Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 1/4/2008

Question
I was trying to find out what happen (sorry very sad at present)
my Cockateil was about 5 years old and in a great enviroment (well I thought so) she had a radio during the day while I was at work
when I first got her I called her pete as I wasnt sure if it was a male or female till she started laying eggs
it had its wings clipped and it was always with me 98% of the time
it usually woke me up about 7am I would get her out and get breakfast (she loves what I eat but I tried to only have short times when eating) and when I went to work at 8:15am I would put her in her cage with the radio..
now earlier today (4th jan) she was what I could see is laying an egg and I thought ok this will be over soon so I tried helping by leaving her alone radio on and just come over every so often, but unfortunatly when I last saw her was 4x hrs ago and when I went to check on her she had passed away , she was crawled up in the corner with stretched out legs so I am not sure what really happened
I hope that I can get someone to explain what might be , as I have only had a few pets and get really attached (sorry I am very upset at present) thanks if anyone can explain if this was all my fault (I think it was)

Glenn

Answer
Hi, Glenn,

I found your question in the question pool this morning.  For some reason, the Expert you sent your question to originally could not respond.

I'm so sorry about the loss of your tiel.  From the information in your post, it sounds to me like your bird may have passed away due to being eggbound.  When a bird becomes eggbound, it is an emergency situation for the bird and the bird must be seen by a certified avian veterinarian immediately.  A bird becomes eggbound when it tries to lay a soft-shelled egg.  Birds cannot lay soft-shelled eggs...they can't push them out.  Soft-shelled eggs are usually the result of insufficient calcium in the bird's diet.  An eggbound bird will usually sit in the corner of the cage on the bottom, you may see some part of the egg sticking out from the bird's vent (her bottom), a bird will usually be panting sometimes with legs spread apart, and you will notice the bird appears to be very ill.  It's very important for bird's to be fed properly and supplemental vitamins/minerals provided as necessary.  

I know how upset you must be.  Again, I'm sorry for the late response and sorry for your loss.

Chrys