eggbound cockatiel?

Question
I have a pair of cockatiels and the person I got them from told me that the female will lay eggs but that they were always unhealthy. Since I have had them she has been laying what appear to be infertile eggs - to our knowledge, there were three of them. For a while now she has been holding an egg [pretty visibly] that she has not laid, and I'm beginning to think it's because she can't lay it. What can I do to help her?


Answer
Hi, Bea,

If you are saying you can see an egg partially sticking out of the bird's vent, then you need to get this bird to a certified avian vet or animal emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY or you will lose the bird.  This is an emergency situation.  Do not wait, even for an hour.  Leave as soon as you read this post.

Try not to josh this bird around in the process.  If the egg breaks/opens up, it will likely kill the bird or cause damage that will require surgery.  Be sure your vehicle is warmed up inside before putting the bird in it.  Put the bird (in its cage or other) in your bathroom and turn on the hot water/shower full hot so the bird can benefit from the steam this produces.  Don't put the bird in the hot water...set the bird on the commode or floor so the bird can benefit from the humidity being produced.  

Contact me later to provide status and I'll explain why this happens, etc.

Chrys