Hi, I'm new here, and new to cockatiel breeding. I've got two 'rescue 'birds, both came from different sources, and I'm desperately searching for advice, too, on cockatiels laying eggs on the floor. The female (Erica - don't ask!)has been laying eggs on the floor for the last 2 weeks (I've been trying to get hold of a nesting box which can fit in her cage- the local pet shop is on to it) - She's begun to really sit properly on them now, being confused at first. The male, Snowy, has also calmed down - after playing 'beak ball' with all of the eggs. He's very jealous and couldn't understand why they were getting all the attnetion. He has broken one. I have no idea how the others are faring.

One of my questions is - when the nesting box comes at the end of this week, will it be OK to move the eggs into it?. She is not an overly tame bird, but I think she trusts me. If I show her what I am doing, will she go for it? Or, should I just treat this lot of eggs as a first, 'practice' clutch, which probably won't hatch? And, when she is on the nest in the nesting box in the future (whether with this clutch or later) - does the male feed her by regurgitating food? (I used to have two canaries who did this when the female was laying). Should I check she's OK, or leave well alone and let them work it out? At the moment I've moved a feed tray and water withing reach of her, which she is using. Snowy is very cocky, typical male and can be aggressive, though he does come down to her to try and 'help' a bit now, rather than using the eggs as footballs. They are both about 4-5 years old. First time parents.

Should I let them practice?

Liz