Oh no, that explains it. Ruby has an egg! I can feel it. What do I do??

[Brittany741]

She's been hormonal and growling at me and hasn't wanted to step up much at all.

I plan to give her plenty of hard boiled eggs so she doesn't run low on calcium. What should I do? Am I missing something?

The reason I even noticed is I was feeding the baby and she started making this REALLY strange purring sound she's never made before. Her butt was sticking up in the air and her head down.

I had to use a glove to get her out and upon VERY gently feeling her abdomen above the two pointy bones, there is a definite pronounced, firm, round egg in there. It wasn't there just a few days ago, as I routinely look her over very closely.

 

[Anansi]

Crushed hard-boiled egg shells sprinkled in with her food will help with calcium. Dandelion and broccoli will also help in that regard. Feeding egg itself will provide protein, but I wouldn't go crazy with it.

Once she lays her egg, don't remove it. Just let her sit on it. And prepare yourself, because another should end up coming out in around day or so.

Here is a link to Tracey's thread where she has been chronicling her experiences with her ekkie, Venus, laying eggs: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/60187-we-have-egg.html

 

[Pinkbirdy]

If it gets to the point [where you think theirs a problem]. Get her in a hot steamy bathroom . If that doesnt work ,then off to the vets.

 

[Brittany741]

How long does it take for the entire egg cycle from development to laying? I'm guessing no longer then two days if another one is laid two days after the first?

 

[itchyfeet]

I'm watching this with a great interest...
I've seen two completely opposite trains of thought in dealing with laying and egg bound birds. Will start another thread for clarification so I don't hijack this one...

 

[Brittany741]

I was right! Ruby is in labor �� poor girl is handling contractions like a champ. She is going nose down and tail straight up in the air as she bears down. I am cuddling with her through the pain.

 

[chris-md]

Aw go ruby!

Just FYI, I've heard about how going from a horrible situation to getting extremely excellent care can bring on a hormonal fits. So this can be a...good? sign. Gotta get her over the hump but it can be the sign that you have REALLY made a huge difference for her.

 

[Blancaej]

Wow! Good luck with Ruby today! Keep us posted on how she is doing!

 

[Aquila]

A warm shower or a steamy room can help too, for the moisture and helping her relax to pass the egg. Just make sure she's drinking plenty of fluids and not panting or in any distress, I'm sure she'll be just fine.

 

[coopedup]

Wow, These threads have been a real eye opener. So sorry you are going through this but as has been suggested, it sounds like a really good sign in that she is clearly well cared for--enough so that she is in the "mood" Kudos to you for keeping such a close monitor on her health to even notice. Let's hope you have an easier time with Ruby that Traci did with Venus. Will be watching with interest, I know my day will come (in about 2 years!)

 

[DexMom]

Did Ruby lay her egg? How is she today?