It can be incredibly exciting for a bird owner when a sun conure lays eggs. However, these eggs require incubation in an egg incubator and meticulous care to hatch healthy birds. Sun conures normally lay two to three eggs, and the incubation period for these eggs is typically between 22 and 28 days.
Purchase an egg incubator. Many pet and bird specialty stores sell bird egg incubation units. Though it's possible to make an egg incubator yourself, for the first clutch of eggs, an incubator is much more reliable. Store-bought incubators have built-in heating units, which means you won't have to purchase extra equipment.
Keep the temperature in the incubator warm. Ideal incubation temperatures range from 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Overheating is a common cause of egg death, so be sure to frequently check the temperature on the thermometer. Note that higher temperatures typically result in shorter incubation periods.
Maintain humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent. When eggs dry out they are more likely to die, but too much humidity can result in mold. More expensive egg incubators often have misting units to control humidity. If your incubator doesn't have this capacity, use moist paper towels or vermiculite and a humidity gauge. Mist several times a day to ensure that eggs do not dry out, and check the humidity gauge every few days.
Turn the eggs. Sun conure eggs need to be turned over several times each day. Howard Voren of Voren's Aviaries recommends turning the eggs four to eight times each day.
If you'd like to try making your own incubator, try using a cardboard box placed on top of a heating pad or under a heat lamp.
Never incubate bird eggs if you do not have space for more birds or homes lined up for the babies.