My cockatiel was egg-bound. How to improve her diet and calcium?

Removing the nest and current eggs won't replenish any currently lost calcium, but it may discourage Phoebe from laying more. If she doesn't have a mate, the eggs aren't viable and should be removed anyway. If you suspect she may lay more eggs, adding in a calcium supplement such as oyster shells or a cuttlebone (you can also use cooked eggfood, there are lots of recipes online) can help replenish calcium in addition to feeding her regular diet.

Birds require calcium for more than just egg laying. It strengthens bones, aids in enyzme and hormone function, muscle development, nerve transmission and certain metabolic processes among other biological functions. A cuttlebone or mineral block should always be available. Limit dehydrated fruits that can be high in sugar. Fresh fruits, vegetables and greens would be preferred. They should make up no more than 25% of the diet. Pellets should make up the majority of her diet at 75%. Fresh foods can make up the remaining 25%. Generally, anything good for you is good for her except for chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and avocado.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi and including a photo. Could she be egg bound? That will often place pressure on the nerves going to the leg. Calcium deficiencies can manifest in bone and/or nerve problems. A radiograph is recommended to assess bone density and if egg bound. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give aid. Removing perches and placing a soft towel on the bottom of the cage can also give comfort. Good luck.

Hello, A well formulated pelleted diet, cuttlefish bone, and dark leafy greens are all good sources of calcium in the pet bird. Here is a link for more information on pet bird diets: https://www.petcoach.co/article/bird-nutrition-feeding-pet-birds-parrot-diets-and-nutrition/ I hope this helps! Thanks for using PetCoach.

You should not need to be supplementing these items as long as the parents are feeding the baby from their own balanced diet, or you are providing a baby bird formula for the bird to eat. You can however, provide extra calcium for the mother to help with any future egg-laying and prevent egg-binding.

Thanks for reaching out about Sheephony. Grit is for the grinding of food in the stomach and does not provide any nutrients. Oyster shell or cuttlebone can supply some calcium, generally lost in the forming and laying of the egg. Green vegetables will also help with calcium. If she is weak, a veterinary visit is recommended for caloric, nutrient and fluid administration. Give heat support in the 80-85 F range for aid. Good luck.

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear that LemonBerry has been chronically egg laying. When cockatiels get into egg laying cycles, it can be difficult to stop without medical intervention. It can also lead to secondary problems such as depleted calcium stores. I worry this may be occurring with her weakness. I'd recommend getting LemonBerry in to see a veterinarian that treats birds. Sometimes medication or surgery is needed to solve this problem. In the mean time, I would make sure that she is eating a formulated pellet diet and has access to calcium chews like a cuttlebone. I would also recommend continuous bright light exposure for a few days to try to reset her circadian rhythm. I do like this article written by a veterinarian: https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/chronic-egg-laying-what-you-can-do/ I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach. Best of luck to you and LemonBerry.