The first year we adopted Suki the Umbrella, she laid 5 eggs in the span of 1 month (age 15 then). This is definitely hormone season! It’s gotten better. She is now almost 19 yo.
You may already know all these tricks, but just for others with parrot hens who have no intention of breeding:
1. We keep the cage totally covered 12-14 hrs for bedtime during this season
2. No underwing or lower back petting ever. Just head, neck, and upper chest.
3. We keep a clutch of 5 fake eggs at the cage bottom full time. (My husband 3-D printed them based on the size of one of her own eggs, but you can buy fake eggs off
Amazon).
4. If they do lay, do not remove the eggs for a few weeks. They may lay an egg every few days. There is a brooding tactile and visual reflex that signals to stop after a certain number are laid. Once she loses interest in them, remove them one at a time every day or two.
If she does lay, we add finely powdered bone meal to her Roudybush crumbles to prevent egg-binding.
You are doing the right thing. It can be scary when the eggs come often. This year we had an egg in January and one last month. Hopefully,
the Suki eggs will continue to be few and far between. (Ironic statement on this site since I want my chickens to lay lots and lots!
)
almost every time I change her cage liner. I've started using thicker course liners and they seem to be deterring it. Also giving her calcium of course.
