Bringing home a new pair of birds, especially with the hope of breeding, can be an exciting venture. However, encountering behavioral issues like egg-eating can be disheartening. This comprehensive guide delves into the complexities of egg-eating in conures, offering insights into its causes, potential solutions, and the realities of avian breeding.
The Challenge of Purchased Pairs
Purchasing a pre-established breeding pair of birds can sometimes be a gamble. The individual who sold you the pair may have been aware of the egg-eating habit and decided to sell them rather than address the problem themselves. While many bird breeders are reputable, some may withhold information or provide misleading details unless specific questions are asked. It’s a common, albeit unfortunate, practice for some breeders to sell off pairs that exhibit undesirable traits, such as egg-eating, infertility, or a decline in egg production due to age. A “proven pair” in this context often means they have proven their ability to lay eggs, not necessarily that they are successful breeders. If your goal is to breed conures, a more advisable approach is to acquire individual birds of appropriate age and then pair them up. This allows you to assess their suitability and development personally. parrot aggressive behaviour is another behavioral issue that can arise, but egg-eating is often rooted in different causes.
Potential Causes of Egg Eating
The exact reasons behind egg-eating behavior are not always clear-cut. However, several factors are believed to contribute:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A primary suspect is a lack of essential nutrients, particularly calcium and protein, which are crucial for egg formation. When a hen doesn’t receive adequate nutrition, she might resort to consuming her own eggs as a way to supplement her needs. This habit can become ingrained, even if the underlying nutritional issue is resolved.
- Young Age and Immaturity: Birds that are started at too young an age are more prone to developing detrimental breeding habits. Reputable breeders typically wait until conures are at least three years old before attempting to breed them. Younger hens are at a higher risk of complications like becoming egg-bound, and immature birds may not possess the instincts necessary for successful incubation and chick-rearing.
- Overbreeding: Similar to nutritional deficiencies, a hen that has laid too many clutches within a short period can become depleted. In the wild, conures typically lay only once a year. Prolonged or excessive egg-laying cycles can severely impact a hen’s health, leading to behaviors born out of sheer survival instinct.
- Lack of Parental Instinct: In some instances, birds may simply not understand the significance of the eggs they are laying. It takes approximately 48 hours for an egg to begin developing, and young birds may not grasp this concept, especially during their first attempts at nesting.
It’s important to note that egg-eating is not necessarily linked to fertility. Egg-eaters will consume both fertile and infertile eggs.
Addressing the Problem: Strategies and Considerations
While breaking the egg-eating habit can be challenging, several strategies can be attempted:
- Rest and Nutritional Supplementation: If you suspect the birds are too young or have been overbred, removing the nest box for an extended period (at least six months, ideally a year) can allow them to recover. During this rest period, ensure they are provided with a balanced diet rich in calcium and protein. Consider offering supplemental “egg food,” which can be made from cooked eggs mixed with crushed, washed eggshells. This directly addresses the hen’s need for these vital nutrients during egg formation.
- Separation: In some cases, separating the pair during their rest period might be necessary to prevent them from engaging in breeding behaviors and to allow them to recuperate fully.
- Observation and Patience: After the rest period, reintroduce the nest box and continue with the enriched diet. Observe their behavior closely. If the hen begins to lay again and refrains from eating the eggs, it suggests that the combination of rest and proper nutrition was effective. However, if she continues to eat her eggs, it strongly indicates an ingrained habit or a persistent underlying issue.
Incubation: A Cautionary Note
While artificial incubation might seem like a solution for egg-eating pairs, it is generally not recommended for common pet birds like green-cheek conures. Incubating parrot eggs requires precise control of temperature and humidity, and the eggs need constant turning. Chicks hatched in an incubator may not develop properly and can suffer from hidden internal defects, leading to early mortality. Hand-feeding chicks from day one is also extremely challenging. Newly hatched chicks receive vital immunities from their parents, and incubator-raised chicks may grow slowly and remain weak. Even in cases involving rare species, foster parents are often used to feed chicks immediately after hatching.
Moving Forward
Experiencing issues like egg-eating with a purchased pair can be frustrating. If these birds continue to exhibit this behavior, it is unlikely they will become successful breeders. If you decide to rehome them, it is crucial to be transparent with potential buyers about the bird’s history. Perhaps they could be better suited as companion birds in an aviary setting, where the focus is not on breeding. Informing potential new owners about their specific needs and past behaviors ensures they find a home where they can thrive as individuals. Remember that responsible pet ownership includes honesty and diligence in ensuring the well-being of our avian companions.
