My lovebird laid 5 eggs. Is this normal clutch size? Is calcium safe?

Thanks for reaching out about Peaches. Does the diet normally include any calcium sources, such as green vegetables? Calcium supplements do need to be kept within reason, as oversupplementation can lead to calcification of kidneys. Are the eggs soft? Photoperiod manipulation, removing nests, separating from mates, can all help to reduce egg laying. A veterinary visit is recommended as some hormones might help. Good luck.

Typical clutch size for lovebirds is 4 to 6 eggs. The hen will lay one egg every 48 hours until the full clutch is laid. The incubation period is 21 to 24 days. If you don't have a male lovebird, the eggs will be infertile. Remove them after 3-4 weeks or when the hen abandons the nest. Feed a fortified diet with extra calcium which can be depleted from egg laying.

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.

That is a lot of eggs and very spread out for a viable clutch. If none of the early ones have hatched they are likely not viable and should be removed from the nest. If you are not looking to breed or raise babies, removing the nest can help prevent additional egg laying. Make sure you are also providing a calcium supplement in addition to Peaches' regular food to help replenish the nutrients from laying so many eggs!

Thanks for reaching out about Peaches. Most parrots lay eggs every 2 days to a certain clutch size (which can vary). So if laying an egg every other day for 4 eggs, that can be normal. If you removed the eggs after each one is posited, that can stimulate more egg laying. Laying this many eggs can be a problems if nutrition is poor as eggs require large amounts of calcium and other nutrients to form, and need to be replaced in the diet. Good luck.

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.

Thanks for reaching out. No, it sounds as if your are headed into the correct direction. Check and improve diet, needs to include vegetables, especially greens for calcium. Birds loose lots of calcium when they lay eggs, and needs to be replaced in the diet. Good luck.