Is this a sign my lovebirds eggs are fertile this time

So I have discovered on this past mating session, the female laid what looks to be four eggs. Since July of 14 when I rescued them, they have been laying only 2 or 3 at a time. None of which had ever hatched.

My question: Could this be a sign that the birds are getting more comfortable and going to lay fertile eggs that will produce chicks?

I want to learn more about breeding in lovebirds and how I can improve their chances....

These birds are a beautiful blue and I would love to be able to raise some.


Joe

The only way to tell if they're fertile is if you shine a flash light on them to look through for the blood vessels. They can get as comfortable as they want to but sometimes one or both aren't fertile to produce offspring period. Have you learn on how to hand feed if you needed to? Do you have time to hand feed? And how many times have they laid so far? You know it's harsh on the female to be constantly laying eggs, they need rest period. Are you providing supplements for her? There's so many things you need to know and deal with when you raise chicks.

MikeyTN said:

The only way to tell if they're fertile is if you shine a flash light on them to look through for the blood vessels. They can get as comfortable as they want to but sometimes one or both aren't fertile to produce offspring period. Have you learn on how to hand feed if you needed to? Do you have time to hand feed? And how many times have they laid so far? You know it's harsh on the female to be constantly laying eggs, they need rest period. Are you providing supplements for her? There's so many things you need to know and deal with when you raise chicks.

Click to expand...

Have you learn on how to hand feed if you needed to?

No, I plan on providing millet for them to raise the babies on their own.

Do you have time to hand feed?

I can make time as I do not have a job at the moment - so I'm home all day long.

And how many times have they laid so far? You know it's harsh on the female to be constantly laying eggs, they need rest period.

Since I got them about 8 months ago, they have laid 3 or 4 times. I have tried to encourage them to rest a little, but am not sure how I can force this.

Are you providing supplements for her?

A mineral block was placed above their waters dish yesterday.

Ok so I just got one of the birds to leave the nest, took out the box and attempted to candle the eggs. I noticed that there were five not four. I gently moved them around looking for the red veins, only saw one egg with a small amount of red marking on it.

Can anyone verify if the egg is a fertile one? its the bottom left one and its just a small marking, like an X almost.

Here's a video off YouTube!

[ame="http://youtu.be/wrmEc3s82PM"]http://youtu.be/wrmEc3s82PM[/ame]

JoeJoe said:

MikeyTN said:

The only way to tell if they're fertile is if you shine a flash light on them to look through for the blood vessels. They can get as comfortable as they want to but sometimes one or both aren't fertile to produce offspring period. Have you learn on how to hand feed if you needed to? Do you have time to hand feed? And how many times have they laid so far? You know it's harsh on the female to be constantly laying eggs, they need rest period. Are you providing supplements for her? There's so many things you need to know and deal with when you raise chicks.

Click to expand...

Have you learn on how to hand feed if you needed to?

No, I plan on providing millet for them to raise the babies on their own.

Do you have time to hand feed?

I can make time as I do not have a job at the moment - so I'm home all day long.

And how many times have they laid so far? You know it's harsh on the female to be constantly laying eggs, they need rest period.

Since I got them about 8 months ago, they have laid 3 or 4 times. I have tried to encourage them to rest a little, but am not sure how I can force this.

Are you providing supplements for her?

A mineral block was placed above their waters dish yesterday.

Click to expand...

By providing millet, it does NOT encourage them to feed if they don't want to feed!!!

Start learning how to hand feed now, don't wait till last minute when you need to.

3 or 4 times is more then enough per laying season, I only do 3 at max.

Mineral block isn't enough supplement, provide some cuttle bone! She needs the calcium.

This is a picture I just took of 5 babies begging and making a mess on the floor.....