How to stop my cockatiel from laying eggs without costly injections?

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.

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 about Gacy. Having a male in the vicinity, vocal, can stimulate the female to lay eggs, so will be a risk. Check and correct diet, manipulation of photoperiod and hormone therapy can help females to stop laying eggs. Also, is possible to spay birds but is more risky than spaying a dog or a cat. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Luna. For most birds to lay eggs, there needs to be adequate nutrition. Limiting the diet of calories could decrease the chances of laying eggs, but you don't want to starve her. Taking away anything perceived as a nest or nesting material. Manipulation of photoperiod, shortening exposure to light can decrease hormones. Ideally, placing her in an environment with 8 hours of light and 14 -16 hours of dark, can decrease egg laying. Removing anything she perceives as a mate (toy, etc.). Many avian veterinarians have the capabilities of administering hormones that could temporarily stop egg laying. 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.

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.