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Birds--General/cockatiel laying and behaviour

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Expert: Marie Charon - 10/13/2009


Question
Hello Marie
i have a female cockatiel who is now 12 months old. She has laid two eggs in two days. I have, of course, removed them as she is not mated. She has also stopped the 'taught' whistling and is what i call Johnnie one note. Loud and sometimes she is aggessive more than usual. She is moulting and otherwise appears well. Is this just maturing?
Pam

Answer
Well, she is being more aggressive because she is nesting. Female's can lay eggs even without a mate, they are just unfertilized eggs. Try letting her keep her "babies"-eggs for about a week and then remove them. She is then likely to think she has "done" something, and hopefully snap out of her urge to breed.

Also, after you remove the eggs, remove whatever it is she is using as a nest. For instance if it is paper, put a grill over the paper, etc. If they do not believe they have a place to nest, that too will snap them out of a breeding mode.

You will get your nice girl back when she has moved past wanting to breed and to nest!

Blessings,
-m

Birds--General

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Marie Charon

Expertise

Questions I can answer 1. rehabilitating an abused or troubled pet bird, behavioral issue's, cage and cage care, feeding questions, , most general questions, providing quality care for your bird, and guide you in taming your bird.

Experience

I run a not-for-profit exotic bird rescue, and an animal daycare/boarding service. I also have experience in resolving common behavioral issues such as biting, screaming, feather plucking, aggression, jealousy, anxiety issues, and cage bound birds.

Organizations
NCA Member

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S in Communications and Technical Writing.

Awards and Honors
Dean's List & H.S Society.

Past/Present Clients
Along with Feathered Friends Rescue, I also run Ann Arbor Pet services. This service provides dog daycare, I also provide boarding for dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals. I offer equine services, and exotic bird rehabilitation.

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