Egg Binding

Question
QUESTION: Thank you so much for your advice, I took Sam to the Vet and low and behold there was an EGG! She was given a calcium shot to help her along but that didn't work. So the Vet had to go in and collapse the egg. Half of the egg came out and the Vet said she should pass the rest soon. Besides discouraging her ( which I do) can you think of any other reason she would do this at her age? Besides more sleep and removing the objects of her affection, can I do anything else? Sometimes if I am holding her she tries to back up to my head, so I discourage her and make her come down off my shoulder. I'm just afraid that if there is a next time she may not make it.. Any advice would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Excellent job with Sam - you saved her life by taking it seriously and I wish everyone were this responsible!
 
Macaws will reproduce for most of their lives. They don't stop and live their later years out in retirement, watching their hundreds of grandkids and great-great's. So as long as the bird is breathing, there's the potential for egg laying.

 Other things to avoid so she doesn't decide you're her mate is feeding her anything soft from your hands (and never feeding from your own lips).  Also, when you offer her something to eat, don't come down from over her head so that her face is tilted upward to take the food. Always feed straight forward or let her pick it up from slightly below her.  Feeding from overhead may mimic a mate feeding her.
 Be careful about beaking with her. It's so easy to tug and pull on their beaks, especially when they let us, and I encourage it in order to keep them familiar with their limits on human skin; however, when you face an egg layer you need to curb this.
 Finally, no petting or snuggling below the mid back and nothing under the wings.

It seems these measures deny US more than them, and it's awfully hard to stop myself, but egg laying is just that serious.

Also be sure you have fresh cuttlebone available (scrape the top layer off regularly; replace when worn down). Mineral block is a good idea too.

 If you don't have a night time cage, this is a GREAT idea.  By having two different cages, one for daytime, one for sleep - the bird doesn't become convinced that either one is a safe, permanent 'nest' area.  They are less likely to lay when they know they aren't going to be able to stay in that spot and maintain the egg.

 Take a look at our set up for our girls

www.4AnimalCare.org  

You did a great job. Sam is truly very lucky to have you!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sam's never-ending saga continues! Thought you'd like an update. I called the Vet this morning to tell her some of Sam's (clocea)  were protruding and though she wasn't actually dripping blood that the color was red and  I don't like the way this looks so I'm bringing her back to the VET to see if this is normal because I'm afraid it isn't .. I'm praying that Sam will be okay, she seems so much better but I do remember they are very good at hiding pain.. It broke my heart to see her the other night in the pain she was in trying to lay that egg. I'll let you know what the VET says..Boy, I thought I knew about birds but I don't think you can ever know enough.I hope this helps other reader out there realize the need to get them the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

Thanks again I don't think I could have understood as well as I did with out your help.  I feel so lucky to have found this sight.

Rose

Answer
Thank you very, very much for your kind words and for your own efforts to share your experiences.
 I may post your experience at my site (not your name of course) to help reach even more.
 My thoughts are with you and Sam through this all. Don't forget me !

  www.4AnimalCare.org