My lovebird just layed an egg...

Question
Hi, my question is this: My lovebird just layed an egg tonight, out of nowhere she squaked and layed it, she does not seem to show much of an interest in it, but i have noticed her being very motherly in the past week or so. So is there anything special i should do, or is this just something natural? She has not mated or had contact with any other birds.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Brent,

It is important to try and discourage this behavior, since it is a health risk. (Birds can get egg-binding, and also the nutrition and huge amount of energy that is required of a bird to lay eggs). It is a natural risk you take when breeding, but if you are not breeding her, you want to try and discourage this behavior.

Let your bird keep her egg(s) until she looses interest(usually no longer than 3 to 4 weeks -the natural hatching time of fertile eggs).

By removing the eggs, it will signal to her to re-lay (since normally in the wild there is a very limited period for birds to lay eggs and raise young). Unfortunately, in captivity, especially in indoor environments, it seems like ideal breeding season all year round (long days- since we leave the lights on-, plenty of food, safe environment, etc.).

However, there are some tricks you can use to make her think it is winter- and thus, not a good time to be raising eggs. Here is an article that will help you with your bird:

http://www.forthebirdsdvm.com/breedingbehavior.htm

Good Luck, and hopefully these tips will work.

-Maggie