The Grass Doctor

Need Help About Lovebirds, please.?

I have two lovebirds, and the female already laid an egg yesterday, I already placed some bedding this morning that I got from our back and front yard, they consisted of grass, dried leaves, some leaves from a shrub, and some ferns. All moist to perfection because it rained here yesterday. I cut them into bedding-sized pieces and placed them inside the nesting box, making sure NOT to touch the egg out of fear that the birds might not sit on them anymore. But I did surround the egg with the bedding, so the eggs is probably cushioned. I also added boiled-egg in their diet, and some egg-shells, because I have heard that eggshells provide calcium. And plenty of green veggies. I change their water every now and then. And I secured the door of the box so the risk of the egg falling out when the birds peep out will be lessened. I still put them out to enjoys some fresh cool air. What more should I do? HOW LONG TILL ALL THE EGGS ARE LAID. Is it possible that ONLY ONE egg can be laid? This is my lovebird's first time to lay eggs, can they be successful on the first time round? Do I have to wait for their second time to have babies? And when is the breeding season for lovebirds, I guess it's the autumn or the cool season. Because when it started to get cool around here my birds laid an egg. I'm so excited of having an egg and I'm keeping to point to NOT peek at the box all the time. I peeked this morning to put some bedding and that's that. How long do I have to wait till I can peek inside again to put some more bedding? Please answer me seriously. I need straight answers. Thank you very much.

Public Comments

1. I don't know specifics about lovebirds. You ought to stop by the local library and check out a book on lovebirds. It should have a breeding chapter that would cover this. It sounds like you're doing good for them. Watch them, but let them manage. They have strong instincts. When my parents' parakeet laid eggs, it took her a few days to lay them all. She laid two or three, but each time, only one hatched and produced a chick. And she was successful her first time around too. Our parakeet didn't mind us peeking in much either. If she was grumpy, she'd squawk at us, but we were so fascinated one the baby bird was born. If your lovebirds are pretty comfortable with your presence, don't worry too much because they'll accept you checking in on them. Definitely find a book for more specific and researched information, though. It'll help a lot!
2. Your bird will normally lay from 4-6 eggs , if this is her first laying then she may only lay 4, from the last egg being laid and she starts to brood, it will take from 18-21 days or them to hatch. It is best to let the hen do the nest building so put any nesting materials on the floor and let her take them to the nest.by you putting in material it could upset and disturb her, also too much nesting material could mean the eggs get buried and she will not be able to find them. What you need now is a good diet, soaked sprouting seed should be one of your first foods this should be given now and until any young are feeding themselves. Soak some of their seed in warm water overnight, drain rinse ,place somewhere warm till it sprouts (2-3 days)and start feeding a.s.a.p.also add a little Hemp, and Black Sunflower to the soaking seed. They need a good supply of Cuttle bone, Fruit such as Apple, Pear,Grapes, Greens such as Broccoli, Spinach,Dandelion Leaves and seeding heads before they burst, Seeding Grasses are all good foods. Small branches of Willow tree or Apple tree, will also be welcomed by both birds. Haveing been a breeder of various mutation Lovebirds for over 40 years ,this was my method and very succesful it is.