Surprise Egg on bottom of cage

[creativeshutterbug]

I have 3 cockatiels that are about 10 years old. I have had them for 3 years and my father-in-law had them for about 7. We have always been told that they are brothers. We have never seen anything to indicate otherwise until last night. One of my cockatiels was sitting on the bottom of the cage. I went to check on the bird to make sure it was okay and it was very aggressive with me. Then I noticed the egg. I have read some articles on the internet trying to figure out how to handle this, but I know nothing about taking care of a nest and baby birds. Does anyone have any advice for me?

I am also concerned that they are siblings and that they are 10 years old. I am wondering what kind of affect that might have on any baby birds.

As of this morning, when I left for work, we only had one egg, and the female was sitting on the bottom of the cage. Should I set up a nesting box or place a basket for her to sit in on the bottom of the cage?

Thanks in advance for your advice

[sarak]

Wow, what a surprise for you!

I would provide a shoebox w/ aspen shavings and let the birds sit on the eggs. If you do not want babies (and if the birds are siblings, I would likely advise you not to allow them to hatch) then you can buy plastic or ceramic eggs to replace the real ones. You can find them on the net or sometimes at craft stores.

Letting the birds complete the sitting process can allow them to return to normal at least for a bit. Taking the eggs away only induces more egg laying which can create health issues.

Good luck!

Sara K