Budgie has laid only 1 egg

[faith12]

Hi Everyone,

I've raised a pair of budgies (one male one female) since thy were 3 weeks old. They are now about 3 1/2 maybe 4 years old and have laid their first egg on the 10th April (morning).

I didn't have a nest box in their cage as I never really thought about breeding and although they have seemed to mate before (they seem v.affectionate, him feeding her etc), this is the first time I have found an egg. We found it at the bottom of the cage and she hasn't showed any interest (we've since put in a nest box though) and there are no signs of cracks or anything. I have made sure she has a good diet and cuttlefish etc at hand and she seems happy enough.

However I've tried to look at her vent to see whether their are any obvious signs of laying another but can't see any of the obvious signs. Is it common for budgies to lay just 1 egg? I was hoping she would lay some more but as its been a couple of days now seems like its getting increasingly unlikely. Was just wondering what I should do with the other egg too if she shows no interest. When should I remove it from the cage?

Thanks in advance!

[BudgiesBuddy]

Pet hens sometimes lay an egg or two even without males around them. Even a single hen would do so. Budgies normally lay every 48 hours, so she may be due for another one anytime soon. Did you ever attached a nest box before?

[faith12]

Thanks for your reply.

No I've never attached a nest box before only when we found the egg on Tuesday. She hasn't even ventured into the nest box though, just sat on the perch nearby. We have put some nesting material on the floor where she laid the first egg just in case.

[BudgiesBuddy]

You're welcome

I think that what may have stopped her from laying. Changes in the budgies cage setup can stop them from laying. This nest box is new for her and she will explore it and check if it is safe for her. Give her some days. Remove the nesting materiel from cage floor. Put some wood shaving in the nest box and check every morning if it is disturbed. Some of my hens spend a day or two near nest box entry hole before going in finally.

Post pictures of the budgies and cage setup with nest box. This will help in knowing about her more. Also to know if she is in breeding condition.