Alexandrine Parrots are intelligent, medium-to-large-sized parakeets native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for their striking green plumage, maroon shoulder patches, and long tail feathers, they are also popular in aviculture. When breeding these birds, understanding the characteristics and care requirements of their eggs is essential.
Egg Characteristics
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Appearance: Alexandrine parrot eggs are white, oval-shaped, and about the size of a large grape.
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Clutch Size: Typically, a female lays between 2 to 4 eggs per clutch.
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Incubation Period: Around 26 to 28 days, during which the female incubates the eggs almost exclusively.
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Hatching Order: Eggs hatch in the order they are laid, often with a day or two between hatchlings.
Breeding Conditions
For optimal fertility and hatch rate, breeding Alexandrine parrots requires:
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Proper Pairing: Only sexually mature pairs (2–3 years old) should be allowed to breed.
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Nesting Box: A spacious vertical nest box with a soft bedding layer (pine shavings or sawdust) supports egg laying and chick development.
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Diet: A high-protein, calcium-rich diet is critical during the breeding and egg-laying period.
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Temperature and Humidity: Stable environmental conditions, ideally between 68–75°F (20–24°C) with moderate humidity (around 50–60%), help maintain egg viability.
Egg Care (for Breeders)
If eggs need to be handled manually (e.g., for artificial incubation), care must be taken to:
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Maintain correct temperature (99.5°F / 37.5°C) and humidity in an incubator.
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Rotate eggs several times daily to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.
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Monitor for candling (shining light through the egg) around day 7 to check for embryo development.
Common Issues
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Infertility: Often due to young or incompatible pairs.
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Egg binding: A condition where the female cannot lay an egg, which can be life-threatening.
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Abandonment: Stress or inexperience may lead the parents to neglect eggs, requiring intervention.
Hatchling Development
Once hatched, Alexandrine chicks are altricial (born naked and helpless). Parental care is critical, though some breeders hand-feed chicks from day 10–14 to ensure socialization and health.



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