Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My pair of lovebirds have just laid 3 eggs. What do I do?

They've been building a nest for a few months - just ripping up any material they could find (sandpaper from lining of cage) and stuffing it into a big pile in one corner on the floor of the cage. We thought they were trying to nest so bought them a wooden nesting box which they now sleep in overnight. Then a few weeks ago (I think 2 weeks?) we noticed that they were.. ahem.. mating vigorously. Since then we've saw them 'at it' a few times.

Then tonight we've just noticed that there are about 3 little white eggs in the bottom of the nesting box. I've been giving them kitchen towel which the Mum has been shredding and using to fill up the nesting box.

Diet - They eat: sunflower seeds; small beige birdy seeds and bird treats containing selected seeds, nuts, cereals & honey.

I've looked on the internet and have got some basic info but can't really find the answers to my questions -

- is it likely these eggs will hatch?
- should I try to help them in some way?
- how long will they take to hatch?
- do I need to change their diet / cage?
- what the hell do I do if they hatch into babies??!!!!

If anyone can help or advise me of an agency or something (RSPB maybe?) that could give me advice I'd be really grateful.

The funny thing is that up until two weeks ago we thought they were two boys!!!

I would suggest removing the eggs and replacing them with wooden eggs approximately the same size and color. I am assuming that you did not want more lovebirds and did not have homes ready in case they did hatch out??

After removing the eggs you can freeze and throw away.

As far as their diet you need to start offering fresh foods such as greens, veggies, fruits and grains. This could be anything from hanging some collard green leaves in the cage from a clip, placing a carrot on a skewer etc, to making a full birdie salad of greens, assorted veggies, pasta and beans. Seeds are not "bad" for your birds but they are fatty since captive birds do not get the exercise that wild birds get they do not need as much fats. Also even in the wild birds do eat vegetables and fruits and other assorted grains besides the seed. Anyway that you can offer fresh foods that they will eat would be good to try. Then you can try other foods and other ways of serving them. This will help their diet immensely. Also I usually switch to using pellets in place of seeds such as zupreem naturals, Katee Naturals etc. The pellets do have seeds ground up in them as well as vegetables and other things your bird needs. WHatever you use as the basis though they do need fresh foods as well even though it might take them a while to start eating them.

If you are not wanting to breed your birds which would probably be better all around without having experience or homes ready for them to go to, After the birds grow tired of the egg "duds" and start ignoring them, remove nest and nesting materials. Try to place something over the cage liner to keep them from tearing it up to make a nest. Most birds (although their are exceptions) will not produce eggs without having a nest. This would keep them from producing again.

If you are wanting to keep the eggs on the chance they do hatch let me know and I will try to give some more info or suggestions.