[The Outlaw]

Here is Carolyn's response:

Hi there,

Yes, there definitely is something that you can do for your four-year old female Eclectus. You can keep her off the floor. Yes, it is normal for her at the age of four to be seeking dark corners for nest sites. Once she settles on a place to claim as her nest, she will protect it against almost everyone, perhaps even you, and will almost surely administer bloody bites to any feet that come near her "nest".

Worse still, she is likely to become a chronic egg layer, laying nest after nest of infertile eggs. This will set her up for possible egg binding and calcium depletion, both life threatening conditions.

I know it will not be easy for you since she already has this bad habit, but you must confine her to keep her from roaming the floor. Try to keep her busy with wood pieces and natural tree branches to chew. You can give her other fun things to do, like interactive toys. There are food puzzles that require the bird to work at getting the treats inside. They will keep her busy for a good while.

Take her places with you in the car, and on walkabouts around your house and yard. Let her take showers with you and try to include in her in all your family activities. The less time she has to be "broody" and seek nesting sites, the happier all of you will be. It won't be easy at first but you can do it and if you want her to retain her sweet companion quality, it is a must.

Best of luck and let us know if you need help.

Carolyn