Ask Lafeber

Male Cockatiel Doesn’t Sit On Eggs

Hi, I have a pair of mated cockatiels and the female is sitting on 4 eggs now. This is their second clutch but the male never sits on the eggs. The female will get off to feed etc and he will keep an eye on the eggs but never actually sits the eggs. The first clutch was there same. Is there something I can do to encourage him to sit? I feel bad that the eggs start to develop (I shone a light through at 2 weeks) but then I think they die from getting cold?

Hi Liz,

If this clutch fails, go ahead and remove the next box for at least 6 months. He may be too immature – it he at least 18 months old? Younger birds are not always ready to breed even if their hormones are ready. After 6 months, you can try the pair again. If he still refuses to help, don’t breed this pair again. Some birds do not make good breeders. Possibly these birds are not truly bonded even if they did mate. But it’s bad for her health to continue to lay eggs. You can try another mate with her, but you would have to find a new home for your current male.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda