My cockatiel is laying too many eggs. How can I stop her safely?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Laying so many clutches of eggs and raising that many chicks can be taxing on a bird. Ideally, a breeding hen should have no more than two clutches per calendar year. Remove the remaining chicks from the cage if they are eating on their own. Remove the nesting box as well. Separate the male and female. Drop room temperature by a few degrees and gradually limit her amount of daylight she is getting. This may get her out of "breeding mode" and stop her egg laying. She should be seen by an experienced avian veterinarian to make sure the inflammation around her vent is not infection.