How to Care For a Laying Parrot Bird

Give your parrot a private area for laying eggs.

Parrots are very social birds, and your pet may be very friendly, but once they have begun laying their demeanor may change. Be prepared for the change in your bird and know that it is a natural response to breeding. Setting up a place where the parrot will feel safe and secure is the first step in caring for a laying parrot. Add a balanced diet and you're on your way to having healthy baby birds.

Things You'll Need

• Nesting box
• Nesting material
• Camera
• Food

Instructions

1. Set up a nesting box in the corner of the parrot's cage. Nesting boxes can be found in pet stores or online. Or, you can make one yourself. The size of the box will depend on the size of your parrot. This box should contain nesting materials and be secured to the parrot cage. If you wish to record the events of the egg laying, attaching a video camera in the nesting box will give you a bird's eye view of all the action.

2. Nesting materials should be supplied to the bird parents, so they can build the nest themselves. The materials should be purchased from a pet store and be safe for the type of parrot you are housing.

3. Feed your parrot a balanced diet of seed and pellets and natural foods. Fresh fruit and vegetables should always be available for the parrot. Calcium is important for all size birds and can help maintain healthy eggs.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your parrot plenty of privacy. The bird should feel relaxed and safe within the nesting box. Do not handle the chicks until they are a few weeks old.

• Always make sure the birds have fresh water and food available.

• Watch out for egg binding in your parrot. This is when an egg gets stuck in the female. This is extremely dangerous and can be life threatening for the parrot. If you find your parrot unable to pass an egg, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

References

• World Parrot Trust: Nesting African Greys
• Bird Cage Blog: Nesting Box