Expert: Julia Booth - 2/27/2009

Question
I have a pair of keets that just started mating, she is aprox 3 yrs & he 5yrs. Iv'e noticed that one or the other keeps breaking the eggs. How can i stop that from happening? Should i remove the male from the cage?
Thank you for any help you can offer.

Answer
Egg breaking is usually about stress. If the mother feels the environment is unsafe, she might actually break her own eggs, because she doesn't think they will survive anyway. Sounds dumb, right? Sort of like post-partum psychosis in humans.

Removing the male from the cage might help. But also consider the location of the cage in your home. Is she warm enough? Is it near the television or stereo or a window? Is there possibly too much noise or flashing light or other stimulation that is interfering with her ability to nest?

Covering the cage with a blanket or towel, even during the day, and just having one side of it open, might also help.

Good luck,

Julia