Raising exotic birds from eggs requires providing the proper environment for embryo development and hatching. Using an egg incubator allows you to control temperature, humidity, ventilation, and turning of eggs. This gives the developing chicks the best chance of hatching successfully.
Selecting an Incubator
When selecting an incubator for exotic bird eggs, consider the following factors:
- Size – Choose an incubator that can accommodate the number and size of eggs you plan to incubate. Leave extra space for air circulation.
- Temperature range – Exotic birds have different incubation temperature requirements, usually 99-102°F. Make sure the incubator can maintain the proper temperature.
- Humidity control – Humidity should be 40-60% for most exotic bird species. Look for an incubator with a water reservoir and vents to manage humidity.
- Ventilation – Proper air flow is essential. Select an incubator with vents that can be adjusted.
- Egg turning – Most incubators have automatic turning devices. For those that don’t, you’ll have to turn the eggs yourself multiple times per day.
For the highest hatch rates, choose an incubator specifically designed for reptiles, birds, or exotics rather than a basic chicken egg incubator.
Setting Up the Incubator
Once you’ve selected an appropriate incubator, proper setup is crucial:
- Select a stable location away from direct sunlight, drafts, windows, heaters, and air conditioning vents.
- Level the incubator and make sure it doesn’t vibrate when running.
- Read the manufacturer’s directions and clean/disinfect the incubator if needed.
- Test run the incubator for 24 hours and monitor the temperature and humidity levels. Adjust as needed to achieve optimal ranges.
- Prepare a water reservoir with distilled water and install hygrometer/thermometer probes.
Allow the incubator to run for at least 24 hours before setting the eggs to stabilize temperature and humidity.
Incubation Tips by Species
Here are species-specific incubation tips for some common exotic pet birds:
African Grey Parrot
- Incubation period: 26-28 days
- Temperature: 99.5°F
- Humidity: 60%
- Turn eggs at least 3 times per day
Amazon Parrots
- Incubation period: 24-29 days
- Temperature: 97.5-98°F
- Humidity: 60%
- Turn eggs 3-4 times per day
Cockatoos
- Incubation period: 28 days
- Temperature: 98.5-99°F
- Humidity: 45-55%
- Turn eggs at least 3 times per day
Conures
- Incubation period: 24-27 days
- Temperature: 99.5°F
- Humidity: 60%
- Turn eggs a minimum of 3 times per day
Eclectus Parrots
- Incubation period: 28 days
- Temperature: 98.5°F
- Humidity: 50%
- Turn eggs at least 4 times per day
Lovebirds
- Incubation period: 21-23 days
- Temperature: 99.5°F
- Humidity: 60%
- Turn eggs a minimum of 3 times per day
Macaws
- Incubation period: 25-28 days
- Temperature: 99-100°F
- Humidity: 60%
- Turn eggs at least 4 times per day
Pionus Parrots
- Incubation period: 24-28 days
- Temperature: 99°F
- Humidity: 60%
- Turn eggs a minimum of 4 times per day
Monitoring Incubation
Consistently monitoring temperature, humidity, and embryo development is crucial for a successful hatch.
- Temperature – Check incubator and egg temperature at least twice a day. Make adjustments to maintain proper ranges.
- Humidity – Monitor levels and add water as needed. Low humidity can dehydrate eggs.
- Ventilation – Ensure air vents are open and fans are circulating air. Oxygen is critical.
- Development – Candle eggs after 7-10 days to check for fertility and embryo growth. Discard any infertile or non-developing eggs.
Keep detailed records of your monitoring and any adjustments made or observations each day.
Hatching
Here are some tips for the hatching process:
- Stop turning eggs 3 days before the anticipated hatch date.
- Increase humidity to 65-70% for hatching.
- Reduce ventilation slightly but still allow fresh air exchange.
- Avoid opening the incubator during hatching.
- Monitor signs of pipping when the chick starts to break out of the shell.
- Allow chicks to fully emerge from shells before assisting.
- Wait 12-24 hours after hatch before removing chicks from the incubator.
- Provide chick starter feed and water immediately after removing from incubator.
Hatching can take 12-48 hours from the initial pips. Allow extra time for weaker chicks but assist any that appear distressed or struggling to hatch.
Cleaning the Incubator
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the incubator between hatches to prevent bacterial or fungal growth.
- Wash all surfaces with soap and water, scrubbing to remove debris.
- Rinse and dry completely.
- Disinfect using a dilute bleach solution or commercial incubator disinfectant.
- Rinse and dry again.
- Replace any worn gaskets, trays, or other parts.
- Test run to ensure proper working order before next use.
Troubleshooting Common Incubation Problems
Problem | Potential Causes | Solutions |
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Infertile eggs |
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Embryo death |
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Failure to hatch |
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Deformities |
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Carefully review your incubation procedures and make adjustments if you encounter decreased hatch rates or health issues in chicks. An avian veterinarian can also help troubleshoot incubation problems.
Conclusion
Incubating exotic bird eggs requires close attention to temperature, humidity, ventilation, sanitation, and embryo development. Follow species-specific guidelines and monitor incubator conditions closely. With proper technique, an egg incubator can successfully hatch healthy exotic chicks for raising.