discouraging egg laying

[triordan]

So I recued Ollie about 3 weeks ago, got back DNA results Thursday and found out he's a girl and on Saturday she lays an egg. being a first time female bird owner I wasn't quite sure what was going on so I took her to the vet and she laid her egg there that night.I have been told by some of my friends to take it as a compliment that she loves me and is very fond of me and is happy, however I would like to discourage egg laying in the future.unfortunately I was not able to talk to the vet on duty, there were too many emergencies going on in the office I will call back today to get some of my answers and blood work results, however I thought I would come here first and see what has worked for others. I also have a question about whether or not you should let the bird lay on the egg, the vet removed it. also I've been told that she might lay one or two more before she's done is that true all the time. she is 8 years old and always presumed to be a male but we now know that's not the case I guess I really didn't need the DNA test after all! just as a side note I really don't want to have to go with prescription medication I'd rather try to do something naturally, Thanks

 

[triordan]

should probably add its been suggested that I stay away from the soy based pellets and that I increase her sleep time. Could this go on all year or is it more of a seasonal thing?

 

[triordan]

Anyone? Please. ..

 

[GreyG]

I am tagging this so I will see the replies - I also have a female Grey, but mine is too young to lay (6 months). Someone knowledgeable will be along soon to give you an answer.....

 

[JerseyWendy]

Ok, I just did some quick reading and also called my GF who used to breed CAG.

Greys can lay year round, unfortunately.

Have a look at this link: Parrot Link - Breeding African Greys

I honestly don't know what to tell you about her laying eggs, or how to stop her, but I hope someone with experience in greys will chime in. She must have been REALLY determined, especially since she laid while at the vet.

If she turns out to be a chronic layer, I would consider a hysterectomy.
EGG BINDING

 

[ShellyBorg]

No shredbles, no boxes, cage should be brightly lit. Make sure the cage is in a busy part of the house.
No petting below the shoulders and do not let her regurgitate for you! She starts put her down and turn your back.
Change up the cage with new toys and move everything! We want to make her a little uncomfortable. If you have a second cage set it up and move her back and forth between the two during the day. I would set up a sleep cage and use it even if you can get the other two for day time.
Best of luck! It is worth it!

 

[triordan]

While at the vet she was in an incubator, so I think it encouraged her to lay , we actually had just returned from 10 days at the beach ,So I'm thankful she at least waited until we got home! She did regurgitate once while away and I did put her down. Now all she wants is head scratches and will often nuzzle against my neck, that is safe, right?

 

[ShellyBorg]

Yes that should be fine. Keep us up dated and let me know if this works. And your right if she was in a incubator, most likely covered that did not help at all.

 

[triordan]

They used the incubator to encourage her, I could see something bulging but want 100% sure what I was looking at. ?. Lol Better safe than sorry! Thanks for your help and suggestions

 

[Pajarita]

This is the season for greys to breed so it's normal that she did. All you have to do is keep her to a solar schedule and she will only lay (if she lays at all -two did, three did not) during spring and fall. I allow them to make a nest (they like the corners of the floor so I put a big, tough cardboard box there), lay and set on them if they want (they never have). I don't feed pellets but I agree on the soy restriction (I don't feed soy to any of my animals).

 

[ShellyBorg]

This is the season for greys to breed so it's normal that she did. All you have to do is keep her to a solar schedule and she will only lay (if she lays at all -two did, three did not) during spring and fall. I allow them to make a nest (they like the corners of the floor so I put a big, tough cardboard box there), lay and set on them if they want (they never have). I don't feed pellets but I agree on the soy restriction (I don't feed soy to any of my animals).

I am sorry a properly housed female bird who does not have a mate will not lay if there is no outside stimulation for it or it has a medical condition. Allowing this to happen is not being a responsible owner.

 

[triordan]

This is the season for greys to breed so it's normal that she did. All you have to do is keep her to a solar schedule and she will only lay (if she lays at all -two did, three did not) during spring and fall. I allow them to make a nest (they like the corners of the floor so I put a big, tough cardboard box there), lay and set on them if they want (they never have). I don't feed pellets but I agree on the soy restriction (I don't feed soy to any of my animals).

I want to discourage the egg laying not encourage it~lol

 

[triordan]

ShellyBorg can you elaborate on the outside simulation? I don't use the hanging huts, no mirrors, no nesting area in cage anything else? No medical issues either , just recently got her, previous owner always thought she was a boy she is 8 years old

 

[ShellyBorg]

Petting below the head and shoulders, cage in a dark cozy corner/area of house. Lots of shredding material.Diet high in soy. Over bonding to the owner. This can all cause breeding behavior. I cant let my Grey cruz the floor because he/she is always looking for a great nesting spot. So floor time in in the middle of the room with popcorn everywhere ti keep him in the middle!

If you just got her there is a good chance that the breeding mode had hit before you got her. Also unless the owner was a good friend don't always believe what they say. Keep you eye on her and do what you can to keep her from being to comfy.

 

[triordan]

I have had her for about 3 weeks now, I have rearranged her cage and put her on 2 different play stands throughout the day, just enough I think to keep her from being too comfy. I'm also thinking of moving her cage out of the bird room and into the family room and adding a sleep cage for her. Does that sound like a good idea?