upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hi Everyone,
I have a few questions (well more than a few!). My MIL is selling their breeding pairs (birds in general). She and my FIL are trying to take it easy. It is getting harder for them to take care of the bird business and the farm and everything else. They have sold all the pairs except the BCC. They are definitely bonded and last year they had eggs but they weren't fertile. I must also add that the year before last, the female was attacked by bees and almost died. She is fully recovered but my MIL thinks that is why she is infertile. She bought the female from someone who had never tried to breed her so she had never sat on eggs before this.

If a BCC lays infertile eggs does that mean they will all be that way?

Could bees stings have caused her infertility? I have mentioned this to several breeders and they all look at me like I am crazy.

Is there anything that can be done to improve her fertility or chances of having fertile eggs? Is there a test that a vet could do to find anything out? Can diet effect fertility? I know my MIL feeds them a pellet diet and fruit and veggies so I am not sure if anything else could be done. Maybe a vitamin supplement?

My MIL says maybe a change of environment would help them breed and have better eggs. I am considering bringing them to my house for their change of environment. That leads to my other questions:

They are pretty wild being breeder birds that live outdoors. They are handled in order to clean the cage and feed and such. When you go up to the cage they sqawk and scream. The male seems very protective of the female and does most of the screaming. However they will also talk to you. They know a few words. It is adorable and hilarious.

So, can pretty wild BCCs be tamed? I know they are social birds so I am hoping they will at least stop hollering at me when I approach like I am a stranger or going to hurt them. If they were indoors would that help them get used to people? Would that hinder the breeding process?

My MIL likes the BCCs a lot and if they would have babies she would probably keep them. The deal for me is that if I can get them to breed I can have one of the babies for free. I love BCCs and I want a baby so that would be great! I have been around birds alot due to my MIL and owned a cockatiel, but I have never tried to get birds to breed or worked with some that have infertile eggs, hence all the questions!

I would appreciate ANY and ALL advice you may have. Thank you!