Hello everyone
My budgie breeding pair (both are 13-15 months old) is in breeding condition, all ready to breed. The hen keeps looking for a place to lay eggs and chews her wooden toys all day long.There is a well known avian vet nearby.
I want to breed them (this is my first time) ,but I think the hen doesn't have enough calcium for her eggs because there is no cuttlebone in the cage. I couldn't find a cuttlebone in any of the pet supply stores. I haven't put the nest box in their cage yet for this reason.
Can I give her hard boiled chicken eggshells as an alternative for cuttle fish bone?
I read on a few websites that we can give them cleaned chicken eggshells as a source of calcium.

Is this fine? Has anyone tried this?Can I let them breed?

I'm aware you just got your budgies back in April and that you are very young yourself.

Why do you feel it is important to breed them at this point in time?

Do you know if the two budgies are related?
What conditioning diet have you been providing them?

An individual needs to have a strong background in basic budgie care and then do extensive research into the proper breeding practices prior to making the decision to accept the responsibility of the commitment required for breeding responsibly and ethically.

Please read the information in this link:https://talkbudgies.com/budgie-breedi...s-new-old.html

Have you considered buying cuttlebone for your budgies on-line?
They should have both a cuttlebone and mineral block in their cage.
While egg shells can be used as a source of calcium it is important breeding budgies be given additional calcium.

AllBirdProducts CalciBoost

I'd like to get more information from you regarding your reasoning for trying to breed your birds before any additional advice is offered.

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I can't give input about a breeding diet, but all budgies, whether or not they are being bred, should have a cuttle bone and mineral block in their cage. Have a look online and see if you can order some for your birds.
Keep in mind that just because your birds are in condition, doesn't mean they have to breed, and it may not be the best idea to allow them to.

They are definitely not related because I brought them from two different places. I want to breed them because I can train the young birds to talk. This is my first time but I am pretty confident because there is an Avian Vet in my area whom I can consult with if anything goes wrong. I have his number and he is ready to provide services apart from working hours if there is an emergency.
Regarding their diet, I have been feeding them dry seeds, pellets , sprouts, legumes ,vegetables and eggfood (thrice a week). They do have two mineral blocks in their cage..
I have read all the stickies in the Breeding Section, but I wanted to know if eggshells could be used in place of cuttlebone.
As you've suggested, I will buy them online.
If you think I am not responsible enough for breeding them, I am not going to breed them..

Catty,

It sounds as though you have been doing your research and I'm very glad of that.

Some budgies may learn to talk while others won't.
Have you worked with the parents and tried to teach them to talk?

I would like to ask that you consider waiting just a few more months (until May/June) before you allow them to breed.

Having a strong background knowledge and at least a year's experience in caring for your budgies will be very helpful to you when that time comes.

Best wishes!

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The parents haven't learnt to talk(they seem to stick to their budgie language).

According to your advice, I'll set up their nestbox in May 2018.

Will keep you updated with pics!

That's great, Catty!

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