How to Pull Parrot Eggs for Incubation

There are several reasons to incubate parrot eggs, but the most common involve pairs who destroy or abandon their eggs. Although the incubation process is labor intensive and complex, often the most difficult part is pulling the eggs in order to incubate them. Hens may become so determined to defend their nest that they break or damage the eggs while trying to prevent the owner from removing them. Even when removed intact from the nest, the eggs must be handled with the utmost care to prevent damage while in transit to the incubator.

Things You'll Need

  • Thin sheet of plywood or wire mesh
  • Small bird net (optional)
  • Slotted serving spoon
  • Bowl filled with clean sand or bird seed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wait for the hen to leave the nest before removing the eggs, whenever possible. This may be difficult to time, since many parrots only leave the nest for a few minutes. You can attempt to convince the hen to leave the nest by tapping the box. Once she has left, immediately cover the entrance to the box using a thin sheet of plywood, wire mesh or other material that will withstand her attacks for at least few minutes.

    • 2

      Open the nest box, taking care to prevent the door from slamming into the side of the box and jarring its contents. If the hen is still inside, use a small net to quickly push her away from the eggs and towards the nest box entrance hole. This will prevent her from damaging the eggs or injuring you while you are removing them.

    • 3

      Use a slotted spoon to gently scoop the eggs from the nest, one by one, and place them in a bowl filled with clean sand or bird seed. Leave some space between each egg as you place it in the bowl to prevent the eggs from knocking together as you carry the bowl.

    • 4

      Close up the nest box and remove the plywood or wire mesh blocking the entrance. Be careful when removing the cover from the entrance hole of the box, since the pair will aggressively defend the nest.

    • 5

      Carry the bowl containing the eggs to your incubation room, walking slowly and steadily to prevent the eggs from becoming addled. This is especially important if the eggs were laid less than two weeks ago, since the blood vessels inside are much more fragile at this point.