Have you ever experienced the surprise of finding a parakeet egg on the cage floor? It’s not something you expect to see, but it can happen.
In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating behavior of parakeets and delve into why parakeets laid an egg on the cage floor outside their usual nesting spots. So, let’s unravel the mystery and understand what it means when your parakeet lays an egg on the cage floor.
The Surprising Event: Parakeet Laid an Egg on The Cage Floor
Just picture the scene: you walk up to your parakeet’s cage and find an egg nestled on the cage floor. It’s a moment of surprise, but don’t worry, it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm. Parakeets are known for their adaptable nature, and sometimes they choose unconventional spots to lay their eggs.
Understanding Parakeet Egg Laying Behavior
To better understand why your parakeet laid an egg on the cage floor, let’s dive into their egg-laying process. Parakeets, like many other birds, have a natural reproductive cycle. Female parakeets usually lay eggs in a secure nest box or an area they consider suitable for breeding.
Reasons for Parakeet Laying Eggs on the Cage Floor
Several factors can contribute to a parakeet’s decision to lay eggs on the cage floor. Some of the common reasons are;
Absence of a Nest box
Absence of nest box, as you know budgies are oviparous they lay eggs for giving birth to their offspring. Budgies are very protective about their eggs, they only lay eggs in nest boxes and if you do not provide them nest boxes they will not lay eggs.
However, some budgies lay eggs on the cage floor because of the absence of a nest box due to hormonal changes in female budgies.
Uncomfortable Nest Box
Uncomfortable is another reason for laying eggs on the cage floor, because budgies want peace, darkness, space, and a clean nest box. If the size of the nest box is too small and open from all side budgie will feel uncomfortable sitting, and keep the nest box clean because budgies do not require nesting material for laying. Due to these reasons, budgies will not lay eggs in the nest box and will lay on the cage floor.
Privacy
Budgies will not compromise on privacy, if you do not provide proper privacy and check the nest box all the time budgies will feel uncomfortable and as a result of this the hen budgie will lay eggs on the floor of the cage.
Dominance
If you have many budgies in your cage, they will fight for the nest box, and as a result of this fight any one of the parakeets will be successful in taking ownership of the nest box and other female budgie will start laying on the cage floor.
Taking Care of the Egg which Parakeet laid on the Cage Floor
When you come across a parakeet egg on the cage floor, it’s important not to panic. Instead, handle it with care. Avoid removing the egg immediately, as it might harm the developing embryo. You need to follow some steps if you want to keep the egg safe and secure.
Egg Candling
The first step is to pick up the egg and take it to the dark room and perform egg candling, egg candling is the process in which you can use the torch or mobile flashlight and place the egg directly on the light so it shines through the egg.
By doing this practice you will come to know about egg fertility, if the egg is fertile you will see a small spot with veins coming out of it on the inner membrane of the egg. If the egg is older than five days and you didn’t spot anything through egg candling it means it is infertile.
Egg foster
If you have other budgies, you can foster that fertile egg in the nest box of other parakeets. Because budgie will happily accept the egg and after some time she will hatch it and even will take good care of the chick.
Incubator
If you don’t have any other budgies, the final option for the egg is the incubator. Put the egg in an incubator and maintain the entire requirement for incubation of the egg, like temperature, air, and humidity.
Incubators are expensive and cannot be in affordability for everyone but it is very necessary for the egg. You can also make an incubator in your home with the help of a thermometer, hydrometer, heat lamp, and screen or hardwire cloth.
Ensuring a Healthy Environment
A healthy and comfortable environment is crucial for the overall well-being of your parakeet. To prevent future occurrences of eggs on the cage floor, ensure that your parakeet has a spacious cage at least 30″ x 18″ x 18″ in size. Provide a nesting box additionally, offer a balanced diet, and ensure regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Conclusion
Finding a parakeet egg on the cage floor can be surprising, but it doesn’t have to be alarming. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior and taking appropriate measures can help create a safer and more comfortable environment for your feathered buddy.
Remember to provide a suitable nesting box, offer a spacious cage, and maintain a balanced diet. By doing so, you can ensure the well-being and happiness of your parakeet. Have you experienced a similar situation? Share your stories and questions in the comments below!
