Article - Budgie Breeding

Budgie Breeding

When budgies live in the wild, they will use a hollow tree to nest in, or even a hollow log, but pet budgies will use a nesting box. The normal pattern that a female lays her eggs in is every other day, but it is common for there to be smaller of larger amounts of time between the laying of the eggs, especially for first time mothers. Most hens lay around 6 or 7 eggs (once again it is common for there to be less or more laid), and she incubates the eggs for 17 to 20 days.

After the period of incubating, the eggs will start to hatch into helpless pink wrigglers. The Mum and Dad will feed the chicks regurgitated food frequently, strengthening the bird. After roughly seven days the chicks eyes will start to open, and pin feathers will start to appear on the chicks. A week on from that and the chick will start to show its colours, and will start to look like a budgie.

By week four, the chicks rely less on the constant care of the mother and father, and after around 5 weeks, the chicks will leave the box. After eight weeks the chicks should be independent, eating and caring for them selfs.

Problems

Problems such as disease or attacks can lead to the hatchling dieing. Sometimes other budgerigars will attack the hen and take over the nesting box, but this can be prevented by using breeding cages. Some budgies are born with leg or neck problems.

 

Good luck 

Good luck breeding your budgies, and if you have any questions just contact me.

article by CHRIS C at chrisbirds.co.uk

If you wish to copy this article or parts of it, please ask permission first.

Last updated: 24th Oct 2008