When do conures stop laying viable eggs?

[crookedbird]

I have a female GCC and a male Black-Capped Conure who are mated. I do my best to discourage mating because the female was laying 3 or 4 times a year for a while and I worry about her health. Luckily, I've gotten that to stop, but she still lays once or twice a year. Neither bird knows how to take care of an egg, but I've always wanted to hatch one. Now I want to know if I'm running out of time. They're both 6 years old now and the female is in the middle of laying a clutch right now. I saw online that they stop being fertile around that age. Is that true? How much longer do I have, if it's not already too late?

 

[StormyPica]

It may be too late, but all birds will stop being fertile at different times, so you can't be sure. Best thing to do is candle the eggs (shine a bright light through them) daily, to monitor development and growth.

I really suggest taking all nesting boxes out of their cage and separating them if you truly no longer want them to mate. Make sure they get 12-14 hours of sleep a night, have a good diet (chop and pellets), and a spacious cage. Make sure the female has enough calcium (provide cuttlebone), and don't be disappointed if the eggs are infertile.

Good luck!