Incubating and Hatching Wild Bird Eggs

[Willowhisp]

I found a robin egg today (I think it's a robin egg) and my incubator broke a few days ago so it is on gecko hatching clay on a heat pad in a deli cup. What temps do they need to be at? How do you make sure they are viable? Is there supposed to be a small air pocket? How often do I flip the egg? How long do they incubate for?

 

[Willowhisp]

Turns out it's not a robin egg, idk what it is

 

[BGcoop]

Where/how did you find this egg? Is it legal to attempt to hatch a wild egg where you are located(many places it would not be)

 

[Willowhisp]

I

 

[Willowhisp]

Where/how did you find this egg? Is it legal to attempt to hatch a wild egg where you are located(many places it would not be)

I found it by a tree after a windy day, I believe now that it is a tree sparrow egg

 

[BGcoop]

Hmmm, I guess I would look to see if I can spot a nest and return the egg, if it fell out due to the wind, however sometimes wild birds will “evict” eggs that are not viable. Have you tried candling it to see if you can see anything?

 

[BGcoop]

Also, if you do incubate it and it hatches, how would you plan on feeding it?

 

[Willowhisp]

I've raised young ones before

Also, if you do incubate it and it hatches, how would you plan on feeding it?

Yes, I know they do this and the nest is gone... I candled it and it appears reddish inside instead of just yellow like an infertile egg but it is too early in the season to see a baby developing, the birds just started laying

 

[BGcoop]

Good luck to you then!

 

[N F C]

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the taking, killing, capturing, transporting, harboring of the birds or hatching eggs, that which are Native to the United States of America. All are protected by state and federal agencies.

https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php

Any threads started on this subject will be closed.

Thank you for your understanding.

-BYC Staff