Last Updated on by Catherine Tobsing
Kim M writes:
She started laying eggs about 4 years ago and usually only 2 to four per season.
This year she has not stopped. We have tried everything we know from taking them away immediately to leaving them with her for 24 days and then removing them with the results the same.
Within a few days to a week, she lays two more eggs. She is up to 8 eggs for this season.
She started laying in March. She appears healthy but we don’t like her personality.
She is very aggressive while she has her eggs and will only lay on them all day. This can’t be healthy. Any advise?
Her feed is Pretty Bird, fresh nuts every morning with grapes, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and cherries.
She also gets a little of whatever we have for dinner. She loves pasta.
We never lock her up at night. She has full roam of the house but never leaves her very large cage in the kitchen and has plenty of daylight.
She appears happy until now with all these eggs.
Dear Kim
Owning a Blue and Gold Macaw is a wonderful, lifelong commitment.
These vibrant, intelligent birds can live for several decades, and by the time your feathered friend reaches 30 years old, she is truly a senior. If your Macaw is still laying eggs at this age, there are specific care considerations you need to be aware of to ensure her health and well-being.
I am sorry about the troubles with your macaw laying. That is a hard one to deal with. But we have suggestions and articles to read.
To start. Take away the eggs. Leaving them with her does not cause her to stop laying and only encourages her to stay broody/caring for the eggs and lashing out.
Blue and Gold Macaws typically have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, with some living even longer in captivity with proper care.
At 30 years old, your Macaw is well into her senior years. During this time, it’s essential to be vigilant about her health and any signs of aging. Look for changes in behavior, feather condition, and energy levels as indicators that she might need adjustments in her care routine.
Hormonal Imbalance and Egg-Laying
Hormonal changes are common in older Macaws and can lead to increased egg-laying, which might seem perplexing at this stage in her life.
Managing these hormonal fluctuations is key to preventing health issues.
This can be achieved by adjusting her diet, reducing the amount of daylight exposure to mimic shorter days, and minimizing nesting opportunities if she’s laying eggs too frequently.
Lighting
Increase the lighting in her cage. Is she in a play-top cage with a solid tray on top? If so, take out the tray above her. You want her cage to be illuminated for 12 hours a day, not dim inside.
We offer bulbs to light up a cage, but size matters. One bulb would be fine for a 20″ wide cage but not for a macaw size cage. You would need at least 3 bulbs to fill the cage with light.
It sounds like she is ready for a Light Treatment. That means she would be put into a cage and the cage lights left on for 72-hours straight.
That is 3 days and nights under the bright light. This resets the circadian rhythm that the light affects in the pineal gland in her brain through the eyes.
After the 72-hour treatment, she should stop being broody and lose interest in laying eggs. If one 3-day treatment does not work, then you can do it again up to 7-days.
Yes, she will call out at all hours, but she will still be able to eat and nap, etc. You will want her to stay in the cage under the light.
If you can use a smaller cage for this treatment, it may be easier to get her eyes to take in the light than if you keep her in her large cage.
It’s somewhat unusual, but not unheard of, for a Macaw to continue laying eggs into her senior years.
While this might seem like a sign of good health, egg-laying can pose several risks for an older bird.
Frequent egg-laying can lead to calcium depletion, egg binding, and other health complications. It’s crucial to monitor her closely and ensure she’s getting the support she needs during this time.
Food
It sounds like she has a veritable smorgasbord. But unlimited food 24 hours a day can also trigger a bird to decide, food is aplenty, let’s raise a family. So we recommend cutting back some.
As your Macaw ages, her dietary needs will evolve. An older bird may require a diet richer in certain nutrients to maintain her health.
Specifically, for an egg-laying Macaw, ensuring she gets enough calcium is vital. Along with a high-quality pellet diet, consider adding fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts to her meals.
Foods like kale, broccoli, and almonds are excellent sources of calcium.
Calcium is critical for your Macaw, especially when she’s laying eggs.
Without enough calcium, she risks developing weak bones, and egg production can drain her body’s calcium reserves, leading to conditions like egg binding.
Vitamin D is equally important as it helps her body absorb calcium effectively. Make sure she gets plenty of natural sunlight or consider a Vitamin D supplement if outdoor time is limited.
There should be a dish of dry food available morning until night. You can remove it after the lights go out and replace in the morning.
Of course water 24 hours a day. A dish of veggies and fruit a few hours in the morning, then removed after a few hours.
Skip the eggs and the pasta foods for now.
Offer less treats, but try to offer what you do at the same time daily. She will start to look forward to them and you.
We like to give our birds a bedtime treat (Avi-cakes or a Nutri-berrie) 30 minutes before lights out.
That always makes it easy to get the birds back into their cages at night. If you can’t bring yourself to remove all of the food at night, then leave a dish with some pellets only. If she is hungry, that is all she gets.
Handling
How do you handle her? Are you petting her body below the neck? Stroking her down her back or holding her close with hugs? If so, you must stop that. It will only increase her hormonal behavior.
Birds do not touch each other below the neck unless they are breeding. So instead, get used to giving her neck and head really good scritches.
At 30 years old, your Macaw’s environment needs to be tailored to her aging body.
Ensure her cage is spacious and equipped with comfortable perches that are easy on her feet. Keep the temperature stable and slightly warmer, as older birds can be more sensitive to cold.
If she’s still laying eggs, provide a soft, secure nesting area within her cage to give her a safe place to lay her eggs.
Preventing Egg Binding in Older Macaws
Egg binding occurs when an egg gets stuck inside the bird, and it can be life-threatening. Older Macaws are at a higher risk due to their age and the potential for weaker muscles.
To prevent egg binding, ensure your Macaw’s diet is rich in calcium, keep her hydrated, and provide a stress-free environment.
If you notice she’s straining to lay an egg or if she’s unusually quiet and lethargic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Stress can exacerbate health issues in older Macaws, particularly when they are laying eggs.
Identify and minimize stressors in her environment. This could include loud noises, other pets, or even too much handling. A calm, predictable routine can do wonders for her mental and physical health.
Behavioral Changes in Aging Macaws
As Macaws age, they may become less active, more irritable, or develop new quirks in their behavior. It’s important to adapt to these changes with patience and understanding.
Encourage gentle play and interaction, but also respect her need for rest. If you notice any drastic changes, such as loss of appetite or feather plucking, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet.
Social Interaction and Mental Stimulation
Even at 30 years old, your Macaw needs mental stimulation and social interaction to stay happy and healthy.
Continue to engage with her daily, offering toys that challenge her mind, and allow her to socialize with family members. Mental stimulation can help reduce the stress associated with egg-laying and keep her spirits high.
Conclusion
Caring for a 30-year-old egg-laying Blue and Gold Macaw requires special attention and a deep understanding of her unique needs.
By focusing on her diet, environment, and overall well-being, you can help ensure she remains healthy and happy in her senior years.
Regular veterinary care and a watchful eye will go a long way in managing any challenges that come with age and egg-laying.
Written by Catherine Tobsing and the Windy City Parrot Content Team
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