Copyright 2007 Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
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ARTICLE
| PAGE 2. corner of the cage, with their tails raised high in the air while emitting a soft, warbling song, that sound like pitiful cries. This gentle song is utilized by hens to signal to males that they are receptive and ready to mate. Bird keepers should carefully watch a hen during the breeding cycle, especially if she begins to lay eggs, because it is imperative that hens receive enough calcium in the diet. The outer shell of each egg is composed of calcium and if the amount of calcium in the diet is inadequate, the hen will draw the necessary calcium from her own bones putting herself at risk for illness and disease. Providing fresh cuttlefish bone (with the soft side facing towards the bird), dark green, leafy vegetables ranking high in calcium, along with other supplements to the diet is essential in order to maintain good health. Because most pet cockatiel hens lay eggs at some point during their lives, many cockatiel owners are concerned with how to prevent periodic or continuous bouts of egg laying that may have gone out of control. Essentially, there are three categories of egg-production in cockatiel hens that are frequently encountered. One of the most common encounters is the unexpected appearance of eggs that may, or may not, be fertilized by a mate, which can appear as a complete surprise to the bird keeper. The second is the planned, intentional breeding of cockatiels to produce healthy offspring for which the aviculturist is well-prepared and educated. The third type of egg production results from the determined action of a single hen to produce eggs regardless of whether she bonds with another bird, or lives alone. Of course, if the hen is without a mate of the opposite sex who could fertilize the eggs, all the eggs will be infertile. One of the most worrisome concerns is the occurrence of chronic egg-laying in adult cockatiel hens, especially when eggs are produced in large quantities. I often receive mail from troubled owners with companion female cockatiels that begin to lay eggs, sometimes clutch after clutch within a short span of time, others perhaps less often, and some repeating the cycle after a rest. Because egg-laying is highly stressful, hens should be watched closely and given nutritional support throughout the egg-laying process and beyond, when the eggs are willingly abandoned. Always provide an adequate source of calcium through a dietary supplement containing calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D3. Calcium is a major component in the formation of the shell around the egg. Lack of dietary calcium can cause a dangerous deficiency for egg-laying hens; female cockatiels that are deficient in calcium will draw the necessary mineral from their own bones leaving them vulnerable to disease, osteoporosis, and life-threatening problems such as soft-shelled eggs and egg peritonitis. Offer fresh cuttlebone making it available inside the cage, soft side facing inward. Cuttlebone can be easier for eager beaks to chew whereas the harder mineral block may be more of a challenge to ingest as quickly. A few ridges scratched across the surface of the cuttlebone with a clean knife will usually entice the more hesitant birds to investigate. Scrape cuttlebone with a clean blade as a powder on top of seed mixes, favorite table foods, or daily fresh foods such as greens, egg-food or other soft foods. Cockatiels that are accustomed to eating a pelleted or extruded diet (always provided with some seed) are already have an advantage because pellets will supply most of the dietary calcium necessary. However, because seeds alone are deficient in calcium, and because calcium works in conjunction with vitamin D3 and phosphorus, birds on a solely seed-based diet may require additional supplementation. Specialty and supplemental products that contain the correct balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 can be added to the diet to maintain adequate blood levels of calcium overall. Another readily available source of calcium is oyster shell, which is a soluable form of grit that is ground up in the gizzard that won't impact the crop as ordinary gravel would should a bird be tempted to gorge. Today, many aviculturists prefer not to offer gravel or grit due to the danger of overzealous eaters impacting their crop; however, calcium enriched oyster shell is soluble and perfectly safe to feed. Chicken eggshells, washed, dried, and baked for a minimum of 45 minutes to remove possible salmonella bacteria, then crushed and added to food provide another excellent source of calcium to the diet. Dark green, leafy vegetables provide a significant boost in dietary calcium. Ranked in order of calcium content, smart choices include collard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, bok choy, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, and spinach. Other greens should be fed for their equally valuable nutritional properties (such as vitamin A and |
| "Providing Resources to the Cockatiel Community" The Cockatiel Foundation, founded in June 2007, began out of a growing need in the avicultural community to offer its members programs for pet owners, breeders and exhibitors, in addition to services never before addressed in the cockatiel community. CF is establishing a Cockatiel Adoption & Placement Program to hrlp in the placement and rehoming of cockatiels to new, permanent "forever" homes. CF offers a wealth of information on color genetics, mutations, and breeding research. CF is addressing the needs of our Youth Members in the CF Youth & Education Program developed for tomorrows' next generation of cockatiel afficionados. Please visit our unique LOST & FOUND Center to report and reunite birds with their owners! Joining the Foundation When you join the Foundation as a Member, you will receive many benefits, including the Cockatiel Chronicle and have access to the Members' Only Yahoo Group for chat, PHOTO CONTEST, Members' Articles & more! Please read about our Membership benefits and peruse the website. COME JOIN US! |
| Disclaimer Articles on this website are not meant to take the place of proper veterinary and other medical care. If your bird appears ill or shows symptoms of illness, please contact your avian veterinarian as quickly as possible. Birds are prey animals and hide their symptoms in order to survive; by the time owners see symptoms, a bird may have become extremely ill. Owners are advised to seek medical attention immediately. To find an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the Association of Avian Veterinarians at www.aav.org. |
C. 2007 Shirley J. Bigham
| EGG-LAYING BEHAVIORS & PROBLEMS Part 1 of a 3-part Series Aggression, Broodiness & Nutritional Needs of Egg-laying Hens © 2000-2007 LINDA S. RUBIN Originally published in August 2000 issue of BIRD TIMES Magazine & CAGE & AVIARY BIRDS, UK, June 28, 2007 "All Rights Reserved" |
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