🌟 Is It Really Possible to Hatch Parrot Eggs in an Incubator?
Hatching parrot eggs in an incubator is a fascinating idea for many bird enthusiasts and breeders. While chicken and duck eggs are commonly incubated, parrot eggs are far more sensitive and require extreme precision in temperature, humidity, turning, and handling.
But is it possible?
✅ Yes, it’s possible — experienced aviculturists and breeders have successfully hatched parrot eggs in incubators.
⚠️ However, it’s not recommended for beginners without proper preparation because parrot embryos are extremely delicate.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
- Where breeders source fertile parrot eggs
- The right incubator settings for different parrot species
- Risks and success rates
- How to care for hatchlings after they emerge
- Real-life breeder experiences
- Expert tips to maximize your hatch rate
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to hatch parrot eggs successfully — and when it’s better to let the parents do the job.
🧪 Understanding Parrot Egg Incubation Basics
Before placing a parrot egg in an incubator, you need to understand what makes them different from chicken or duck eggs.
🥚 Parrot Egg Characteristics
- Smaller size: Most parrot eggs are smaller than chicken eggs.
- Thinner shells: They lose moisture faster, requiring more humidity control.
- Longer incubation periods: Depending on the species, incubation lasts 18 to 30 days.
- High sensitivity: Even a 0.2°C temperature fluctuation can damage embryos.
⏳ Parrot Egg Incubation Period by Species
| Parrot Species | Average Incubation Period | Egg Size | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | 18 days | Small | Commonly bred at home |
| Cockatiel | 20–23 days | Small | Popular among beginners |
| African Grey | 28 days | Medium | Requires stable humidity |
| Macaw | 26–30 days | Large | Needs precise temperature control |
| Lovebird | 20–23 days | Small | Susceptible to handling stress |
| Eclectus Parrot | 27 days | Medium | Females may abandon eggs easily |
🔧 Choosing the Right Incubator for Parrot Eggs
Not every incubator works for parrot eggs. Unlike chickens, parrots require specialized avian incubators.
🛠️ Features You Need
- Digital temperature control → Accuracy up to ±0.1°C
- Advanced humidity regulation → 50–65% range, adjustable in real-time
- Gentle automatic egg turning → Small, slow rotations mimic natural nesting
- Transparent viewing window → Minimizes unnecessary handling
💡 Recommended Incubators for Parrot Eggs
- Brinsea Ovation 28 EX → Ideal for small species like cockatiels, lovebirds, and budgies.
- Rcom Pro 20 → Popular among breeders for African Greys and macaws.
- King Suro Eco 20 → Great budget-friendly choice for beginners.
🌡️ Ideal Temperature & Humidity Settings
Parrot embryos are very sensitive, so precise environmental control is crucial.
| Parrot Type | Temperature | Humidity (Days 1–Hatch) | Lockdown Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgies | 37.3°C (99.1°F) | 50–55% | 65% |
| Cockatiels | 37.4°C (99.3°F) | 50–55% | 65% |
| African Greys | 37.2°C (99°F) | 55–60% | 70% |
| Macaws | 37.2°C (99°F) | 55–60% | 70% |
| Lovebirds | 37.4°C (99.3°F) | 50–55% | 65% |
🔄 When to Add Eggs, Move Them, and Lockdown
Unlike chicken eggs, parrot eggs are laid days apart in most cases, so knowing when to set them matters.
🥚 4.1 When to Add Eggs
- Ideally, collect and set eggs within 24 hours of laying.
- If eggs are laid several days apart, store them at 15–18°C and incubate together when the last egg is laid for better hatch synchronization.
🔁 When to Move Eggs
- Unlike chickens, you generally don’t move parrot eggs mid-incubation unless you’re transferring them to a dedicated hatcher.
- If using a dual-incubator system, move them to a hatcher on the last 2–3 days.
🔒 When to Lockdown
Lockdown starts 2–3 days before expected hatch:
- Stop turning eggs.
- Increase humidity to species-specific lockdown levels.
- Avoid opening the incubator.
🦠 Risks of Artificial Incubation
Hatching parrot eggs in an incubator comes with challenges:
- Egg dehydration → From incorrect humidity.
- Bacterial infections → If eggs are handled too much.
- Embryo malpositioning → If eggs are turned incorrectly.
- Chick mortality → From inexperienced handling during hatching.
📦 Where to Get Fertile Parrot Eggs
Legally sourcing fertile parrot eggs is critical. Never buy from unreliable sources.
✅ Best Options
- Certified avian breeders → Safest and most reliable source.
- Reputable aviaries → Often sell fertile eggs for species like African Greys and macaws.
- Licensed pet farms → Ensure legal documentation for exotic species.
⚠️ Important:
In many countries, importing or exporting parrot eggs requires permits under the CITES agreement.
🗓️ Parrot Egg Incubation Calendar (Step-by-Step)
| Species | Incubation Period | Days to Candle | Turning Schedule | Lockdown Days | Expected Hatch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | 18 days | Day 7 & Day 14 | Turn 3–4 times/day until Day 15 | Day 16–18 (Stop turning, raise humidity) | Day 18 |
| Cockatiel | 20–23 days | Day 7 & Day 14 | Turn 3–5 times/day until Day 18 | Day 19–23 (Stop turning, raise humidity) | Day 21 (average) |
| African Grey | 28 days | Day 10 & Day 18 | Turn 4–5 times/day until Day 25 | Day 26–28 (Stop turning, increase humidity) | Day 28 |
| Macaw | 26–30 days | Day 10 & Day 18 | Turn 4–5 times/day until Day 27 | Day 28–30 (Stop turning, higher humidity) | Day 29 (average) |
| Lovebird | 20–23 days | Day 7 & Day 14 | Turn 3–4 times/day until Day 18 | Day 19–23 (Stop turning, raise humidity) | Day 21 |
| Eclectus Parrot | 27 days | Day 10 & Day 18 | Turn 4 times/day until Day 24 | Day 25–27 (Stop turning, raise humidity) | Day 27 |
🔄 Step-by-Step Incubation Timeline
Phase 1: Initial Setup (Day 0)
- Set incubator temperature based on species (≈ 37.2°C–37.4°C).
- Set humidity to 50–55% for small parrots, 55–60% for larger species.
- Mark each egg lightly with X and O for tracking turns.
Phase 2: Early Development (Day 1 – Day 7)
- Start automatic or manual turning as per schedule.
- Avoid opening the incubator frequently.
- Candle not before Day 7.
Phase 3: Mid-Incubation (Day 7 – Day 14 / 18)
- Candle eggs to check embryo development.
- Remove any clear, infertile, or dead eggs.
- Maintain stable temperature and humidity.
- Continue gentle turning.
Phase 4: Pre-Lockdown (Day 15 – 2–3 days before hatch)
- Keep turning until species-specific lockdown date.
- Second candling around Day 14 or Day 18 depending on species.
Phase 5: Lockdown (Last 2–3 Days)
- Stop turning eggs completely.
- Increase humidity to 65–70% depending on species.
- Do not open incubator unnecessarily.
Phase 6: Hatching Day
- Chicks begin internal pipping 24 hours before hatching.
- Do not assist unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep humidity high until all chicks hatch.
🐣 Caring for Newly Hatched Parrots
Once chicks hatch, they need special care:
- Temperature → Keep at 35°C (95°F) initially, then gradually lower.
- Feeding → Use specialized hand-rearing formula like Kaytee Exact.
- Monitoring → Track weight daily; a 10% weight drop signals trouble.
- Hygiene → Keep brooders disinfected to avoid infections.
📊 Success Rates & What to Expect
| Experience Level | Success Rate | Chick Survival | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 20–30% | Low | Very High |
| Intermediate | 40–60% | Moderate | High |
| Expert Breeder | 80–90% | High | Manageable |
🧠 Pro Tips for Better Hatch Rates
- Always candle eggs at day 7 and 14 to monitor development.
- Avoid over-handling; keep oils and bacteria off shells.
- Use backup power to prevent incubation failure.
- Track incubation data in a hatch logbook.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Can I hatch parrot eggs at home?
A: Yes, but it requires precise incubator control and isn’t recommended for complete beginners.
Q2. Where can I legally buy fertile parrot eggs?
A: From licensed avian breeders or certified aviaries — avoid black-market sellers.
Q3. What is the success rate for hatching parrot eggs in incubators?
A: For beginners, it’s around 20–30%; experts achieve 80% or higher.
Q4. Do parrots hatch better under parents or incubators?
A: Whenever possible, natural incubation by parents gives better survival rates.
Q5. Do I need permits to buy or hatch exotic parrot eggs?
A: For most species, yes — especially macaws, African Greys, and eclectus parrots.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Hatching parrot eggs in an incubator is possible but challenging.
- For beginners, it’s best to let the parents incubate naturally.
- For serious breeders, investing in specialized incubators, humidity controls, and legal egg sourcing can lead to success.
- Precision, patience, and legality are the keys to healthy parrot chicks.