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Lovebird
cage birdAdvanced

Lovebird

A small parrot known for bonding with its mate; its eggs hatch in about 23 days, usually under the parent.

Incubation Parameters

Incubation period
23 days
Temperature
37.2–37.5 °C
Humidity (phase 1)
45–55 %
Turning
5 times per day
Lockdown day
day 20
Hatch humidity
60–70 %
Candling days
7, 14, 19
Hatch window
21–24 days

Lovebird Incubation Guide

Difficulty: Advanced

Overview

Lovebird is a cage bird species, and its eggs hatch in about 23 days (normal window days 21-24). In cage birds, incubation is usually natural: the hen — in most parrots the pair together — sits on the eggs herself. The values below are a reference both for following the natural process and for artificial incubation if needed.

Temperature and humidity

For natural incubation, a calm, draught-free room at 18-24 °C and a suitable nest box are enough; the parent provides the heat. If you must incubate artificially, hold the machine at 37.2-37.5 °C and 45-55% humidity — small eggs are very sensitive to temperature and humidity swings.

Turning and candling

The parent turns the eggs regularly herself; just observe without disturbing the nest. In an incubator, turn 5 times a day (an odd number). You can candle on days 7, 14, 19 to check development; handle the thin-shelled eggs very gently.

Lockdown and hatching

A few days before hatch (around day 20), stop turning in the incubator and raise humidity to 60-70%. With natural incubation, avoid opening the nest; a disturbed pair may abandon the eggs. Hatching is expected on days 21-24.

After-hatch care

Newly hatched chicks are featherless with closed eyes and depend entirely on the parent at first, fed on crop milk or softened food. If the parents don't feed them, you must hand-feed a rearing formula every 2-3 hours in a warm (~35 °C) brooder. Keep the environment warm, quiet and clean until they feather and start eating on their own.

Frequently asked questions about Lovebird

How many days does a Lovebird egg take to hatch?

Lovebird eggs usually hatch in 23 days, with a normal window of days 21-24.

What temperature is Lovebird incubation done at?

In a forced-air incubator, 37.2-37.5 °C and 45-55% humidity are recommended; during lockdown humidity is raised to 60-70%.

When should Lovebird eggs be candled?

Recommended candling days: 7, 14, 19. Remove any clear or non-developing eggs at these checks.

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