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Hello All...

This is my first post.
I have a girl cockatiel (Rudy) who is around 12 years old. She used to lay eggs when she was younger but hasn't in a long time. I recently put her in with my boy cockatiel (Duncan), there is a nesting box in the cage.
My concern is and I hope you all can help me, I have noticed that she is more lethargic and seems to want to sleep a lot more. I have also noticed that she seems a little swollen around her vent around..
How long does it take for a lady to lay an egg? I am afraid that if she doesn't lay very soon, she could be egg bound. She also scratches at her vent like something is stuck...

Please, help. Any information or where to go for more information would be wonderful.. I will take her to the vet if I need to but was hoping that you all could help.

She has clear eyes, she is active when she isn't alseep.. she is eating and drinking..I am just a worried mother I guess.

Any help would be wonderful!!

Thanks all!!

What you are describing is not normal egg laying behavior. I would take her to the vet ASAP. If she is eggbound this is a matter of life and death.

A 12 year old cockatiel is going to have more problems laying eggs especially if she hasn't in a long time.
I had this English "rescue" budgie that was at least 10 years old. To make a long story short, she mated, laid TWELVE eggs and one baby survived/hatched. Shortly afterwards (a few months later) she tried to lay again but something happened. I think an egg broke inside of her. Needless to say she didn't survive
Bring your tiel to the vet ASAP.

There's also a possibility of tumor... either way, hens should not become lethargic when getting ready to breed. Perhaps she's not in the best of health and may need a diet/exercise plan change?