How will i know if my bird has laid an egg ?

[shethv]

I have a pair of Alexandrine parakeet. They are about 6 years old . Earlier this month they started mating . So I got custom made breeding box for them from pet store . nesting materials were put in breeding box and then I attached it the cage . Female is spending lot of time in breeding box since then . She only comes out for food and water . She has also become very aggressive and doesnt allow anyone near breeding box due to this I am not able to check if she has laid an egg. I do not want to forcefully take her out and check the breeding box as I got to know that if she thinks anyone touched her egg she would stop incubating it .
Pls suggest me what should I do ?.

Thanks.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Just a thought after reading your post, will you cope and are you prepared if the hen doesn't do a good job in rearing the babies? Getting birds to breed sounds pretty easy after all it is what nature intended but doing well in rearing those babies is a bit hit and miss. Please prepare yourself in case you have to step in.

 

[shethv]

I had adopted them when their age was only 1 month . I have hand fed them and they are very healthy . I am at home whole time so I can take care of them very well . :03:

 

[plumsmum2005]

Thanks for the reassurance. Please update us of events

 

[shethv]

Finally checked breeding box . She has laid 2 eggs . Don't know how many more seggs she will lay .

 

[plumsmum2005]

Thanks for updating us, will await further announcements .

Trust you are ensuring that the hen is receiving the correct nutrition as her requirements due to breeding will be more than a parakeet that isn't breeding?

 

[shethv]

Yes . I have kept a mineral block and scuttle bone for them in cage . I am giving fresh fruit (one which are safe for them ) , pellet mix and some home made Indian bread which is made from wheat , corn , and some pulses with few pieces of almond and walnut .