Budgie eggs?

Question
Hi--

I have had my budgie for about 7 years.  This morning, we discovered what must be an egg in her cage.  Is it normal for a bird who is not around other birds to produce eggs?  Also, why now and never before?  Is there anything special I should do for her?

Thanks,
Jamie

Answer
Hello Jamie and thank you for your question,

It is very normal for females to lay eggs without a mate.... sort of like chickens or quail I suppose. It is expected that every female bird will lay eggs sometime in her life there is nothing much you can do to pervent it but to prodive the best diet and life you can for her and make sure she is happy and not bored(bordom is a very common reason for suddunly laying eggs among female birds!). Since she is 7 years old and only laying them now its a-bit odd but ok. You should make sure she has a good calcium supply either a cuttle bone or mineral powder put on her food, Be sure you leave all the eggs she lays with her until she completly ignores them.... meaning she isnt just leaving for a lunch break but she doesnt even go down to sit on them anymore.,... at that time you can safely remove them and throw them out, Some people throw them away too early and this causes the bird to lay more which isnt what you want espesially in a older bird. Distracting her with new toys/mirrors and out of cage time would be a perfect way to be sure she doesnt get bored again and lay more, I hope this helps if you have any more questions feel free to ask.