How Long Does it Take For a Single Female Parakeet to Lay an Egg

by Melissa
(Forestdale MA)

Our parakeet, the only one we own, has laid a few eggs over the past few years. We have found them after the fact. Earlier tonight after witnessing her quiet behavior, we discovered that she had an egg that appeared to be stuck to her or still in the process of "laying" it. My question is this, is this normal or is she in egg-laying trouble? How long does this process usually take? This has been going on for approximately 2 hours now.

Editor Thoughts on Parakeet Egg Binding and Time to Lay an Egg

Hi Melissa,

Egg binding, where an egg gets stuck in the reproductive tract, can be a serious condition for birds. However, the egg-laying process can vary in duration.

Here’s what to consider and some steps you might take:

Normal Egg Laying: It can be normal for parakeets to take several hours to lay an egg.

Action: Ensure she's in a warm, calm environment. You can slightly increase the humidity and temperature in the room to help her relax and facilitate the laying process.

Egg Binding: If the egg is truly stuck, this is a medical emergency known as egg binding.

Action: Look for signs of distress like fluffed-up feathers, labored breathing, or straining. Provide a warm and humid environment to help relax her muscles, can sometimes ease the passage of the egg. This can be done by placing a warm, damp towel over part of her cage or using a humidifier.

Calcium Deficiency: This can contribute to egg binding.

Action: Offer her a cuttlebone or calcium supplement, as these can help strengthen the shell and aid in muscle contraction to lay the egg.

Observation: Continue to watch her behavior closely.

Action: If she seems active and not distressed, she might just be taking her time. However, if this goes on for more than a few hours or she shows signs of distress, it's time to act.

If she doesn't lay the egg within a few hours or you notice any signs of distress, it's imperative to seek veterinary care immediately. Egg binding can quickly become life-threatening.

In the future, ensure she has a balanced diet rich in calcium and is in a stress-free environment, as this can prevent egg binding. Regular vet check-ups can also help catch any health issues early on.

I hope she gets through this soon and is back to her chirpy self!

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Cool Small Pets

Please note: This information is intended to complement, not replace, the advice of your pet's veterinarian. Always consult a vet for professional medical advice about your pet's health.

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