first time breeder

Question
Hi Chrys:
 My lovebirds have laid eggs and I think we are pretty well set except for the humidity. I asked a friend about this problem and he suggested always having a bathing bowl in the cage for them so that the female could bathe and then go back to the nest bringing the humidity to the eggs. Do I need to go and buy a humidifier as well? I live in northern Missouri and the bird cages are in the livig room with a fireplace so it gets pretty dry. Please give me any advice you can.
thanks Bev

Answer
Hi, Beverly.  Thanks for posting!

Your friend is right in that if a pair of birds feels their eggs need more humidity, they/the female will get her chest wet and then incubate the eggs.  Normally, the birds can regulate this themselves, i.e., they know when they need to do this.  The bird(s) will use their drinking dish/bottle and basically take a bath or at least get their chest feathers wet.  Therefore, it isn't essential you buy a humidifier...this decision of course would be up to you.  As long as the bird(s) have water available, they will take care of this themselves.  If they haven't done this, then their eggs probably don't need the added humidity.

Chrys