egg laying Lovebird, broody and tearing up newspaper. alternative?

[sj262]

Hello,

I have a sister/brother bonded pair of Lovebirds. They are about 2 years old and the female just started getting broody a few weeks ago. I didn't recognize the behavior early enough. She just laid her first egg today, but it was a little soft and broke. I clearly need to add some calcium to her diet, which I will do today even though they have a mineral block and a cuttlebone. I'll put some in their food. I bought dummy eggs which will arrive in a few days and I'll give her those and hope it'll slow her down or stop her from laying. But, she is constantly tearing up the newspaper. The whole bottom is a confetti of newspaper. We have a wire rack over the newspaper, but it's not far enough away so she can get down in there and get the paper and tear it up. Are there any alternatives to newspaper I can use for the time being that is safe? I'd like to curb her broody behavior if it'll help. If it doesn't matter, then I'll just leave the paper. I can also just have nothing and clean the bottom tray more often. If anyone has any other suggestion on how to curb this broody pair, let me know.

Thanks!!

Sara

 

[gracebowen]

Silversage has an awesome post about broody hens.
I will tell you that a brother sister pair should not mate.

As for shredding paper I dont know. Mines been shredding too. I lost an important piece if mail to her. Now I keep it away from her and cant read mail in my room.

Mine is currently sitting 4 unfertile eggs.

 

[gracebowen]

http://www.parrotforums.com/breeding-raising-parrots/54987-before-i-start-breed.html

I cant find link to hormone control. Ill look more later

 

[sj262]

Just looking for an alternative to newspaper. I ended up just using white 8 1/2x11 doesn't have the fold so She can't get it as easily. I know they can't mate. No desire for more birds, anyway. I already have a menagerie. I Did end up purchasing dummy eggs.