Ask Lafeber

Peachface

Hi my female peachface is with a male and has just laid first egg was just wondering if I need to do anything or just leave them be

Hi,

Do they have a nest box? They need a wooden nest box made for lovebirds. Eggs rarely hatch in a makeshift nest or on the cage floor, and if they do, the chicks rarely survive. A bird hut or tent will not work for a nest.

They should be eating a nutritionally balanced diet such as pellets, along with leafy greens chopped veggies and an egg food. This can be a commercial dry egg food or you can cook an egg with the shell washed, crushed and cooked with the egg, daily. If they are only eating seeds, this will not be enough nutrition for them or the chicks, and if any chicks hatch, they may not survive. The parents need privacy, so try to limit being around the cage other than to feed them. Do not move the cage or make any major changes. As long as they have everything they need, then all you can do is wait and hope for the best. Most first time clutches are not successful, but it is good practice for them. You should always remove the nest box between each clutch, whether the eggs hatch or not, and rest the pair for 6 months before letting them try again.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda