ensure that your bird has a balanced diet, as excess protein can contribute to health problems that cause egg-laying.
- Educate yourself about your bird’s reproductive cycle. Every species of bird has its own nuances regarding their reproductive cycle. Some birds lay eggs like clockwork every so often; others only do so in response to stress. Understanding your bird’s physical health can help you make informed veterinary decisions.
- Get involved in bird clubs or forums. You should absolutely consider reaching out to bird clubs or organizations for additional support and resources. When you engage with others who have experience with pet birds, you can obtain valuable insights and tips for managing any more egg-laying situations. Never be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. It can be the difference between a healthy bird and sick bird!
