"Pregnant" green cheek conure

[T. gillii]

So.. it looks like Toto may be pregnant at the moment. My previous sun conure laid a few eggs and her lower abdomen looks similar. She has been mating (a lot) with Koko (who may be female or male).

Here's my question. How can I best support Toto through this? If the egg is fertile, I would be okay with allowing them to raise chicks (but I know multiple handfeeders nearby). My intention was not to breed, but I am not against it either if it happens. I would likely only have one clutch and give her dummy eggs for following seasons.

Should I give her a nest box? Even if the eggs are not fertile, would it be a good area for her to lay? What size is appropriate for green cheeks, and what substrate is best? This comes as a shock because while we assumed Toto was female, she has *never* laid an egg. Koko was also assumed female but

How long is gestation and when should I candle any potential eggs? Best veggies? Should I invest in the breeding formula of Roudybush (they are currently on maintenance)?

Should I still have "out of cage" time for her or would it be best to limit her activity level? Just want to be prepared for everything! I have also read up on handfeeding and know the basics, but I would like to avoid that as much as possible

 

[T. gillii]

Purchased a nestbox and some aspen shavings

 

[Rebel]

Purchased a nestbox and some aspen shavings

The box needs to be big enough for both parents to be in there at the same time.

 

[T. gillii]

The box needs to be big enough for both parents to be in there at the same time.

Yes

 

[Zara]

The box needs to be big enough for both parents to be in there at the same time.

Yes, and then double it.
Chicks grow quickly, towards the end it can get quite cramped in there.

It could be that Koko is female, so worth keeping in mind.

@Matto or @BrianB have better knowledge of incubation periods of conures.

 

[T. gillii]

It could be that Koko is female, so worth keeping in mind.

I am definitely prepared for the case there are no chicks haha, but better safe than sorry!

 

[T. gillii]

Small update.. Toto laid her first egg a bit after I put in the nestbox. Sadly, she has not yet ventured in. Koko has gone in, but only with the lid open. Unfortunately, the egg is cracked (I believe she laid it from a high perch) and she was not sitting near it. I have been seeing a lot of broody/nesting behavior around the floor of the cage in the late evening and morning, so maybe they will figure out the nestbox. Anything to encourage them to go inside is appreciated

Edited to add: The egg itself seemed strong and solid, good shell. Normal shape. But two cracks where it hit the cage bars

 

[T. gillii]

Koko is currently going to the treats next to the nestbox and regurgitating them to Toto, true love

 

[T. gillii]

Another update... Toto has accepted the nestbox! I found her in there this morning all broody

 

[BrianB]

Sun conure incubation averages 23 days. Did you discard the cracked egg?