Cockatiel laying too many eggs

My sister has 2 cockatiels. Both female. One is 4 years and the other is very young (just under 1 year). The oldest, "Birdie" as we call her (real name: Lightning) has been laying eggs for the past 3 months. She has laid a total of approx. 18-20 eggs. Her and Belle take turns sitting on the eggs. She tends to lay them in batches of 3-5. But as time goes by, they get stinky, some break, so we take them out. We check every one in the light to make sure nothing is inside them (dark spots) before tossing it. I myself don't think they are fertilized eggs. Though we babysat a male cockatiel for 2 weeks, they were rarely together as they were kept in separate cages. I understand they can mate in a matter of 3 seconds, but I still don't think anything happened between the two.... or three . I'm worried about her though. I've heard of cases where eggs can get stuck. If she keeps this up, then she's bound to have a mishap. Not only that, but her poor little "hoo-hoo". The poor girl is so small and it takes so much out of her. I feel so sorry and awed for her, because I am worried, but at the same time the girls are so cute to watch taking turns warming the eggs.

[Dena]

Well this is going to sound a little funny but they make prosthetic eggs for situations like these. If having the eggs there prevents her from laying more than this might be the way to go. I will search a couple sites for you to see if I can get some prices. Also make sure you are giving her lots of extra calcium (cuttle bone). This will help prevent egg binding. A quick fix might be to separate the two birds so they can't see each other but as most people (including myself) wouldn't want to do that.

[Dena]

I can't find them on the web but you can find the little wooden eggs at any craft store. Just make sure they aren't painted and are just natural wood. Be sure to choose a size that is very similar and try to switch them without their knowledge. Also I almost forgot if they have any type of nest box or something they tend to nest in - remove it immediately. Unfortunately, cockatiels will usually drop eggs anywhere so there may not even be one to begin with.

Nope there is no nest box or anything she just lays them directly one the ground.

[Dena]

Yeah I kind of expected that. Cockatiels love to lay eggs when they love someone whether it be human or other birdies.

Thanks dena. We talked about false eggs in the past, but had no idea where to find any. I never thought of the craft store. I'll take a look asap! Thanks again!

[Crittercall]

Another important thing is the amount of daylight she gets. She needs more darkness. I don't quite understand that, but I heard it from the bird expert in KY. Cover her cage early in the evening and make sure she gets at least 12 hours of darkness.

And as Dena said, give her extra calcium. Mine always liked boiled egg-shell and all.

Please search the 'net. I'm sure you can find someone who can answer this question much better. If nothing else, write to a cockatiel breeder who may have other suggestions.

And becoming "egg bound" is a very real problem that will need IMMEDIATE vet attention or your bird will be gone. It is very serious. Not trying to scare you, just want you to know how serious the situation can be. We thought it was kind of funny when ours first started doing it, but then came to realize that it could lead to danger.

I had a 'tiel who did the same thing, but not to that degree. We had to change her name from Mac to Miss Mac because of it!

I'll look at my bird books tomorrow and see if I can find more info on the subject. It's almost 3 a.m. and I gotta get some sleep somehow!

Critter

we found out the both of the females have been laying eggs and belle is extremely protective of them.

[Crittercall]

Are you familiar with www.upatsix.com? It is devoted to birds - mostly for sale - but they do have a chat section where you can go in and ask for help. You have to "join" but it is no cost and people there are anxious to help you. You might give them a try.

Critter

[tree]

I would increase the calicum shes getting too