Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 1/3/2008

Question
I am a bit worried as my albino budgie (Albie) keeps laying eggs - about 8-9 so far in the past 3 weeks or so.  She sees me as her mate and as she is too "in-your-face" for other budgies and even bosses my cockatiel around (they have separate cages)it is not a good idea to get her a male budgie as she would bully it.  I have put in egg bics and loads of cuttlefish.  The problem is that even if i catch her eye at the moment she starts the funny noises and tail in the air thing.  How can I stop her seeing me as her mate and get her to be more sociable with Enzo (the cockatiel). I am worried for her health in the long term.  She is just over 3 years old and has always been a bit eccentric in terms of budgies.  Thanks so much for your help and Happy New Year to you:-_

Answer
Hi, Adele,

I found your question in the question pool this morning.  I don't know why it was not answered when you submitted it.

You can't stop your bird seeing you as her mate.  As far as your bird is concerned, you are her mate and her companion.  Your concern should be how to stop the excessive egg laying.  Be sure there is no nest/nesting box present.  Reduce the available light to 10-12 hours per day (8-10 hours if necessary).  Keep a "cuttlebone" in her cage at all times.  If she continues to lay and lay (these are all infertile eggs), a certified avian vet can give her a hormone shot to stop her egg laying for a period of time.

There is nothing you can do to make her more sociable with Enzo.  In fact, some budgies tend to pick on tiels, so I don't normally house them together.  Not all birds are compatible with each other.  You may have 2 of these type birds.  Have you tried allowing them outside of their cages together (or have you tried putting them together to see what happens)?  If not, you might be surprised that they might get along.  If not, you'll need to keep them separate.

Happy New Year to you, too!  Thanks.

Chrys