How to Tell If a Parakeet is Pregnant? (Signs of Pregnancy)

As someone who’s always been captivated by these charming and lively feathered companions, I’ve often found myself curious about the mysteries of their lives.

One intriguing question that often arises is how to determine if a parakeet is pregnant.

These delightful birds have their own unique ways of communicating, and in this article, we’ll explore the subtle signs and behaviors that can help you unravel the mystery of a potentially expectant parakeet.

So, let’s dive into the world of parakeet pregnancies and learn how to decipher the signs they might be showing!

Pregnant Parakeet

How to Tell If A Parakeet is Pregnant?

To know that your parakeet is pregnant, the first and most important thing is that you must see that your birds are mating with each other.

It’s important to know first that your parakeets have communication and emotion from which they are mating with one another which will lead to chances of pregnancy.

Despite the fact that there’s actually no alternate method to decide that your parakeets have mated, you may see indications of mating conduct before the mating happens.

In the event that you miss the mating, you may see the female bird feathering the nest or having lots of dumps.

This settling conduct is definitely not a decisive sign, however, if it’s predictable that mating didn’t happen and she’s simply preparing to lay an unfertilized egg.

But to know more about parakeet’s signs of pregnancy, you may want to check for the following turn of events.

1. Weight Gain

Overweight Parakeet

You will have to notice the weight of your parakeet in case you are in doubt that your parakeet is pregnant.

There are no clear signs, but you might see a few grams change in weight of the parakeet as an increase which means the female parakeet is pregnant.

Sometimes, it is possible that you may not be able to notice any signs of pregnancy with some parakeets, and it’s natural as there is no problem with it.

The female parakeets will start to lay eggs whenever they are comfortable and ready for it.

Sometimes they may also lay infertile eggs when there is no male present around them to fertilize them.

2. Appearance

You are never sure that your parakeet is pregnant and it’s about to lay eggs.

You can just predict things from their appearance.

The average time of laying eggs for a parakeet and its emerging period is about 30 to 48 hours.

During that period, you can just look for the swollen abdomen of a female parakeet to observe whether it’s pregnant or not.

A parakeet that is pregnant and carrying eggs may not always look swollen from the abdomen.

According to Veterinarians, they revealed that a pregnant female is usually not easy to judge just by looking at her appearance, so you can just make a guess whether she is pregnant or not.

3. Different Behavior

When an egg is developing inside a female parakeet, she may start to hop and climb a lot.

Sometimes she flies often too.

You will be able to notice this behavioral change in her.

Keeping a nest box will help your parakeet spend most of her time in it, and it will also be easier for her to lay her eggs in it.

Birds have the habit of cleaning their place or nesting area when they are about to lay some eggs.

If you are unable to notice her pregnancy and you don’t provide her with a nesting place, then she will start to build up her own place in the cage.

You will be able to clearly notice that she is about to lay her eggs now.

4. Physical Changes

You will be able to observe that your parakeet is using her feathers to spread around the place for nesting.

She does that before laying her eggs.

This type of behavior is observed in every female parakeet, even when she is laying infertile eggs.

Her droppings will become larger than usual, but she will start to drop less as close as she gets to lay her eggs.

If the droppings become bigger day by day and she is unable to lay the egg, or it seems like she is straining, it is possible that she is egg-bound.

Under such circumstances, you need to take her to a veterinarian for treatment.

It takes a few days after the mating process for the female budgie to lay eggs, with 18 days duration for the eggs to hatch.

Typically a parakeet lays five to six eggs all at once.

During the 18-day hatching period, the female stays with the eggs consistently, permitting no interference.

The male is now and then prohibited too.

Inside a couple of times, the hatchlings ought to have a solid, splendid color and a full development.

Baby parakeets stay at home until they are five to about a month and a half old.

5. Parakeet Mating Age

Parakeets Age by Head Cap

Parakeets become physically mature and ready to mate somewhere in the range of five and three years of age, contingent upon the species.

These birds like to mate forever.

Reproducing these parakeets is isolated from different birds since they become forceful.

Pregnant females additionally require a good eating regimen with more seeds and nutrient enhancements.

It is normally simple to observe the sex of a parakeet by the shade of its cere, which is the nubby region over its face.

This shading will shift contingent on the gender of the parakeet.

How Do Parakeets Mate?

Parakeet Mating

Parakeets reach their sexual development at around 5 months of age, yet it can take up to three years with specific species.

Parakeets that are keen on mating will share food with one another, moving it to and fro into one another’s mouths as a sign of love and emotion.

The real mating will include some lively wing flapping when the male mounts the female.

In case the male effectively treats the female, the main prepared egg can be anticipated around 30 hours after this process.

Most birds lay their eggs soon after mating.

A pregnant female parakeet will proceed to lay eggs each and every day until there are 3 to 8 eggs in the home.

The female parakeet will sit on those eggs, which will start incubating in around 17 to 20 days.

Conclusion

In closing, decoding the signs of a pregnant parakeet adds an exciting dimension to our understanding of these beloved avian companions.

While determining pregnancy in parakeets might not be as straightforward as in some other animals, observing their behaviors and physical changes can offer valuable insights.

Remember that parakeets, like all animals, have their unique ways of expressing themselves.

By paying close attention to shifts in behavior, physical alterations, and nesting activities, you can gain a better grasp of what your parakeet might be expecting.

As we conclude this exploration, it’s important to emphasize the significance of providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for your potentially pregnant parakeet.

Regular veterinary care and expert guidance can offer the best support for both the parakeet and its potential offspring.

By delving into the nuances of parakeet pregnancies, we not only deepen our connection with these wonderful birds but also ensure their well-being as they embark on the journey of parenthood.

So, keep your eyes keen and your observations keen to continue nurturing these beautiful companions in the most compassionate and attentive manner possible.

FAQ

Can you visually tell if a parakeet is pregnant?

Parakeet pregnancy isn’t always visibly obvious, as their physical changes can be subtle. However, certain changes in behavior and appearance can provide clues.

What are some behavioral changes in pregnant parakeets?

Pregnant parakeets might become more territorial, spend more time in their nests, and display heightened nesting behaviors like shredding paper and rearranging cage materials.

Do pregnant parakeets show changes in eating habits?

Some pregnant parakeets may experience changes in appetite, either eating more or less than usual. However, this can vary, and it’s important to consider other signs as well.

Are there physical changes in a pregnant parakeet's appearance?

While physical changes can be subtle, you might notice a slightly rounded or fuller abdomen in some cases. However, this isn’t a foolproof indicator of pregnancy.

Can I use a human pregnancy test on a parakeet?

No, human pregnancy tests aren’t designed for parakeets and won’t yield accurate results. It’s best to rely on a combination of behavioral, nesting, and physical cues.

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Lily Aldrin

About Lily Aldrin

I am Lily Aldrin. I attended Cornell University, where I obtained my degree to become an Ornithologist so I could pursue my love of these magnificent creatures in and out of their natural habitats.

2 thoughts on “How to Tell If a Parakeet is Pregnant? (Signs of Pregnancy)”

  1. I have a female who has mated with her partner, but now is sleeping 95% of the time. This does not seem to fit the picture of a pregnant bird. Any suggestions?

  2. My parakeets, Pepper and Pretzel, are settling down, and they have already mated a few times. But, even though she is not due to lay a fertilized egg for another day or two, she has not laid any non-fertile eggs in the nesting box either. Should one come before the other, or am I on track?

Leave a Comment