https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/health-and-wellness/older-macaw-begins-to-lay-eggs
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Chewy editorial team explains that it is common for mature macaw hens in captivity to lay and protect their eggs, but this can pose challenges for pet owners.
Often, the bird’s environment encourages this behavior - small cages may feel like a nesting area to her.
To help prevent excessive egg laying, it is very important to break her out of her reproductive comfort zone by offering new experiences like car rides, visits to bird friendly homes, or supervised outings to safe, quiet parks.
Keeping her mentally stimulated with tricks and moving her cage to different locations can also reduce the likelihood of ovulation.
For breeds like blue and gold macaws, which often lay multiple clutches, it is best to let her sit on her eggs until she naturally abandons them, while protecting the eggs with soft bedding and replacing any broken eggs with ceramic ones to prevent bacteria.
Egg laying hens need strong muscle tone and a balanced diet to avoid complications like becoming egg bound.
While egg laying can drain calcium and other nutrients, vitamin supplementation should be approached cautiously to avoid toxicity.
Feeding a high quality breeder pellet is the best way to maintain proper nutrition, switching back to a maintenance diet once egg laying ceases.
Calcium rich foods like broccoli and almonds are beneficial additions.
If your macaw hen is laying eggs excessively, consulting an avian veterinarian for a thorough exam and treatment options is strongly recommended to keep her safe and healthy.
