Birds belong to the oviparous group, which means they lay eggs. Egg-laying is a natural and seasonal process. Many female pet bird species are able to lay unfertilized eggs. However, in order for the egg to be able to hatch and produce a viable young one, the male bird must fertilize it. So, why do birds lay unfertilized eggs?
A female pet bird can lay an unfertilized egg for various reasons. Below are some of the reasons why birds lay unfertilized eggs
1. Lack of a Mate
When a female bird without a mate starts laying eggs, the eggs will be unfertilized. Female birds will develop eggs regardless of whether they have a mate. This is because the egg is always made before fertilization takes place, as egg production goes on without a male.
When females are separated from males, it is definite that she will lay unfertilized eggs.
No male bird is equal to unfertilized eggs.
2. Infertile Male Bird
Not every mating results in fertilized eggs. Some males are infertile, so the probability of eggs being fertilized by them is almost zero.
Infertility in male birds can result from a reduction in the production of sperm. A decrease in sperm count results from health conditions such as chronic diseases.
3. Lack of Experience in Male Bird
Mating is not a guarantee that the eggs will be fertilized. Some males are inexperienced, and their sperm fails to reach the egg in order to fertilize it. Young male birds lack technique, leading to females laying eggs that are unfertilized.
4. Obese Female Birds
Ensure you feed your female bird well to avoid obesity. When the female is obese, there are chances that the male sperm will not fertilize the eggs, resulting in the laying of unfertilized eggs. Some species are more prone to obesity.
You should also ensure that your bird gets enough exercise. You can provide them with toys that they can play with.
5. Bad Breeding Preparation
The bird owner should pair the birds well when preparing for the breeding season. The birds should constantly be stimulated to get into breeding to produce fertile eggs.
6. Diseases
Both male and female birds could have underlying conditions resulting in the production of unfertilized eggs.
The birds should be checked and treated for diseases before breeding.
What Causes Infertility in Male Birds
If you have a male bird but can still not get the young ones, you may get frustrated. It is good to check on your male bird for any signs of infertility.
Below are some of the causes of infertility in male birds:
1. Nutrition (Inadequate Food)
Provide the birds with a well-balanced diet. Obesity in birds should be avoided at all costs. Ensure the food given is enough to prevent starvation in birds.
2. Health Conditions
Some chronic or marginal illnesses may render your male bird infertile. If you notice any signs of disease, the best thing to do is take the bird to get treatment.
Some medications can also cause infertility in male birds. Birds that are under medication should not be allowed to mate. Treat your birds early before preparing them for breeding.
Pair and breed only healthy birds.
3. Genetics
Some birds become weak genetically due to inbreeding, resulting in infertility. Consider getting the male for mating outside of your flock.
4. Age
Male birds who are too young or old can cause females to lay infertile eggs. Strong and healthy male birds should be chosen for breeding in order to get good results. Fertility in aging birds goes down with time.
5. Environmental Factors
The male bird may not be comfortable where he is. He may be intimidated by his surroundings. The male may even hate his neighbors if they appear bigger than him.
You can solve this problem by eliminating all distractions during the breeding period.
You can install the blinds between the cages or move the breeding male away from the rest of the flock.
6. Molting
The male birds should not be allowed to mate during molting. Male birds lose a lot of weight when they undergo molting, and this can result in the production of infertile eggs.
What to Do With Unfertilized Bird Eggs
Unfertilized bird eggs will not hatch even when they are incubated or when the mother sits on them.
Furthermore, eggs can fail to hatch due to environmental conditions such as too-cold weather.
Below are some of the things you can do with unfertilized bird eggs:
1. Remove the unfertilized eggs from the nest and dispose of them to prevent the bird from incubating them.
2. If the unfertilized are among the fertilized ones in an active nest, then it is best to leave them to avoid disturbing the bird. You can dispose of them once the hatching process is complete.
Can Unfertilized Eggs Hatch?
No, unfertilized eggs cannot hatch into viable young ones. For eggs to hatch successfully, they must be fertilized. This is only possible when a female and male bird have mated successfully.
If you only have female birds in your flock, there are zero chances that the eggs will hatch.
The female birds will still go broody and show their desire to sit on eggs.
Do Birds Know If Eggs Are Infertile?
No. Birds do not know if eggs are infertile or fertile. The female will continue laying eggs until she has enough and is ready to sit on them.
The mother will lay the eggs and sit on them as if they were fertilized. If the eggs fail to hatch after some time, she may abandon them.
However, in some cases, adult birds can always tell if an egg is infertile. They will then drop the egg from the nest.
The pet owner can also remove the egg and throw it away.
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