Raising birds from eggs to chicks is both exciting and delicate. I’ve been through this many times with my own cockatiels and budgies. In this post, I’ll walk you through each step—what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to care for both the laying bird and her babies.
Why Post-Egg Care Matters
A bird who lays eggs uses a lot of energy. If she doesn’t get enough rest, food, or warmth, her body weakens. Her chicks will also struggle. That’s why careful attention after egg laying is key.
Let’s break this down into clear steps for what to do before, during, and after hatching.
Preparing for Eggs: Nesting Starts It All
1. Create a Safe Nesting Spot
Birds need a clean, soft, and quiet space to lay eggs. I always use a wooden nest box with a little padding. Choose one that fits your bird’s size. Keep it in a dim, quiet area. Bright lights and noise stress her out.
2. Give High-Calcium Foods
Laying eggs drains calcium. Offer cuttlebone, boiled eggshells, or calcium powder daily. Add greens like kale and spinach too.
3. Keep the Male Nearby, But Not Always Inside
If she trusts her mate, let them share the box for short periods. But remove him if he starts being aggressive or overactive.
Egg Laying and Incubation: Keep Things Calm
1. Expect 3–8 Eggs
Budgies, cockatiels, and lovebirds lay around 3–8 eggs, one every 1–2 days. Don’t panic if she skips a day.
2. Don’t Touch the Eggs
Avoid turning or moving them. The mother knows best. If you need to check them, use clean hands and keep it quick.
3. Maintain Temperature
Use a thermometer in the cage area. Aim for 75–85°F. Avoid drafts or sudden chills.
4. Watch for Egg Binding
If your bird strains for hours with no egg, she might be egg-bound. Get her to a vet immediately. It’s life-threatening.
When Chicks Hatch: The Real Work Begins
1. Let the Mom Do Her Job
In most cases, she’ll feed and clean the chicks well. I only step in if she ignores or rejects them.
2. Don’t Panic Over the Look
Newborn chicks look odd—bare, pink, eyes closed. That’s normal. They’ll grow feathers within 7–10 days.
3. Keep the Nest Dry
Change nesting material every few days if it’s wet or soiled. Use paper towels or soft bedding.
What to Feed the Laying Bird
Here’s what works best for me:
- Boiled egg mix (egg, shell, carrot shavings)
- Chick starter mash
- Cooked brown rice and lentils
- Fresh apple, carrot, and leafy greens
Avoid avocado, chocolate, onions, and anything salty. These are toxic to birds.
Hand-Feeding Chicks (Only If Needed)
Sometimes the mom stops feeding. Here’s what to do:
1. Use Formula Made for Chicks
Pick one that matches your bird’s species. Follow package instructions. Never use cow milk.
2. Get a Syringe with a Soft Tip
Use warm—not hot—formula. Feed every 2–3 hours depending on age.
3. Clean the Beak and Crop
Always clean formula spills. Overfeeding can cause sour crop or choking. Watch closely.
Weaning and Growth Stages
Week 1–2
Chicks grow fast. They sleep a lot, eat every few hours, and barely move.
Week 3–4
Eyes open. Feathers start showing. They become louder and more curious.
Week 5–6
Time to offer soft foods. Try mashed fruits, veggies, soaked seeds.
Week 7–8
They’ll explore more. Let them walk on soft towels. Start socializing them gently.
Hygiene and Health Tips
- Wash your hands before touching chicks.
- Disinfect cages and tools often.
- Use bird-safe probiotics to boost digestion.
- Watch for signs of illness: wheezing, droopy eyes, strange poop.
My Favorite Products That Help
Here are tools that have worked well for me:
- PetSafe Bird Nest Box (Amazon)
- Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula
- Avian Vet Probiotic Drops
- Digital Cage Thermometer with Humidity Control
- Bird Heat Lamp with Clamp
Common Problems I Faced
Problem: The Mom Kicked Out the Chicks
Fix: Move the chicks to a brooder. Keep them warm and start hand-feeding right away.
Problem: Chicks Aren’t Pooping
Fix: Use a warm, damp cotton ball to gently massage the vent.
Problem: Soft Eggshells
Fix: Increase calcium and vitamin D3. Offer more sunlight or use a full-spectrum bird light.
Recovery for the Mother Bird
She needs extra care once chicks are weaned.
- Give her a break from the male.
- Offer high-protein treats.
- Let her bathe in shallow warm water.
- Limit flying if she seems tired.
Long-Term Care Tips
- Don’t allow constant breeding. Limit to twice a year.
- Give lots of playtime after parenting.
- Rotate toys and perches to keep her active.
Final Words
Raising baby birds is emotional and intense. I’ve cried over sick chicks and cheered for first flights. But with some planning and daily care, your feathered family can thrive.
Start small. Be patient. And trust your instinct.
✅ FAQ: From Egg to Chick
Q1: How long do bird eggs take to hatch?
Usually 18–21 days depending on species.
Q2: Should I separate the male after eggs are laid?
Only if he disturbs the female or chicks.
Q3: Can I move the eggs to another box?
Try not to. Only move if safety is a concern.
Q4: What should baby birds eat first?
Mother’s crop milk or hand-feeding formula.
Q5: When do chicks leave the nest?
Most leave by 6–8 weeks.
Q6: Why did the mother eat her eggs?
Could be stress, poor diet, or first-time error.