Are my budgies going to lay eggs?

[BirdWorld]

I have a male and a female budgies. They are not adults yet, still only about 7-8 months, but I keep seeing them feed each other with their beaks. Does that mean they are mating? And can they lay eggs if they aren’t adults yet? Is there any way to stop them from laying eggs in the first place (other than separating them), and if they are going to lay eggs no matter what, do I need to get them a nest? Hope I’m not bugging anyone with all of my questions.

 

[mak]

It does not mean they will for sure lay eggs. It is very common behavior. They might still lay eggs in the future but this is not an indication.

 

[Lady Jane]

@finchly may offer you some suggestions. There is little you can do to prevent mating except separation.

 

[Olliebirb]

Budgies will feed each other if they are bonded, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will want to lay eggs. If you don't want them to lay eggs then don't put a nest box in. Nest box's will encourage the female to want to lay eggs. (Sorry for my bad grammar)

 

[finchly]

Budgies will feed each other if they are bonded, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will want to lay eggs. If you don't want them to lay eggs then don't put a nest box in. Nest box's will encourage the female to want to lay eggs. (Sorry for my bad grammar)

Exactly right. Don't give them a nest box. They are too young to be raising young at any rate. Birds don't need nests or nest boxes.

 

[Zara]

but I keep seeing them feed each other with their beaks. Does that mean they are mating?

You can only confirm they are mating by seeing the male on top of the female doing the swishy tail dance.

And can they lay eggs if they aren’t adults yet?

Yes. Though it is not recommended to allow such young birds to breed.

Is there any way to stop them from laying eggs in the first place (other than separating them)

No. Removing nooks, nests and huts can lower the chance of the hen laying.

, and if they are going to lay eggs no matter what, do I need to get them a nest?

No. Buy them a set of dummy eggs. Switch the eggs laid for a dummy and put it where you find the real egg.

 

[Lori D Pert]

They are young yet. Feeding each other is normal. @Zara has given you good advice. One other think to help inhibit mating behaviour is to give them 12 hours of sleep. Darken the room or put a cover over them. I think they are too young yet but do keep an eye out for mating.