Things You'll Need
- Parakeet nesting box
Instructions
Install a parakeet nesting box into your parrotlet's cage. These boxes are available at most large pet stores, as well as online. The male will usually investigate the box before entering it and calling for the female to enter when he's satisfied with the box.
The female will generally lay between four and five eggs over the course of several days. She will immediately begin incubating the eggs herself, almost never leaving the nest box. The male instinctively takes over incubating the eggs when the female has to leave the nest.
Ease the birds' incubating duties by candling the eggs to remove unfertilized eggs from the clutch. Several days after the female lays the eggs, hold a small flashlight against them in a dark room. In fertilized eggs, the shadow of the developing embryo should be visible. Eggs with no shadow are unfertilized and may be discarded. Only discard eggs if you are sure they are unfertilized, however; it is better to err on the side of caution, especially if your female has not laid a large clutch.
Prepare to begin feeding the young birds between two and three weeks after they hatch if you plan on hand-feeding them. Bird formula is also available at most pet stores, as are "brooders," devices that keep the still mostly featherless chicks warm while they are developing. A warm brooder will be important as you begin to hand feed the chicks, because this is when they should be separated from their parents. This separation encourages the chicks to become more attached to you and less dependent on their parents. Feed the chicks every four hours, starting around 7:30 in the morning and ending at 11:30 at night.