How can I safely stop my bird from laying eggs? Is diet involved?

Thanks for reaching out about Jojo. There are several things that can be done in an attempt to encourage her to lay fewer eggs. A veterinary visit is recommended as soon as possible to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan, especially if she almost died last time. A review of diet and husbandry with an avian veterinarian is recommended at this time. At home, remove all items that she could perceive as a mate (mirrors, toys, etc.). If she is handleable, stop petting her, especially along the back, as this can stimulate reproduction. Photoperiod manipulation, as she needs 14-16 hours of dark, quiet sleep time, undisturbed. Lastly, there are a few hormones that an avian experienced veterinarian can discuss. 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.

Thanks for reaching out about Sky. Don't think exhaustion has to do with third clutch but nutritional status and health of hen. If laying lots of eggs, diet needs to consist of more than seed, must include vegetables and a protein source. If trying to stop egg laying, all nesting material needs to be removed, and separated from male. Altering the photoperiod could be helpful. A veterinary visit is recommended to help. Good luck.

Remove any nest box or anything that could be used as a nesting box. Limit exposure to sunlight by using a dark cage cover in the late afternoon/early evening. These steps, in addition to decreasing room temperature by a few degrees may stop her from laying eggs.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Luna. Not eating is the main concern, as even if hormonal, should be eating. The weight gain could be fecal/urine retention, or water weight since not eating. If egg bound is worrisome, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Try offering food by hand. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range for aid. Good luck.

Leave them in the nest or nest box for a couple weeks, then remove one egg each week until they are gone. Removing them too soon or all at once may trigger more egg laying. You can also lower room temperature by a few degrees and limit her exposure to light. Shorten her days by using a cage cover in the early evening.