Birds--General/african gray

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Expert: - 9/16/2006


Question
I have a african gray bird about 11 yrs. old
I thought it was a male but tonight he was acting strange  then laid a egg  He/She is back to normal.   She has never been with any other birds.
Is this normal and what do I do now?
                            Thank You
                             Brenda

Answer
Hi, Brenda.  Thanks for posting!

You definitely have a female grey!  Her hormones are raging so she's laying infertile eggs.  This is normal in female birds of all types when their hormones go crazy!  

What I suggest you do is leave any eggs right where she lays them until she abandons them on her own.  If you take them away as they are laid, she will keep laying and laying until she gets a full clutch under her.  This isn't healthy for her, so just let her lay 2-4 eggs and she'll abandon them when she realizes they aren't going to hatch.  This could take a month, so be patient with her and let her do her thing!  Reduce the amount of light she has available to about 8-10 hours per day...this will help disuade her from laying.

Chrys

Birds--General

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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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