Laying eggs

Question
Our Electus is almost 3 years old.  She just started laying infertile eggs.  She has laid 1 per week for the past 3 weeks.  Is there some way to get her to stop.  The 1st one we removed from the cage, but the last ones we have not.  Thanks for the help.

Answer
Hi Alice,

It is important to try and discourage this behavior, since it is a health risk. And Yes, let your bird keep her eggs until she looses interest like you have been doing with the last two eggs (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