Cockatiel Lovers Want to Know: Can Single Female Cockatiels Lay Eggs?

We had the shock of our life when the cockatiel that we thought was the male started laying eggs. Shock led to confusion as she kept laying eggs even after separating the two birds due to health concerns. However, we had an even greater shock when the other cockatiel also started laying eggs. We had never had a pet bird before so we did not even know that this was possible.

After doing research, I learned that one possibility for this can be due to a hormonal imbalance. Also, when female birds feel safe and secure they instinctively want to lay eggs. Therefore, if your cockatiel starts laying eggs, you have a happy bird. However, frequent egg laying can lead to health problems due to calcium depletion. This in turn can lead to bone loss and egg binding which is often fatal.

According to The National Cockatiel Society, there are several measures that can be taken to discourage chronic egg laying. These suggestions will not always work. Some birds will continue laying eggs regardless of what you do to discourage it.

One simple thing you can do is to rearrange the cage. Maybe change the perches or replace the toys. Even moving the cage to a different location might help. This makes the bird feel unsecured. Something else that can help is to distract the bird at the first signs of wanting to lay eggs. I have personally tried this with my birds. I will bring them to my office where I am working and place them by the window. This gives them a different view and distracts them from their God-given duty.

Another recommendation from The National Cockatiel Society is to limit the number of day light hours to no more than ten per day. The reasoning for this suggestion is to trick the bird into thinking that it is not breeding season anymore and discourage her from laying eggs.

A more drastic measure is a birth control shot. These are usually administered once a month and do not always work, not to mention that they can also be risky to your pet's health. Still another option could be a hysterectomy. Once again, this is a costly procedure as well as risky. It would need to be weighed against chronic egg laying and its consequences.

I know how sociable and affectionate pets can be, especially birds. They actually become part of the family and we want to keep them around as long as possible. It is my hope and desire that some of these suggestions can help keep your feathered friend around and healthy for a very long time.