still no egg...

[looniebirds]

This is the beginning of the third day since Babycakes laid the first egg.  She is still very active at times, climbing, hanging upside down, eating, pooping, etc.  I did give her a little olive oil by mouth like my Parrots for Dummies said to, also tried to squirt a little on her vent area.  I hope I didn't give her too much, as I had to use a syringe.  I made her some boiled egg shell and all, which she did not like.  This is really making me a nervous wreck, I can tell you.  I wish she'd lay the dern thing already.  Dumpling the cockatiel has three now, and is happily sitting on them in a creme brulee bowl.[probably misspelled] 

She was with the male cockatiel for one day, and he wouldn't let her near him.  I had to separate them because he wouldn't let her sit on either swing, or perch to go to sleep, or anything.  That was over a month ago. 

How long after mating do cockatiels lay eggs?  Could they have slipped one on me?  Gawd, I hope not!  They are not together, and I don't even know if he would help her out or not if they were.

I know these things sound real dumb, but since I never would intentionally breed birds and have never really had a situation where an accident happened, I have never really had to deal with anything like this.

As for Babycakes, I just don't know.  You guys don't think the olive oil will hurt her, do you?

[lorek]

Olive oil shouldn't hurt her just don't give her too much. Do you have a scale to weigh your birds?  Tumblers weeight increased 8 grams over three days and then on the third day she would lay another egg. Itwas very stressful to me but I honestly dont think it mattered to her.  It is good that babycqkes is still eating and playing and such!  As for dumpling, I would honestly doubt that they mated if they were acting the way you described. It's possible but pretty improbable. Just make sure you keep thier daylight hours short and thier calcium high. You can also try quiko egg food and cuttlebones as other options for extra calcium. 

[looniebirds]

Thanks, Lorek.  No I don't have a scales, but she looks well kind of fat!  Thanks for mentioning the Quicko, I could not think of the name, but have heard of it.  I don't think Petsmart here has it.  Might just see if I can get some.  I am working a dumb schedule today, 1-9:30 and back in at 8 am.  So I guess today is out.  Might try Petco, is right across the street from work.

[steptoe91(tozie)]

i got my scale at walmart for $25. it's a digital kitchen scale. i test it every so often with a bag of beans or rice. so far it is accurate and consistent. i tried to make a perch for it but the birds prefer to just stand on the scale.

[Ditty]

quicko also makes a liquid calcium.  I put it in zuri's water.

[BuffaloParrot]

I do not think Babycakes will lay another if she doesn't by the end of today, unless you know she has an egg inside her?  Dumpling having 3 already does worry me a little.  Like I said keep tract of how many and when they were laid.  Change her cage around a little and make sure there are no dark corners or places for her to want to lay.  If she lays 5 or more eggs I would take her in to the vets.  We did this with Miah and I think the experience of going snapped her out of it.  Of course she ended up on lupron shots because she laid 14 in 28 days   I would prefer pure natural cod liver oil (always store in the frig) instead of olive oil.  Cod liver oil is LOADED with vitamin D3 which they need especially if not exposed to natural sunlight and helps with absorption of Calcium.  I add some to their mush/mash meals occasionally and throw in some spices to mask the taste.  Be careful with any supplements added to their water as the water can then become rancid in a short time especially if it is warm/hot in the room. 

[looniebirds]

Well she laid the egg while I was at work! She has 2, Dumpling still just has 3.  NOW she is really getting protective over them.  This is kind if a nightmare, it sure does turn their personalities around!

Where can I get the Quicko calcium and/or food?  I.ve only seen it in the foster and smith catalog.

[lorek]

Inknow the food is at petco in the finch section. Not sure otherwise.

[Debz]

Dont worry about their personalities. They will be back to normal once this period is over.

[BPMar]

Don't worry Loonie, all will return to normal.  Miah got very protective and naughty but she would leave the eggs to eat.  Jane always got fed by Tarzan but would make a few trips from the nest for water, food and her hummingbird imitation for exercise.  They would squawk and fly around but never in attack mode.  I am fairly certain they sell what you are talking about at PetSmart.
Hang in there!