Help! My linnie won't stop laying eggs.

[magsherm]

Hello,
I'd love some info! I have an affectionate, friendly two year old linnie named Sonny. I didn't know the sex until she recently started laying eggs. I was quite worried when she uncharacteristically started hiding away. After finding the first egg on May 17 I was relieved because it explained her behavior, but now I'm worried again because and is still laying eggs.She's laid 7 so far (unfertilized), the most recent this morning. She's laid in a few didn't places (spends most of her time outside of a cage) and seems to abandon them. In the past couple of weeks her head feathers have started thinning out and she seems stressed. How many eggs are normal for a clutch? Are linnies determinate egg layers? How do I get her to stop laying eggs? I've tried leaving the eggs out to encourage her to nest, I've tried removing the egg, I've tried limiting her daylight to 8 hrs only... HELP!

 

[Allee]

Hello there, and welcome to the forum. Sorry poor Sunny is having this problem. I don't have a Linnie, but I do have a female quaker parrot that that lays eggs during hormone seasons. The first time she laid eggs, she laid seven, one every other day, for fourteen days. We had only had her for a short time, her weight was low and her feather condition was pretty shabby. After a vet visit, vitamin supplements, and good advice, she is much healthier. Her vet advised an organic diet, fewer hours of daylight, nothing in her cage to trigger nesting behavior, minimal handling, no warm, soft food, plenty if toys for distraction.
Harry gets very aggressive when she's hormonal and overpreens to the point of plucking. Since we've been following the vet's advice, she has laid only a couple of eggs and stopped. Harry may not be a good example, because she pays no attention to the eggs, once they are laid. I put them in a shredded paper nest so she can see them until I know she's not going to lay anymore, then toss them.

 

[Taw5106]

Welcome! I had a cockatiel and went thru a similar occurrence where she started laying eggs and wouldn't stop. In researching years ago I read that they lay when they feel safe and if they won't stop make them a little uncomfortable. What worked for us is putting her cage lower but not in reach of the dog. They would agitate each other, Sam would hang on the cage and flap her wings to get the dog's attention, and the dog would start jumping and barking. Sam was safe but now that she could see more of the dog, she stopped laying eggs. If they continue to lay it can deplete their calcium levels and make them sick.

That was my experience with my cockatiel. You could try moving her cage or put some close to it that doesn't make her feel as safe. Best of luck!

 

[magsherm]

Wow! I really appreciate your responses about this. I'll give your suggestions a try and let you know how it goes.