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Re: I have a 10 year old cockatoo
Posted by Rick on 1/19/09

On 1/19/09, Diane wrote:
> I have a 10 year old female cockatoo I just adopted and she
> had had a couple small eggs Now I have notice below her
> bottom the is a budge a little bigger then a golf ball what
> do I need to do and what is it and is it normal I have NO male?


Female Cockatoos do not need a Male present to lay eggs. Just
won't be fertile.

Egg Binding is a serious and often fatal condition that
affects female birds of breeding age.

I have never encountered an egg binding on a larger bird, only
smaller ones. It's best you get your bird to an Avian Vet
ASAP. If she is egg bound, her life is in Danger.

Here are some things to watch for in Egg Binding cases:

* Rapid or Labored Breathing: Many egg bound hens will
look like they are having a hard time breathing. If you notice
even slightly labored breathing in your bird, rush to your
avian vet for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

* Swelling: An egg bound hen may appear to have a swollen
stomach or may show swelling around her bottom from straining
to pass an egg. Birds with swelling on any part of their
bodies should be seen by a medical professional as soon as
possible.

* Constipation: If you suspect that a hen may be egg
bound, watch her droppings. If they look abnormal, or if she
fails to produce any at all, get her to the avian vet straight
away.

* Fluffed Up Feathers: One of the most common symptoms of
illness in birds, fluffed up feathers can also be a sign that
a bird is egg bound. If you observe your bird sitting with her
feathers fluffed up, assess her for any other symptoms or
abnormalities and contact your veterinarian.

* Straining: Egg bound hens will often visibly strain to
try and pass their eggs. Birds that strain but show no
progress in moving their eggs should be seen by a vet.

* Sitting in the Cage Floor: Most of the time, birds that
are egg bound will take to sitting in the cage floor. If you
see this happen to your bird, get her to a vet immediately.
Eggs that are stuck inside of a hen can put immense pressure
on the bird's spine, sometimes causing paralysis and the
inability to perch.

If you have observed these or any other abnormalities in your
bird, please contact a qualified avian veterinarian. An avian
vet will be able to properly diagnose your pet's problem, and
get her on the road to a fast recovery.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• I have a 10 year old cockatoo, 1/19/09, by Diane.
• Re: I have a 10 year old cockatoo, 1/19/09, by Rick.
• Re: I have a 10 year old cockatoo, 3/17/09, by ETHEL.