BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Birds Not fertile!

hi Mavis, Bad news the cockatiel eggs were not fertile <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> after all, found them on the aviary floor. :mad <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
i am a bit dissapointed because i waited 22 days just 2 find they were not fertile, is this normal fgor the first time hen?
and i also feel bad for the cockayiels as they have worked so hard and dont have antthing to shoe 4 it <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.
i have left the nest box in 4 them 2 see if they have beeter luck.

Michael xxx

Sorry about that Michael <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Actually, even if the eggs are not fertile, its best to leave them for the full cycle. Sitting on the eggs is not stressfull for the birds and this is a break for them. The hen actually needs this break before she lays more eggs again, or she may wind up calcium depleted.

Its not unusual for a first (or even 2nd clutch) to be infertile. After the 2nd clutch (whether the eggs are fertile or not) please remove the nestbox to give them a break and build up their strength again. After 4 to 6 months, you can give them the nestbox and let them try again.