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Breeding Indian Ringnecks (Part 2)
Eggs/Hatching
 Once the pair has selected a nesting site, the hen will lay the
eggs. The eggs, which are about the size of a quarter, are laid
every other day until the clutch is complete. The clutch can range
from 3 – 6 eggs and each egg is white. You might be wondering why
the eggs are white in color? It’s believed that parrots nest in dark
cavities, such as trees, and the color helps the hen locate each egg
inside the nest.
The hen can produce up to three clutches a year, mainly in mature
pairs that are in prime breeding condition. This can be accomplished
by removing the eggs once the female has completed her clutch. If
this method is used, add extra supplements of calcium – mainly
through mineral blocks. Another method, which is used for the pet
trade is removing the chicks at about 10 – 15 days. They are then
placed inside a brooder, socialized, and handfed until sold. This
method will produce about 2 clutches a year. The final method, which
seems to be more popular, is letting the parents raise their own
chicks. If this method is practiced, chances are one clutch will be
produced a year. The choice is yours.
Incubation is what starts the development of the chick. This process
lasts 23 days. During this period, the hen will sit on her eggs with
minimal breaks. The female will leave the nest occasionally to
stretch and eat. While incubating, the hen turns the eggs to ensure
proper development and to prevent the embryo from growing
incorrectly.
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At about 1 – 2 days before hatching, the chick will make a small
hole inside the egg. This allows the chick to take larger amounts of
oxygen and begins the hatching process. During this process, extra
moisture is required; especially if you live in dry areas such as
deserts or in Southern California. To avoid problems during
hatching, take a spray bottle and spray the outside of the nesting
box. This helps to increase moisture and allows hatching to presume
smoothly. Avoid spraying inside the box. The chick will begin the
hatching process when it starts to make a hatch ring around the egg.
This process takes about 15 minutes. During this time, the chick
will maneuver itself around the egg until it has completed the ring.
Once the ring is complete, the chick will use its legs to push the
egg into two sections. After completely pushing itself outside of
the egg, the hen will dispose of the shells. If she does not, it’s a
good idea to remove them; this prevents the excess shells from
covering another egg and complications of other hatching chicks.
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