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Birds--General/Single Hahns macaw sitting on infertile eggs

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Expert: - 12/4/2006


Question
Hi

My hahns mini macaw is 11 years old. A few years ago she laid some eggs (with no male) and mostly ignored them.  She had not laid any eggs since this year. She started laying eggs in October, and began to sit on them at the beginning of November.  I left them in her cage and she has been sitting on them day and night in a hide-away toy.  I have to force her to come out to eat and poop.  It's been over a month.  The pet store told me to take them out, but she will not let me near them.  I've been trying to keep her day light to a minimum, which isn't too hard since it is winter here in the Northeast.  Do you think I should take them out or wait for her to abandon them?

Answer
Hi, Millie.  Thanks for posting!

I'd leave them until she abandons them on her own, as long as they aren't smelling or anything.  If you take them before she's ready for you to do this, she might start exhibiting behavorial problems as a result.  I've never known a bird to starve itself or not defecate due to sitting on eggs.  She may come out and do these things when you are not aware.  If the bird is losing weight or not doing well because of this, then by all means, remove the eggs.  You'll just have to chase her off the eggs so you can get to them.  Then remove the hide-away toy so she won't continue to lay eggs.

Keeping light to 10-12 hours per day discourages egg laying.  This should help to keep her from laying clutch after clutch.

Come back with any questions.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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