Seven is an acceptable number.  Probably the last she will lay.  One good thing about laying that many eggs--it's a pretty good sign that she is healthy and on a decent diet.  The low hatch and survival rate is a concern though.  The ones last time--out of 6 eggs, how many were fertile?  Only the ones that hatched, or were there some that died in the shell?  How old were the babies that didn't survive?  Newly hatched, or several days?  Were they being fed? 

 

Make sure she has a couple different calcium sources all the time. And several differnt food items. And when it's time for the babies to hatch, increase the soft food supply.  If they feel there is not enough food, they will let the younger ones die. Also, be certain that she has clean water at least twice a day.   It is probably the fastest way for the babies to get a bacterial infection, if the water is not clean.

 

Suggestion though--after these eggs hatch, remove the nest box or whatever she is nesting in.  I do not allow my birds to go back to nest for at least 4-6 months after a clutch.  No more than two clutches a  year.  Period.

Another question--how old is this bird?  If she is fairly young, the survivability rate may improve later.  With eggs that are fertile but don't hatch, several things can happen.  One in particular that comes to mind is that she may not be turning them properly.  There is actually a very specific order and timing to egg-turning, which is necessary for the embryo to develop properly.  But if they were not fertile to begin with, it might be that she is still young.  Or old--fertility decreases with age. 

hi

thanks for your advise. I am happy to hear seven is acceptable. The last clutch had six eggs.  Three eggs hatched. They all seemed to be doing fine, food in their gullets but then...two babies died about 1-2 weeks later. I suspect they were neglected all of a sudden for some reason.  One day she had food in her gullet ( I took her to the vet to make sure as i didnt know where the "gullet" was) and the next day she died and then the other one died the following day.

 

The survivor Hope, is doing well, seems happy and healthy and a little devil! She's five months old now.

 

I believe Mama Bird is about three years old.  I adopted her after her owner abandoned her and her partner  at the vets.  Her mate was pretty scratched up...I guess she didnt like him/her much. 

I took her home and introduced her to my other lovebird which i inherited from my mom.  He's at least seven years old.  He's been a very very good dad.

 

No more eggs after this clutch.!

 

thanks again