My single sun Conure of 14 years has laid two eggs. I have read a lot about how to prevent the egg laying behavior (now that I realize this can happen) but what should I do now that there are two eggs? Take them away or let her realize they are not viable?
Hi Lauren,
You can let her sit on the eggs on the cage floor. With some birds, this can satisfy their needs and they will not lay again right away, or at all. Do not give her a nest or let her use anything as a nest – you don’t want to encourage nesting. She will get tired of the eggs more quickly if she can’t nest comfortably. I know you have been researching this now, but here are the changes you can make to avoid hormone triggers again.
Keep in mind that to lay eggs, she needs longer daylight, warmer weather, abundant food, and a quiet, private environment. Your goal is to reverse these conditions.
Limit her light to 8-10 hours by covering the cage early each evening
Do not give her anything to use as a nest – no bird huts or tents, no box, bowl, etc. If she decides to sit in a food bowl, remove it and replace with smaller cups.
Do not give her anything to shred such as paper or cardboard.
Rearrange the toys in the cage.
Move the cage to a different place in the room. Move the cage about once a week, or whenever she shows signs of nesting.
If she is let out of the cage, do not let her get in any dark cozy places.
When you handle her, limit any petting to her head and neck – do not pet her on the body.
If there is no metal floor grate, then do not use any bedding or paper in the cage tray – leave it bare and clean it daily.
If she continues to lay eggs anyway, then you may have to take her to an Avian Vet for a hormone implant or shot. The implant seems to be more effective and lasts longer.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
