March 22, 2022
Male Cockatiel Playing with Eggs
Is it normal for a. Make cockatiel to be playing with the eggs his mate laid?
Question:
Answer:
Hi Mariela,
He may just be turning the eggs. They have to be turned throughout the day and night in order to develop properly. If he is in fact playing with them, it may just be due to inexperience if this is their first clutch. If he is under 2, then he is probably bored and wants to mate rather than care for eggs. Cockatiels should be at least 2 years old before you let them breed. Younger birds don’t do as well and can develop bad breeding habits that prevent them from being good breeders when they are old enough. If he breaks the eggs, and is under 2, I would remove the nest box and not let them breed again until both birds are old enough. All breeding birds should have the nest box taken away in between clutches and the pair rested for 6 months. They should be limited to 2 clutches per year.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
