How many clutches per year?

[jbail1026]

Hi Forum! I have an almost 2 year old turquoise peach-faced hen (just her) and I think she's about to start laying her 3rd clutch. She laid her first clutch when she was about 14 months old, then another about 5 months later, and now she seems to be trying to create a nest again (it's been 5 months). She'll shred paper she finds in the house and take it back to her cage - which does not have a hut or anything in it. I would rather she didn't lay at all, but is 2 clutches a year OK? Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Kae]

I would say 2 clutches a year is good. Make sure she get's plenty of calcium and it will be easier for her to lay.

 

[SilverSage]

If it's just her with no mate, I would do everything you can to prevent her from laying at all.

 

[jbail1026]

Yep! But that's certainly easier said than done! I make sure she gets 10 hours of covered/darkness, change up her toys fairly frequently, and we do trick training daily during her 2+ hours of out-of-cage time. I try to keep her out of any area that she might like to nest in. Any other suggestions? And once she does start acting this way, is it already to late to discourage or should I keep trying? Thanks!

 

[lomeraniel]

I'd keep trying. There's a risk she'd get worn out for no reason. Just keep any paper out of her reach and don't pet her back nor kiss her beak.

 

[SilverSage]

Here is an article I wrote on hormone control in pet birds, maybe there is something here that can help you.

Handling Hormones ? Silver Sage Aviaries

 

[lomeraniel]

Thank you for this wonderful article, SilverSage. I have a male wanting to mate with me and I found this very insightful.