Macaw hen won't stop laying eggs

[bigbirdsmom]

We have a pair of macaws with a female who lays eggs monthly; 2-3 eggs each clutch. None fertile so far. We have tried leaving the eggs for the normal incubation period and then pulling, and also closing the box, but then she’ll drop eggs right from her perch.

Both show breeding behavior, but they just don’t seem to be able to get it together yet. They are each about 10-12 years old and have been together for about 8 years. We acquired them 9 months ago and they are very bonded.

What is better for this female? To spend long periods of time, month after month in the dark box, sitting eggs? Or no time in the box but potentially laying more eggs. We are trying to stop this cycle as we fear this is hard on her. We do provide additional calcium in her diet.

Any help appreciated. Thanks

[mmr]

Are you trying to breed them? Laying eggs all the time is terribly bad for her. It sucks all the calcium out of their bodies. You need to take the nesting box out. That incourages the egg laying. Also leave the eggs in there or replace them with fake one's. If you take the eggs away she will just make more. Keeping to "older" one's in there will make her roost on them thus not producing anymore.

I highly suggest calling your avian vet. How many clutches has she laid? You need to up her Calcium ASAP!

[wildirish]

You can also "break" the breeding cycle by controlling the number of day light hours, it needs to be shortened! As mmr said, take the eggs, replace them, and give her plenty of calcium. If the laying doesn't stop you may need to discuss a Lupron shot for her as this will stop chronic egg laying.

[FoxersArtist]

Also, lower the amount of protien given in her diet. A high protien diet will raise her nesty hormones. If you are feeding eggs for calcium, do be careful as eggs also contain lots of protien. When I have had egg laying birds I have mashed up cuttlebone and added it to a mash. They love it. I agree with removing nesting material and if need be, seperate your hen and cock for a while. That gal can't take egg laying month after month. It'll eventually catch up with her.
-Anna