First egg laying--help!

[Kasani]

I have two female cockatiels. The oldest, Eva, is just over a year old. I've always tried to cut down on hormonal behaviors and have never provided any nesting sites. I thought perhaps I could avoid her starting to lay eggs this way. But my poor girl just laid an egg--which fell and broke on the bottom of the cage. I feel so bad! I assume she is going to lay more over the next couple days. I put in a dish that she originally had been trying to treat like a potential nest a month or so ago with some kleenex for nesting material, and put the broken shell in there. But I don't know if she will decide to make use of this for the rest of the eggs. I'm worried if they all fall and break that she will continue laying to replace them. Would really love some advice on how to handle this!
Thank you.

 

[Kasani]

After doing some reading up on it, I went ahead and ordered some dummy cockatiel eggs that I can replace her eggs with so she can brood them without them rotting, and hopefully keep her from laying too many at one time. I also ordered a little nest spot to put them, though I don't know if she will actually use this or not for this clutch since it will be entirely new to her. Any thoughts on that front?

I think the reason she didn't build a nest on the bottom of the cage is that my mom's dog runs around upstairs frequently and can peek in at the lowest level of the cage (we have a massive cage), so I suspect she didn't think the bottom of the cage was secure enough to be a nest spot.

 

[Pixiebeak]

Those pesky girls ! I have a Quaker that laid to many eggs last year , she was fine , but I am trying my best as well.

Order the fake eggs to have in hand ...and you are going to have to wait on those experienced with cockatiel. Because tho I can look it up , so can you , and I know you want to hear from folks who have run the gauntlet. For my species I pull and toss

An excellent diet is always important. And keeping track and logging weight can help clue in if eggs are coming. I e had success a couple of times doing big change ups when my girls weight creeped up , in convincing her not s good time for eggs...but it's not always successful..

 

[Pixiebeak]

I think it's a good idea to get a clear acrylic sheet to attach to side of cage to prevent dog bird interactions just enough inches high . You can drill holes do you can zip tie to cage . Not because of eggs , but just added bird protection. I found them at home Depot, bunch of pre cut sizes pretty cheap , but they can cut to order .