Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My parakeet laid eggs, I moved her. Are the exposed eggs still viable?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My parakeet laid eggs and i moved her thinking she was in distress (did not know she was on eggs). Now one of the eggs is exposed and not under her. Did i ruin this success?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 11th, 2019

If you don't have a male parakeet along with your female, then the eggs are not viable anyway and should be removed. If you're attempting to raise a clutch, I would make sure the egg stays in the nest in the hopes she moves it back over and sits back on it.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on June 27th, 2017
It is possible that the eggs are not fertilized eggs. Female birds are able to lay unfertilized eggs. Sometimes if this happens the female bird will not sit on them or pay that much attention to them. Even though she is in with a male the eggs do not have to be fertilized ones. At this time I would keep her in a low stress region of the house and just give her space to see what she does/reacts to the eggs. I would prevent moving them. If in a week or so she still wants nothing to do with them they are mostly non fertilized and can be discarded.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

Why did my female parakeet's eggs suddenly disappear after a month?

The incubation time for eggs is about three weeks so if they had not hatched in that period they were likely not viable and it is possible the female kicked the eggs out of the nest. You can check the bottom of the cage to see if any egg pieces are there. Making sure both birds are on a balanced diet with calcium supplements for the female and enough natural sunlight can also help ensure healthy egg laying if you are looking to breed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My budgie's nest box broke. Can I move her eggs without abandonment?

You can try to move the eggs if the nest is beyond repair, however do note that the eggs are EXTREMELY fragile, and are likely to break or crack even with gentle handling. If the nest is still viable enough that she is able to properly lay on the eggs without her or the eggs/hatchling being harmed, then not disturbing it, or disturbing it as little as possible is best.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why didn't my budgie's eggs hatch? Can females lay infertile eggs?

Yes, female birds can lay eggs without a male around but they will not be viable so should be removed. Males can mate with males, but if you suspect you have a male, and a female, and they've mated and laid eggs, then you probably have a pair (and at least one female). If the eggs haven't hatched in three weeks they are likely not viable and should be removed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why are my parakeet's eggs breaking? Should I separate the parents?

If you are hoping to raise babies, then providing nesting material for the parents is best so that they can make a safe nest where the eggs are less likely to fall or break. The parents may also break eggs or discard them if they aren't viable or they are young parents that don't know what to do. Because the eggs need to be incubated, they need to remain in the nest with the parents in order to hatch. You can keep letting both parents try to raise a clutch (and be sure to provide a calcium supplement for the mother), or, if you don't wish to raise babies, can just remove and discard any laid eggs.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My budgie laid eggs. How do I know if they'll hatch and what to do?

It would depend on if the eggs are fertilized or not. If you only have female budgies the eggs will not be fertilized and will not hatch. If you have a mating male with female I would recommend keeping the birds in a quiet location that is low stress. The female bird will care to the eggs and keep them warm. If you find she is leaving them in the open you. An put material in the cage so she can build a nest.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My female cockatoo laid an egg, no male. Should I remove it?

You can remove it or leave it in there for a few days. Some birds may be broody at first and she may not want you to take the egg. It won’t hurt her to lay in it for a couple days. All female birds will lay eggs even if there is not a male present. These eggs are not fertilized so throwing them away is fine. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My lovebird male broke her egg. What should I do? Separate them?

She will lay eggs with or without a male present. Provide a suitable nesting box to keep the eggs secure. Any eggs she lays in the next few days may be fertile. Most birds lay one egg every 24 hours until a clutch of 4-6 eggs is in the nest, then incubation will begin.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share