When Do Lovebirds Start Sitting on Eggs?

Lovebirds are easy breeders, whether in a group setting or as single pairs. The hens require very little actual preparation from the bird owner to become broody. The bird usually signals the broody time by laying her first egg, which might drop wherever if no nest is available. The hens often will lay eggs and try to incubate them even if no male bird is involved.

  1. Breeding Age

    • At the very youngest, lovebirds should be around 10 months old to begin breeding, but it is preferable that they are at least 12 months old so that they are fully mature. These hens make better mothers as they have acquired good nesting instincts by this time. Birds that are older than 5 or 6 years should not be allowed to breed any longer as they tend to decrease in fertility as time goes by.

    After Mating

    • Lovebirds lay their eggs around 12 days after mating. The hen won't sit until all the eggs are laid, but will cover the first eggs with nesting materials, such as feathers or shredded paper. This usually means there will be 5 to 7 eggs in the clutch before the hen begins incubation. The incubation time is around 23 days. Any eggs not hatched by the end of that period will be abandoned by the hen.

    Feeding During Breeding and Setting

    • Lovebirds respond well to a widely varied diet, including seeds, fruits and vegetables, but they also need calcium, especially the females of laying age. Crushed egg shells are perfect for hens to nibble on to improve their calcium levels during egg development and laying. During the egg incubation period she will require egg shells as well to rebuild her depleted calcium levels. This will keep her bones strong while setting on the eggs.

    Nesting Requirements

    • One pair of lovebirds do well in single nesting situations, where only one nest box is present. However, multiple mated pairs do better in a community nesting arrangement where several boxes are available. The typical lovebird nest box measures 8-by-8-by-8 inches and should have a hole in the side that is approximately 3 inches in diameter. This means the best nest boxes are completely enclosed except for the entrance hole.