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How to stop my female cockatiel's chronic egg laying and nesting?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old

My 2yr old female cockatiel has been laying infertile eggs. She has stopped at 5 but it has been over 21days (a week and a half since last egg) and she's still nesting. She comes out to eat, drink and play but she has been more tired. I am wondering what I can do to stop the nesting behavior? I changed diet, cage and daylight. I am worried shes sick though shes not acting sick except when on fake eggs, thank you.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2021

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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