Sleeping habit GCC

[Maxine]

My GCC age 16 finished laying 3 eggs about a month ago. She had a hard time in fact 2 of the eggs broke. I substituded 1 fake egg, which she goes to sleep and take a nap with. It seems that it has become very comforting to her. She is anxious to go to bed at 5;30 and will stay quiet till we wake her in the morning instead of waking us at 6;30. Should I keep using the egg or take it away. I took it out last night and she called for it once then was quiet.

[Lori~D]

Normally about a month is sufficient to keep her from laying more. Make sure her days are shorter, and her dark time is about 12 hours if you can. This will keep her from going back into egg laying mode. Also make sure she does not have a nest box or any typw of nesting area that is dark and soft. Make sure she gets enough Calcium - free choice to prevent egg binding in case she does decide to produce more. You said she had a hard time, egg binding can kill her. I would not put the egg back at this point.