Egg problem and question!

[sarafigal]

We gave my two budgies (male and female, twins actually) a nest box so the kids could see if they would lay eggs. Obviously we are not looking for a strong genetic strain here. BUT that notwithstanding: they LOVE the nest box. The female has laid two eggs, and both have broken in the box. The one I found today looked as though one of the budgies had pecked a hole in it. Is that possible/common? And could you tell me what to look for to know whether the egg was fertilized? And should I just take the box out, even though they love it, to discourage further egg laying? Thanks for all advice!

 

[aliray]

Did you mean actual brother and sister from the same paront birds? If you do I would take the nest box out and not let them breed any genetic defect would be magnified. I would think if you are going to breed birds you should know a lot about the birds lines as you would if you were going to breed cats or dogs or whatever.

 

[Erinsmom]

TWINS?? YES take the box out and do everything you can to avoid them breeding. The results could be cruel and disastrous.

 

[Crazy4Birds]

Just like humans, siblings of any animal species should never be encouraged to mate! It can cause serious genetic defects in the offspring. Please take the nest box out. It is also important to make sure the female has sufficient calcium in her diet to replace the calcium that was used to produce the eggs. If she becomes a chronic egg-layer even without the nestbox, use the tips given from this website: Chronic Egg Laying
You may also have to separate the budgies if you see them mating.