Blue and Gold Macaw Egg

Some hens will sit tight after laying the first egg. In a large clutch this can cause a vast age difference between the oldest and youngest chicks. With a good candling light, and an experienced eye, fertility can usually be observed about 5 days after incubation begins.

The incubation period for Caiques is 25-26 days. However, a hen will spend all of her time in the nest box coming out only to defecate. The male will feed her either in the nest box or at the entrance hole. Sometimes a male will even help incubate the eggs, although it is uncommon. If several eggs have been laid before the hen begins incubating, it is possible for several chicks to be hatched on the same day.