Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 1/27/2008

Question
Hi Chrys,
I wrote to you a few weeks ago regarding my parakeet.  I gave her a plastic pet bird and she is in love with it.  She started laying eggs and one at a time I would remove them. Then I heard that if I keep removing them she'll just keep laying them. So I left them in the cage and she now has 3 eggs which she is sitting on and trying to hatch them.  Obviously they will never hatch and I feel bad for her.  What should I do? Should I get rid of her friend? Please advise....Thank you.

Answer
Hi, Carolyn,

Just let her pretend to incubate her eggs until she abandons them on her own.  She'll be just fine.  Yes, I would recommend getting rid of her friend, otherwise, infertile eggs will continue to be laid.  Your bird thinks this fake bird is a real bird...her mate.  When you get rid of the fake bird, you need to remain/become your bird's companion.  Also, do not put a mirror in the cage.  Birds don't understand mirrors (and fake birds), so she'll also think the bird she sees in a mirror is real.

It can be detrimental to the health of your bird for her to continue laying and laying eggs.  Be sure there is a cuttlebone in her cage so she can replace any needed calcium.

Chrys