Separation Anxiety

[texsize]

I need some help.
My breeding pair of cockatiels have had 2 clutches. I don't want more.

I separated them but after about 2 weeks the female looks to be excessively grooming. She also looks sad.

I am not willing to kill the babies in the egg (boiling them) and yes I understand that the fetus does not start developing until incubation starts.
It's still too close to abortion for me.

The best thing I can think of is to cut egg production in 1/2. I read that if you introduce a fake egg along with the real egg (right after a real one is laid) the hen will only lay 1/2 the number she would have.

Even if this works I will still end up with baby cockatiels that I will have to sell or give away.
It was just too painful to all but give away my last 4 babies.

I also won't consider selling my breeding pair. The male whiteface is just too beautiful .
I hope you can offer some ideas I have not thought of.
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[SailBoat]

Not to sound too 'pre-canned' of a response, but have a talk with your Avian Vet. I seem to recall a medication that can inhibit reproduction. But that comes from a very quiet part of my head that I do not always trust.

I also recall that the Breeders have specific things that they do to slow /inhibit reproduction. Removing nesting areas and stuff like that, but you likely are already doing all of that anyway.

 

[plumsmum2005]

You can take away any nest boxes in time and convert the aviary (??) to a little paradise for them, with plenty to do, toys and branches, ladders and boings etc my hope is they will still be able to be enjoyed by you as well as have a happy life.

With no nest box if an egg is laid then it is probably best to just withdraw it. My hope is with lots to do they will lose the impetus to continue to breed? Does the diet need changing or adapting also?

 

[texsize]

The second clutch of eggs was started after I had removed the nest box.
I had separated the fist clutch and removed the nest box. I had not expected more breeding until the spring. They um surprised me.

I do remember reading a post about a dietary supplement to reduce breeding That may be something to try but so far I have not done that.

thanks.

 

[EllenD]

The second clutch of eggs was started after I had removed the nest box.
I had separated the fist clutch and removed the nest box. I had not expected more breeding until the spring. They um surprised me.

I do remember reading a post about a dietary supplement to reduce breeding That may be something to try but so far I have not done that.

thanks.

I know of no dietary supplement that will stop breeding, but an avian vet can provide either one of two drugs that will stop fertile eggs in the female. They can give either Depo Provera or Lupron. Depo Provera is typically used, it is an injection that lasts for either 3 or 6 months, and the female will not be able to lay eggs while on the shot. Most birds stop mating completely on the shot.

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