Birds--General/Sun Conure

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Expert: - 10/28/2007


Question
My conure has been exhibiting nesting behavior for some time now.  Two days
ago she made a "nest" with a few shredded clothesline fuzzes, moved a small
toy into the "nest" and is sitting on it!  How long should I allow this behavior to
go on before removing the "egg"?  Herbie (obviously misnamed) is in good
health and still leaves the "nest" periodically to eat.

Answer
Hi, Jody,

Allow this behavior to continue until the bird abandons her "egg" in her own time.  To remove the toy now could result in behaviorial problems, stress, etc.  She'll eventually realize the toy isn't going to hatch and give it all up.

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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