Lovebirds' Egg-Laying Process: A Personal Experience

Sakina loves birds. She has had pet parrots and budgies. Now she has two lovebirds, one of which is a peach-faced male she hand-raised.

In this article, the following common questions and topics about egg-laying in lovebirds will be addressed in detail.

• When Will a Female Lovebird Lay an Egg?
• How Many Eggs Will a Female Lovebird Lay?
• Signs of a Pregnant Lovebird
• Finding a Suitable Nest Box
• Nesting Materials for Lovebirds
• Egg-Binding in Lovebirds
• Calcium Supply for Your Lovebirds (Table)
• A Healthy Recipe for Lovebirds
• Infertility in Lovebirds
• What Are the Causes of Infertility?

When Will a Female Lovebird Lay an Egg?

Many novice breeders have this question in their minds at some point in time. A female lovebird will lay an egg with or without a mate when she is around 9–12 months of age. Of course, without a mate, the eggs laid will be infertile. Sometimes people end up buying two females or two males. Housing them together may lead to a clutch of infertile eggs in the former case, or no eggs in the latter.

When mating occurs between a true lovebird pair (male and female), the eggs laid will be fertile—though infertile eggs are possible too, as in the case of my pets Mumu and Lulu.

How Many Eggs Will a Female Lovebird Lay?

Eggs will be laid within 7–10 days after mating. In my case, Lulu laid an egg exactly a week later, on October 6th, 2016. Interestingly, we had no idea that she was pregnant! Usually, a hen (female lovebird) lays a clutch of 4–6 eggs, in a gap of 1–2 days. She then broods over the eggs, usually after laying the whole clutch.

The incubation period is between 21–23 days, after which the chicks are hatched. There may be exceptions, too. The chicks may even hatch out by the 24th or 25th day. Make sure you count the days so that you can approximately calculate the hatching date.

Lulu had laid four eggs continuously every alternate day. Then after a gap of 7–10 days, she had laid five more eggs.

Signs of a Pregnant Lovebird

• She walks slowly.
• She is unable to fly/flies with difficulty.
• She shows slight weight gain.
• Her body shows a clear "baby bump."
• She looks tired.
• She sleeps a lot, fluffing her feathers.
• The male feeds her rigorously.
• She may bob her tail.

We bought a canary nest assuming it to be a lovebird nest before.

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Finding a Suitable Nest Box

A nest box is an essential component in lovebird breeding. Upon learning that Lulu laid an egg, we immediately bought a nest box. The pet owner had mistakenly given a round nest made out of steel, which was actually meant for canaries. Surfing the net, I realized that lovebirds need wooden nest boxes. The exchange was made, and we bought a small nest box/English budgie nest, which my lovebirds readily accepted. Remember to provide your pets with nesting materials.

Placing the Nest Box

• The nest box can be placed outside the cage, attaching it to the cage wall.
• Attach the nest box inside (with S-shaped hooks)

In my opinion, placing the nest box inside is better. My pets love to sit inside the box together, for warmth. They doze off inside it sometimes, too, as the temperature here is cold. However, you can place it according to your wish.

(P.S. You can place the nest box wherever you want, according to your pet's comfort level. There is no hard and fast rule for that!)

Picture showing my lovebird Lulu's eggs laid in her nest box.

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Nesting Materials for Lovebirds

Lovebirds require nesting materials to make their nests. These are required to keep humidity in the nest, as it is essential for egg laying. Both males and females make long strips of whatever material is available, carrying them into the nest box. While the female tucks them in her wings and tail, the male tries to do the same, though he often remains unsuccessful. However, there can be exceptions (Mumu has mastered the ability of shredding paper and tucking it in his tail)!

What Can Be Included in Nesting Materials?

You could buy nesting materials from a local pet shop or provide the following:

1. Palm leaves (Lulu simply adores these)
2. Paper towels
3. Dried grass
4. Lovebird's own feathers (lost ones)
5. Leaves of non-poisonous plants (lovebird-safe)

Lulu, my female lovebird loves to shred palm leaves and tuck them in her tail. It is the perfect nesting material for her.

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My Male Lovebird Mumu Has Mastered Nesting Behavior!

Egg-Binding in Lovebirds

The most common egg-laying problem in lovebirds is egg-binding. This means that your bird is unable to pass an egg easily. This can be fatal to your bird. A vet must be consulted immediately when this occurs. If a vet cannot be consulted, you could do a few things to help your bird expel the egg.

In my case, Lulu had passed 9 eggs easily. The 10th, 11th, and 12th egg had been passed with difficulty, in a gap of 5–7 days. She didn't keep well, started vomiting, and slept a lot. She stayed like this for one day. The next day her egg would be passed, and she would be normal and active again.

Signs of Egg-Binding

1. Straining
2. Fluffed feathers
3. Sitting at the bottom of the cage
4. Tail bobbing
5. Difficulty in breathing
6. Weakness
7. Loss of appetite
8. Large droppings/Minimal droppings
9. Sleeping a lot (in Lulu's case)
10. Vomiting (in Lulu's case)
11. Fever (in Lulu's case)

Remedying Egg-Binding at Home

1. Place the bird on a warm towel (heat allows the dilation of muscles, thus helping in passing the egg.)
2. Place the bird in a bowl of warm water. Your bird is likely to pass the egg in water.
3. Giving calcium supply (crushed egg shells and small pieces of egg-white).
4. If your female bird is not eating, feed the male with the calcium supply mentioned above.
5. Give plenty of rest without any disturbance.
6. Keep the cage covered in a blanket for warmth.
7. Keep the cage clean. Your bird is likely to pass large droppings which may wet the cage floor, making it colder.

How to Use Egg as a Quick Calcium Supply for Lovebirds: Photo Tutorial

Boil an egg. Crush egg shell and egg white into small pieces. Provide this to your lovebirds as it is a rich source of calcium. This helps a lot for egg-bound females too.

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Foods With Calcium for Your Lovebirds

A Healthy Recipe for Lovebirds

Ingredients

• 4–5 fresh spinach leaves
• 1 whole egg (shell, yolk, and white will be used)
• Fresh corn kernels

Instructions

1. Boil 4–5 spinach leaves and an egg.
2. Dry the spinach leaves in the sun and crush them.
3. Crush some of the egg shell into tiny pieces/powdery form and add to it.
4. Take some egg yolk and egg white, too.
5. Take fresh corn and dry them till they are hardened. Mash them into tiny bits and add to the mixture.
6. Toss all of them and serve it fresh to your pet/pets. Either sprinkle it over their food bowl or give it separately. It alleviates weakness and strengthens your bird.

Infertility in Lovebirds

Infertility may be caused in a lovebird hen, leaving the eggs empty/without chicks. This is in the case of my bird Lulu. Till now she has laid 12 eggs in total, but there aren't any chicks hatched. She sat on all of them for a while, but her brooding wasn't continuous. It is very saddening yes, I had always wished to see what color would be inherited by their chicks. My male lovebird Mumu is a medium-green heavy pied peach-faced while the female Lulu is a white-faced violet roseicollis peach-faced lovebird.

We had placed Lulu's eggs in this small wooden square box, removing all of them from her nest box. This was done to check if Lulu sits on her eggs or not. I believe that a mother knows her eggs are not fertile, so she didn't even sit on them.

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What Are the Causes of Infertility?

• Nutritional Factor: If the hen lacks minerals and calcium, her eggs will remain infertile. A healthy diet with all the essential minerals and calcium may help in reducing infertility.
• Loose Perches: Ensure that the perches are fixed firmly. The hen needs support to carry the male on her back. If the perches are loose, mating won't happen properly.
• Mutation: If your bird is a mutation, she may or may not be infertile.
• Age: If your bird is too young or too old, the eggs may remain infertile.
• Environmental Factors: There should be enough humidity for successful mating. Heaters and humidifiers may aid in creating such an atmosphere. A nest box is also very essential for mating.

Egg-Laying Is a Wonder

Lovebirds are a beautiful species and their reproduction and egg-laying process a wonder of nature. Unfortunately, I am not lucky enough to see the hatching of my pets' chicks. Nevertheless, I still hope that one day I might see their babies, hopefully.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Questions & Answers

Question: I have a female lovebird who lays eggs. The eggs are fertile but the chicks are not able to break the eggs and die inside. Why is this?

Answer: This is a common issue in lovebirds. Survival is difficult, so the probability of hatching is less in most cases.

Question: It’s almost a month why are my lovebirds' eggs not hatching?

Answer: Your bird might be younger than one year of age, might not be mated well, or may be infertile. Please throw those eggs away. The hatching period is 21-25 days.

Question: After laying eggs, my lovebirds just sat on them only for fifteen days. Now, they are not sitting constantly anymore. What's the problem with them?

Answer: The eggs might be infertile (and the lovebirds know about it, mine did the same thing) or "contaminated" according to the lovebird.

Question: Do most female lovebirds have eggs without a mate? If so, how old?

Answer: Females, generally, over a year old lay eggs. They lay more when they have a mate.

Question: I have a pair of lutino (male) and cherry-faced (female) lovebirds. The female started laying eggs on 22 March 2020. She laid 6 eggs within a week then 10 to 12 days later, she started laying again while already sitting on the eggs. Till now she has laid 10 eggs total. What can be the reason for my lovebird to lay eggs? And if all the eggs are fertile then, will all of them hatch or not? If hatched, will the chicks survive?

Answer: The birds must have mated again (in the 10-12 days you have mentioned). Your lovebird may be sitting on all the eggs, but it's not necessary that all will be fertile. If the chicks hatch, they can survive, but extra care must be given.

Question: I have 1 male and 2 female lovebirds. How can I know which bird loves the other?

Answer: Notice the closeness between them. Do you find the male close to one of the females? Does he try to feed any one of them? If that's the case, he may develop a bond with one of them. Please buy another male lovebird so that the other female (if one pair is formed) doesn't feel lonely.

Question: How will I know that I have been answered?

Answer: You will receive an email from HubPages.

Question: Why is my lovebird is not laying eggs?

Answer: A lovebird is unable to lay eggs due to many reasons. The most common are:

1. Either she is not a year old, or she is older than five years of age

2. Malnutrition, infertility, and loose perches (the male can't balance himself) may be possible

3. Poor diet is another cause. Feed your lovebirds fruits like apple, banana, grapes; give them corn, spinach leaves, and incorporate crushed eggshells into their seed bowl.

Question: What should I do right when my lovebirds eggs hatch?

Answer: Please make sure the chicks are being fed by the parent lovebird.

Question: If both the lovebirds are green peachfaced, can their babies be of different colours?

Answer: Yes, it's possible if one of the lovebirds has a rare gene in them.

Question: My lovebird laid three eggs almost a month ago. Initially, she sat on them, but now she refuses to sit on them. Is this normal behaviour? If not, then what should I do?

Answer: This is because she knows the eggs are infertile (my lovebird has done the same thing countless times). You can remove the eggs and discard them. If there were a chick in any one of them, they would have hatched within 25 days.

Question: I have 2 lovebirds, their colors are the same as yours. The bird had laid 3 eggs, but after a few days, only 2 eggs are in the nest. Both the birds play well, but now I'm having doubts as to if both are females or are they a pair. Can we identify the gender of our lovebirds? The eggs are there, a lot of material is there in the nest box and the 2 eggs are covered.

Answer: A male lovebird tends to regurgitate (bring up food in his mouth) to feed the female. Is this happening? How long has it been since the eggs were laid? If they don't hatch after 25 days, it means they are infertile, but we can't say both of them are females because of that. Females are slightly heavier than males, they sit with their feet perched wide apart. If the female is pregnant, you will see a bulge in the abdomen area. Please check for these signs.

Question: After how many days do the baby lovebirds come out of the box after hatching?

Answer: That totally depends on the parent lovebirds. Once they feel the babies are old enough, they themselves will kick them out of the nest box.

Question: How can I tell if my lovebird is a male or female?

Answer: It's really difficult to distinguish between them. However, these signs may tell them apart:

1. The most obvious sign is that the female lays eggs. If you have two females, then you will have two clutches of eggs. If there are no eggs, it means both are males.

2. Female lovebirds are a little heavier than males. They perch with a wider stance.

3. Female display nesting behavior--they love shredding paper, leaves and whatever they think might make a nest. So, the next time you let your lovebirds out, give them a sheet of paper each. See who tears it in shreds and places it in their back first.

Do remember that there can be exceptions.

Question: Our female laid an egg, but isn't sitting on it, why?

Answer: The egg might be infertile.

Question: I was given a pair of lovebirds at the beginning of the year. About two months later, I had three birds, the baby was fully feathered and out of the nest. I just noticed there are three more baby birds in the nest. How do I keep them from hatching more eggs?

Answer: To prevent hatching, the couple must be separated, but I'm against that. What you can do is, remove the eggs from the nest just after the female lovebird lays it. That way, they won't be warmed up by her and chicks won't form.

Question: My lovebird's egg is out of the nest box. Can I put the egg back? Will the lovebird accept this egg?

Answer: First place the egg back in the nest box and see if the mother lovebird accepts it or not.

Question: Why are my lovebird's eggs not fertilized? This pair had bred successfully three times previously.

Answer: Fertility isn't guaranteed in each case in lovebirds. Maybe, they will have chicks later on.

Question: Will the lovebird's eggs hatch during the rainy season?

Answer: I don't think rainy season affects the hatching of eggs.

Question: My budgies has laid 8 eggs without a nesting box, right below the food cup. Is it possible to have baby budgies in this condition? She does sit on them.

Answer: It is possible, but not safe. Please buy a nesting box or keep them in one corner of the cage where the birds might not come and go.

Question: How do you know if a lovebird is male or female?

Answer: It is difficult to distinguish them without a DNA test, but there are subtle signs:

1. Females are slightly heavier than males and are perched with legs wide apart.

2. Females lay eggs and display nesting behavior (cutting paper into strips and putting them in their backs, there can be exceptions).

3. Females don't regurgitate food like males.

Question: There are 2 birds. One of them laid 2 eggs. Now, they both are fighting, so I separated them in 2 nests. Now, will the eggs hatch or not?

Answer: Keep the eggs in both nests and see which bird sits on them. Keep them there then.

Question: My lovebird has no mate, but has laid 3 eggs and she hasn't left them. How long should I leave these eggs or should I just take them away?

Answer: These eggs will be infertile since she has laid them without a mate. See what your bird does, if she sits on them or not. If she is ignoring them, please discard them.

Question: I have a male and female conure. The female laid 4 eggs in a nesting box and this morning I found her dead and stiff at the bottom of the cage. Why was it so?

Answer: I'm so sorry to hear this. Did she have difficulty in laying eggs?

Question: My lovebird has only laid 2 eggs. This is her first time, is that normal? She is sitting on the eggs though.

Answer: Yes, it's okay, give her time. She may lay more eggs. If not, it's okay.

Question: Is it bad to take my lovebird's eggs if I'm not able to take care of more babies?

Answer: It would be bad if your lovebird is too attached to the eggs. Do you find her sitting on them just after they are laid?

Question: I know that lovebirds feed their chicks the first two weeks, but what food do they need to feed them?

Answer: The mother lovebird secretes a clear fluid during the first days. Later on, she feeds the chick what she eats. So, do make sure she is eating healthy foods like seeds, apple, banana, corn, and spinach leaves. Crushed egg shells do help in building calcium levels.

Question: I have four lovebirds. The pairs laid eggs one and two respectively. Now I am observing the 1st pair is not going to the nest and sitting in the other box. What should I do?

Answer: Do you mean to say that the female lovebird is not sitting on the egg? Maybe it's infertile, that's why she isn't.

Question: After the first egg hatches, could I take it out of the nest box and hand-feed the chick? Also, what will the hen eat to feed her babies?

Answer: You can hand-feed the chick once it is three weeks old. It is easier to handle them then. The hen will eat whatever you provide her with. Give her healthy foods like corn, banana, apple, spinach leaves, and crushed eggshells (sprinkle the bits on their food).

Question: Should we separate the male and female Lovebirds after laying eggs?

Answer: No, the male and female lovebirds shouldn't be separated. The male lovebird will feed the female, and inturn the female feeds the newborn chick.

Question: I thought we were not supposed to touch the eggs of a lovebird or she will kick them out the nest?

Answer: Yes, please don't touch the eggs.

Question: My lovebird is laying eggs and her feathers from the belly have fallen. Can you please tell me why has this happened?

Answer: My lovebird has lost a few feathers from the belly region as well. This can happen due to the strain of keeping and laying eggs. The feathers will grow back with time. You can include vitamin supplements to your lovebird's diet and crushed eggshells (calcium source). Please don't worry.

Question: If we cannot touch the eggs, how can we tell if they are going to be born?

Answer: You can lift the egg(s) with a spoon and view them under light. If red veins are visible (posterior 10 days of laying), it means a chick is growing inside. If it's infertile, the egg will appear empty.

Question: My lovebird has laid four eggs and in that, one egg has hatched. How do I increase the hatching rate? Why are many of the eggs not hatching?

Answer: There is no way to increase the hatching rate. The natural process works on its on way.

Question: My female lovebird’s last egg hatched. She fed her chicks well, but a few days later the youngest chick died. Why did it die? The older chicks are still alive.

Answer: Survival is difficult in nature, especially in smaller birds and animals. I have faced the same.

Question: My birds have mated over month ago, but no eggs were laid. Why is this?

Answer: Your female lovebird might not be old enough to breed yet.

Question: How can we identify hatched eggs in African lovebirds?

Answer: The hatched eggs will have chicks in them.

Question: My budgie laid an egg for the first time on August 7th in the nest box. She laid another one on August 9th, but on the cage floor. It cracked, so I got rid of it but she didn't lay a third egg. She is also not sitting on the first egg that's in the nest. What should I do?

Answer: She might be upset about the cracked egg. It doesn't matter how many eggs she lays at a time. They can be one, two or more. Give her time. If she doesn't sit on it, it means she knows it's infertile. My female lovebird used to do the same. If 21-25 days pass and the egg doesn't hatch or she doesn't sit on it, please throw it.

Question: My lovebird has laid eggs outside the nest box... What should I do?

Answer: You can use a spoon and place the eggs in the nest box.

Question: What happens if I touch a lovebirds' egg?

Answer: If you touch a female lovebird's eggs, she will think they are contaminated and won't sit on them.

Question: What if my bird doesn't like water? How can I put her in warm water?

Answer: Place a bowl of water near her, if she jumps in, you will know she is okay with it. If not, you have to hold her and place her in water.

Question: My African Lutino lovebird laid four eggs, but they are not hatching after 30 days. This is first time she has laid eggs. Is there any problem?

Answer: It's common in lovebirds to lay infertile eggs. There's nothing to worry about.

Question: Can I check my lovebirds' eggs? I have heard that people try to touch their eggs, they can break?

Answer: No, you can't touch their eggs with your fingers, but you can definitely look at them.

Question: Ruby, my lovebird, has just laid her first egg, we don't want her to have babies. At the same time, I would feel so horrible just taking them out and trashing them. Plus, I have heard that if you do this, it could cause her to hold it in any other eggs. What do I do? I don't want the eggs to hatch, but I don't want to hurt her feelings either.

Answer: I understand your feelings. You can replace the freshly hatched eggs with dummy eggs. Ruby might sit on the fake eggs or might not, but once the eggs are laid, remove them immediately. Eggs start forming into chicks at least 10 days posterior incubation.

Question: When will a lovebird lay eggs?

Answer: A lovebird lays eggs with or without a mate. With a mate, she can lay fertile eggs.

Question: I have 2 pairs in the same cage. Two of them are paired, the other two are in the preadult stage. Will there be any problem for the paired ones to mate?

Answer: No, the paired lovebirds won't have any problem while mating.

Question: My lovebird laid an egg. It’s been two full days, and she has not laid another one. Should I worried, and if so what can I do?

Answer: Egg laying may get delayed if the lovebird is tired or feeling weak. Please give her crushed egg shells (which will help her calcium levels rise). You can also place her in a bowl of warm water. This will relax her muscles, and she may lay the egg.

Question: I have 9 lovebird pairs and all of them have stopped laying eggs, but previously there was no problem, what is the cause?

Answer: I think it must not be the breeding season for them now. How long has the egg-laying not happening?

Question: My lovebirds laid their eggs but my male lovebird flew away. I haven't been able to catch him. Will the female be able to care for the egg alone?

Answer: Please get your bird a new mate. A male lovebird is needed as he feeds the female lovebird, supports her and later feeds the chicks as well.

Question: What can we do so that lovebirds mate?

Answer: Lovebirds mate if they feel comfortable with each other. We can't do anything other than wait.

© 2016 Sakina Nasir

Comments

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 26, 2020:

They know at times and sometimes they think the eggs are spoilt. Let the eggs be there with her for at least 21-23 days and see what happens.

Sabreena Campbell on August 21, 2020:

I have a lovebird that later three eggs and didn't even sit on them. What if she knows that the eggs are fertilize or not . Cause I'm worried

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

It's better if she has a companion. :) It's okay if she stays at the bottom of the cage as long as she is healthy and active. If you think there's egg binding, please place her in a bowl of warm water.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

Hi Kayla! :)

Birds do so depending on their behavior and whether the eggs are fertile or not. Give her time. If you wish to incubate them yourself, you can do so too.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

No, don't do that now, please. Let the eggs hatch and time pass. Then you can clean the nest box.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

Hi! :) It's okay if she doesn't the materials, at times they find their own material (threads, ropes, etc) and bring them inside the nest. It's okay if you wish to check the nest box, you can detach it from the cage, have a look and put it back.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

Hi Sakura! :) Female lovebirds lay eggs, males don't. Females are slightly heavier than males and are perched with a wider stance. Females display nesting behavior and males feed the females.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

Please separate them for a while or intervene as much as possible when this happens. Females get aggressive when they are nesting.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

Hi Myrvin! :)

If they are chicks, please feed them 4-5 times in a day if they are younger than 2 weeks old. Feed them 3-4 times in a day if they are 3 weeks old and above. Gradually decrease feeding the formula feed and try to introduce fruits (without seeds). You can leave some seeds in the cage but if they are too young, they won't know what it is.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 05, 2020:

Please wait for a longer while. They may hatch after 25 days too.

Rao on July 14, 2020:

Africa love birds lay the eggs all most 25 days over till it not hatching reason

Rao on July 14, 2020:

Africa love birds have lay eggs all most 25 days over till know its not been hatching

Myrvin on July 12, 2020:

Hello... I'm a newbie in keeping lovebirds as pets. I'm hoping you could guide me on proper feeding of my birds. Like how often in a day they should be fed, what to be fed in certain time of the day and if it is safe to just leave a small bowl of african mix seeds in their cage. Would appreciate hearing from you. thanks. -Myrvin from Philippines

Ali on July 09, 2020:

Hi, I have a tamed male since birth and he's 5 years old now. I got him a 2 years old female that is ready for nesting and cutting newspapers into her nest. The problem is that the female is very aggressive and fight the male and made a pig scratch on his beak. What to do please?

Sakura on July 06, 2020:

Hi I'm just wondering if I could ask question in the comment.☺️ so here it is, how can you define if the lovebirds have opposite sex? What is the tips?

Lovebird on July 05, 2020:

Hey, I have a male and female lovebird. She keeps going in the nest box and spends a long time inside but I’m not sure she’s using the things I’ve put in the cage for nesting. I also want to see the nest box but I’m afraid I might disturb her. What should I do?

Wywy on June 28, 2020:

Hi, may I know whether can I clean my lovebird nest box after the female just lay egg? Cause I'm so worried if I clean the best box, my lovebird would damage their egg...

Kayla on June 01, 2020:

Hi I have two lovebirds Fischer. My female has just laid her first successful clutch and she's been incubating them for a week now and recently she's been spending time out of nest coming out to eat, play or get more paper for her nest. I'm just wonder if that's normal because she still seems to incubate them but not all day like last week?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on May 27, 2020:

Hi Alya. If the lovebirds are not mating properly, eggs will not be laid. The female might not be of a proper age for mating. Please don't worry.

Alya on May 26, 2020:

I bought a pair of breeding lobe birds and it has been 2 months and the female lovebird did not lay eggs is she sick

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on May 07, 2020:

Hi Nimiya. :)

Yes, it can happen, but those eggs will be infertile.

Nimiya on May 07, 2020:

Hai,

Does lovebird lay egg witjout mate?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on April 08, 2020:

@Ram Hi! :)

It is okay. Sometimes, they don't incubate the eggs as they know they are empty or the birds might think they are spoilt.

Ram on April 08, 2020:

I have a lot of lesson I learned.But i want to know it is normal that my african lovebirds can't always incubate their eggs?because they are always outside, they are only sometimes in the nest/box.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 29, 2020:

Hi Veronica. :)

Not all birds make use of nesting material. If even they don't, it is okay. Please don't worry. Let the lovebird do what is comfortable to her. Sometimes, mother lovebirds know if the eggs are empty and they stop sitting on them.

Veronica on March 29, 2020:

My lovebird has just laid three eggs and she didn’t use any nesting material she would chew it but didn’t use it and she goes back onto the eggs and also doesn’t so I’m not sure but again it is only the first day

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 28, 2020:

Hi AK Bhardwaj. :)

Please wait for a few more days. If the eggs don't hatch after 23 days, they won't be hatching then. You can discard them then.

AK Bhardwaj on March 28, 2020:

Hi Nasir,

I have two budgies and my female budgie laid 4 eggs and 20 days are over but the eggs aren't hatching. Female budgie is sitting on the eggs. Shall I wait more for them to hatch. Please guide

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 27, 2020:

Hi Pet Lover. :)

Yes, the mother bird mostly takes care of her hatchlings and sometimes even the male birds help.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 25, 2020:

Hi Jasmine. :)

Is she laying the eggs every alternate days? If that is the case, it's okay. Sometimes, lovebirds have swollen abdomens even if they don't lay eggs or after a time when they have laid eggs continuously (it happened to one of my female lovebirds).

If you think she is egg-bound, please place her in a shallow vessel filled with lukewarm water. This will help in relaxing her muscles and please cover her cage so she gets warmth.

jasmine mistry on March 25, 2020:

Hi sakina this is jasmine here. one of my female lovebird ha skind of fluffed up. i checked on her n found out that the area below her stomach is swollen n the area from the eggs are released also seems swollen. is there a possibility that she is unable to release her eggs and if yes how do i help her

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 25, 2020:

Hi Daisy. :)

She is tired and aggressive because she will be laying the eggs. Is her bottom area bulged? She will lay one egg at a time. Only one egg is produced at a time and she will lay it and then another one will be laid after alternate days.

Please place her in a vessel of lukewarm water as it will help in relaxing her muscles.

Also, give her little warmth, keep her cage covered if it is cold outside. If not, keep laying her in lukewarm water (twice a day).

I hope your bird feels okay soon. All female lovebirds get aggressive (even mine does, because they tend to display protective behaviour) during this stage. It is normal.

Regards,

Sakina

Daisy on March 24, 2020:

Hi my lovebird has I think about 4 eggs in her, but she isn’t laying them, she looks tired and is sometimes aggressive towards the male. Why is this occurring, is it because of the age? The female is 1year and 3 months old, while the male is just half a year old. Please reply soon, the coronavirus is really bad here, so I can’t get her a vet

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 21, 2020:

Hi Keerthi! :) She will lay an egg after she and the male lovebird mate. The egg will laid after a week or within 10 days maximum.

Keerthi on March 20, 2020:

Hey!! I got a pair of love birds almost a week ago. When we were on the way back home she laid an egg. And unfortunately it was broken on the journey. But its been a week since she laid that egg. She is been in and out of her nest. But she isn't laying an egg. When will she lay an egg soon?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 17, 2020:

Hi Hanan. :)

From what you've described, I believe that she has laid a clutch of 4 eggs. If she would have laid more, she would have done so after alternate days or within 2 days.

You will know she has stopped laying eggs when she doesn't lay any.

Regards,

Sakina

Hanan on March 16, 2020:

Hi,

I have a query regarding my lovebirds.

My lovebird laid 4 eggs every alternative days, but it has been four days, but there is no more aggs n she start sitting on them.

How should I know she stopped laying eggs?

And is there any possibility of laying more eggs?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on February 27, 2020:

@Reymark Hi!

The mating must not have been proper. Birds mate many times, but only successful matings result in egg laying.

Reymark Benedicto on February 27, 2020:

why does my lovebird cant lay eggs after 10 days of mating?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on February 26, 2020:

@Izzy Hi!

She might get weak eventually. Please make sure she's eating nutritious food like apple, corn, banana and spinach leaves. Crushed egg shells also help a lot to replenish the calcium levels.

Izzy on February 26, 2020:

Can a female lovebird die if she constantly lays eggs without mating ?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on February 11, 2020:

@Janer Hi! :) The lovebird doesn't mind if you take the eggs out. I do the same when I see the female not sitting on her eggs or if they haven't hatched.

Janer on February 11, 2020:

Should I take my lovebirds eggs out of cage, cause we know they are not fertile? What affect does it have on the love bird when i take them awat?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on February 03, 2020:

@Anthony Gomes

I don't live in India, so I'm not aware, but you may get colourful lovebirds in a local pet store.

Anthony Gomes on February 03, 2020:

I want to buy love birds of different colours please suggest me right breeder from were i shall get it .I am from New Delhi.

Thanks

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on February 02, 2020:

@Rose Nicholls Hi! Since females get hormonal after laying eggs, they tend to be aggressive and protective of the eggs. I think the male understands that. Have they been fighting by any chance? Give them time, they will get back together.

Rose Nicholls on February 02, 2020:

Hi i have got 2 lovebirds one orange and one black. They laid eggs in December and both attended to eggs. Been away for 2 weeks now c they have more eggs but the black one on nest most of the time the other one sleeping in different house. Dont like that what should i do.x

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on January 29, 2020:

@Tabatha Hi! :) I'm so glad to hear that! If she's comfortable that way I think it's okay for her, but then the eggs won't be safe. Please introduce a nest box to her. Let her get used to it and then transfer her eggs inside it with a spoon. You'll know if she is okay with it. If not let her keep the eggs in the nest she has made at the bottom of the cage.

Tabatha on January 29, 2020:

Hi, my lovebird has laid a clutch of 4 eggs. Yesterday was the 4th that one is fertile... yay.

Thing is she doesn’t have a nesting box and has laid them in a nest she made at the bottom of her cage. Should I leave it as is or should I get her a box and transfer the eggs?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on January 06, 2020:

Hi Bell. :)

Even if nesting is stopped, she may lay the eggs. Please get a male lovebird for her.

Bell Brown on January 06, 2020:

I have a peach faced lovebird who is making a nest in her cage. She has no other bird in her cage with her. I think she might lay eggs. Should I stop her from making the nest to prevent her from laying eggs?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on January 06, 2020:

Hi Kate! :) Even if she is stopped from displaying nesting behavior, chances are she will mate with her partner and lay eggs eventually.

Kate Peterson on January 06, 2020:

Hi! I have a love bird that we think is a girl because she is making a “nest” on the bottom of her cage. Should I stop her from doing this to keep her from laying eggs?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on December 27, 2019:

Hi Vijay. Please don't give antibiotics. Your bird is pregnant, that's why she has the bulge near her bottom and has heavy breathing. She will lay the egg soon.

Vijay on December 27, 2019:

My African female chick has layed 5 eggs and has a bulge near anus .Also seen with heavy breathing.Already giving tetracyclin antibiotics since a day.Still i am seeing heavy breathing.Could someone help with any information?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on December 11, 2019:

@birdlover1114 I'm so sorry to hear this. It may affect the babies if the disease is genetic.

birdlover1114 on December 11, 2019:

Hi, my bird has a disease something like stargazing syndrome, and her neck is always bending back, will that affect her babies?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on December 04, 2019:

Hi Shane!

Shane Russell on December 04, 2019:

Hi sakina!

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on November 07, 2019:

Please include a nest box in the cage.

Idil K on November 07, 2019:

Is it ok to stay at the bottom of her cage without a nest?

Idil K on November 07, 2019:

Thanks a lot for your quick response Sakina! Sadly I think I don't want to get her a male but I can ensure you that we always let her fly and take care of her. The thing is, I'm afraid of egg binding. Should I do something in this period, what do you suggest? Is it ok if she stays at the bottom of the cage without nest?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on November 07, 2019:

Hi, Idil K. :)

Please get her a male as soon as possible. I feel she might be lonely. Please don't worry. Egg-Laying is normal and safe in birds most of the time. You need to let her be part of the process in a natural way.

Idil K on November 07, 2019:

Dear Sakina,

I have only one female lovebird who is currently sitting at the bottom of her cage. She looks healthy, she is eating, drinking, flying normally. Her voice and the energy is the same. But she is almost always at the bottom. My other love bird's empty egg got stuck and I had to to go vet. I'm afraid to experience the same :( I don't allow her to bite/chew materials that may cause her to make nest. I only caress her head because otherwise she tends to open her wings all the time. What can I do now?Should I go to avian vet?

Patty070147@aol.com on October 28, 2019:

Thanks for answering me so quickly. I did see them mate 1 time in early morning on the 25th but that is it she has changed her nest like 3 times in 2 weeks of building. I thought once they mated that one time that would have started the ball rolling , but all that happens is he feeds her with his head bobbing all the time but no mating. I am also very concerned because all the good things I have tried to feed them they just won;t eat. I give them a good seed they eat and she and he eat egg shell all the time. Just worried about the diet. I do put vitamins in the water. I don't want to mess up I want babies so bad. Thanks so much for your help your birds are beautiful. P.S. I have 2 peach faced as well but I think they are brother and sister . I am not encouraging mating but wish I could they are beautiful. I got them by chance. Patty

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on October 24, 2019:

Hi Patty! :)

Give her time. Nesting periods and egg laying differs from bird to bird. Males feed females a lot when they're pregant.

Patty070147@aol.com on October 24, 2019:

I have 2 Fisher love birds she has been building a nest for 2 weeks now. it has a funnel look to it she never seems to quit he is regurgitating to her he has fed her but never like this. She will not let him in the nest box. Is this normal why so long to build a nest. It is her first time I understand that but all I read says 6 days. It has been 11. She is always on the move then she will go into the box and he will feed her from the opening. Thanks for any help you can give, Patty

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on October 03, 2019:

They must be having low calcium in the blood. Please include crushed egg shells in the birds' food.

Rahman on October 03, 2019:

Why love bird eat their own egg

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on September 26, 2019:

It depends on the bird, but she should be sitting on them for most of the day.

staqn on September 26, 2019:

how much time a day does the female sit on the eggs

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on September 25, 2019:

Hi Syed! :)

Please wait till 10 days have passed after egg laying. Then you can use a torch or your mobile's flashlight to see if there's any red vein inside the egg. If there is, it's a sign that a chick is growing.

Syed Daniyal Ali on September 25, 2019:

I bought a pair of lotinos about an year ago. I wasn't confirm that either its a pair or not. But one of tgem laid 8 egg s but none of them hatched. This year about 10 days ago she laid 2 eggs i have(i have seen them mating earlier). Female is sitting on the eggs but not continuously. How do confirm that the eggs are fertile and will hatch.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on September 15, 2019:

A lovebird lays eggs after a week of mating.

Niz patel on September 14, 2019:

My lovebird pair making a nest i want to know after howmany days femal will ley the eggs ???

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on September 14, 2019:

@Sam Hi! That might happen but it's not always the case.

Sam on September 13, 2019:

Does male lovebird sits on egg?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on September 08, 2019:

Either the birds know the eggs arr infertile or maybe they think they are contaminated. I think the liquid must be from a broken egg. What was its color?

Jasmine Mistry on September 08, 2019:

Hi Sakina i wanted to ask you that why are my love birds breaking their own eggs even after they are sitting on it for 1-2 days after they are laid and today i saw liquid in my birds pot in which she laid an egg, so can i know what that liquid actually is?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 08, 2019:

@Bird Lover Hi! :) I'm sure your bird must like you as well. Yes, it is totally fine to put the nest on the bottom of the cage. Please do get a male lovebird for her.

Bird lover on August 08, 2019:

is it okay to put the nest box in ground because one of my female love bird has damage wing since I found it.if not please suggest me with an idea.

She cannot fly she can only climb with her mouth and leg.she is show adorable to me i don't want to get rid of her not for her wings.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on August 04, 2019:

Hi Lynn. :)

I'm sorry to hear this. I think Oliver may or may not be a girl. I think he/she is going through their first molt (they lose old feathers and gain new shiny ones). Molting really depresses them and angers them as well. It's also accompanied by loss of appetite, loose motions, beak rubs and scratching of feathers.

Please keep a bowl of warm water (with little aloe vera gel) near the cage. If the bird takes a bath, he/she will calm down for a while. Is your bird eating well? Do you find him/her scratching a lot? Are the feathers falling more than normal? Then it's sure that a first molt is going on.

Please include 2-3 drops of multivitamins in the drinking water. It helps with the molting process. Hope this helps. I've written about molting as well. If you'd like you can go through it. Hope your bird feels better and gets through the molt finely.

Females lay eggs when they're about a year old. They do get aggressive that time as well.

Regards,

Sakina

Lynn Russo on August 04, 2019:

Hi Sakina,

I’ve spoken to you in the past how are you? My question for you is I had 2 hatchlings from two different clutches. my first peach faced lovebird, who I thought was a boy turns out to be a girl & is five months old. the second one is Phoebe who turned out to be a boy is three months old. they’re in separate cages & I take them out all the time, for interaction, handling & playtime. I’ve hand raised both of these babies since they’re three weeks old & yesterday all of a sudden Oliver the five-month-old started very seriously biting me and drawing blood. I can’t go near the cage right now as the bird just wants to attack me what do I do? Any suggestions? Could Oliver, who is really a girl be ready to lay eggs even though she’s only five months old & has not bred with anyone in order for her to turn so nasty? I’m so upset about this.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on June 06, 2019:

Happy Eid to you too, Ahmed. :) Oh no... that's sad to hear. You can buy a brooder and transfer the chicks there. That will keep them warm. Feed them baby lovebird formula, which will be available in a local pet store. There are a lot of videos on the net, which will help you.

Good luck! :)

Ahmed Hussein on June 06, 2019:

Hi Sakina. I hope very happy Eid for you & your family and friends.

You answered me about breeding Budgie but the mother bird Rose (Lovebird) don"t feed babies after hatching and then died.

Mt question is: what are the possible care breedings of all kinds of birds?

thanks a lot

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on May 30, 2019:

Hi Ahmed Hussein. :)

Yes, you can breed the budgie in the other nest if the mother is not taking care of the newborn.

Ahmed Hussein on May 30, 2019:

I have a pair of Budgie after laying egg the female don't lay in nest .. after one day she break the egg and take it out of nest.

To be sure of fertilization I put 2 eggs at Rosiecolis and the eggs hatched but mother Rose don't feed the offspring till die.

my question: can I breed Budge at other bird nest .. thanks Dear Sakina.

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on May 16, 2019:

@Adnan Hi! The female will probably lay the eggs after a week if the mating is successful.

Adnan raza on May 16, 2019:

aoa i my fisher pair mating and how many days female lay eggs after mating

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 23, 2019:

Hi, Aravindh! It mostly depends on nature. Please don't get disheartened.

Aravindh on March 23, 2019:

My love birds pair had been laying eggs around six months 30-40 eggs till now..none of them were fertile eggs and iam providing them high nutritional feeding.but it doesn't giving results

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 17, 2019:

@Marziya Ramakdawala Please remove the chick once the female moves out of the cage.

Marziya Ramakdawala on March 17, 2019:

The female bird isn't allowing me to touch the baby.. How will I remove it? The baby is dead dead I think in the box

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on March 04, 2019:

@Vindya Hi! It's okay if one bird has laid all the eggs. Feed the bird dried bread if her poop is loose. Give her a piece of banana. She's not have watery poop then.

Vindya on March 04, 2019:

My love birds laid thr first egg on 24/feb.. but that egg was broken i was worried.. and later.. it laid 2 more eggs, then other 2.. then other 2... then other 2.. now it actually laid 9 eggs one of wch was broken earlier..

I actually 3 love birds, whr i thought 2 birds were male... now i came to knw it was female... 2 birds are warming up the eggs... i dunno if 2 birds hav aso laid eggs or only one.. is it ok if only bird hav laid all the 9 eggs...

The bird's mother is like liquid and more in quantity whn compared with previous... is it normal..? Should i take serious action to take care of them..

Tiffanypreete on March 04, 2019:

My love bird lay 4 eggs and if not have baby lovebird come out eggs. Not been good at all

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on February 09, 2019:

@peaches-jingles I think this arrangement is fine. The male's attention will be diverted gradually, I hope. :)

peaches-jingles on February 09, 2019:

He wanted to get back to its nest.. just now I let the female to be with the male in a separate cage and they both are all cuddly. But I'm scared to leave them together in the cage that hosts their nest. What do you suggest?

Sakina Nasir (author) from Kuwait on February 09, 2019:

@peaches-jingles This is worrying me too. How did the male react when you isolated him?

peaches-jingles on February 09, 2019:

Yes Sakina, the Fischer is a male and yes, I have seen them mating many times. Yesterday I had kept the male isolated and tried letting it in together.. but the female was too scared to go in while the male was around. So I had to keep him seperately again. This is really worrying me..