I posted on the Health forum that my rescue QP Paulie, who I thought was a male, started laying eggs about 3 weeks ago. Because they were soft shelled the vet advised HCG shots which have stopped the eggs (for the most part-she laid a single egg last Sunday) and an added benefit is that she has stopped picking her legs. Paulie is collared, she came to me a plucker/mutilator about a year ago, even collared she continued picking whatever areas she could reach. The HCG, adjusting her hormones, seems to have caused her to quit being so obsessed with her picking behavior.

I also wanted to post that Paulies' behavior is soooooo much better also, it seems like a miracle. Paulie was never a bird to "step up". It seemed to frighten her to be asked to do so, and frankly after so many bites when I did ask, I became frightened to ask her.

Now Paulie steps up with the best of them!!! I admit I was wary but I asked her today and she did it with little trepidation, didn't offer to bite at all. I then placed her on a playgym, asked her again, and "Viola!" she did.

What is your opinion to what is responsible for these changes? The HCG? The egglaying? or do you think Paulie is so much more bonded to me now that she is more trusting and changing her behavior?

The only other change recently is that I bought a PeachFront conure, it was a sad frightened little guy that had been at a pet store over 2 years and I couldn't stand it. I thought Paulie needed a "friend" in a cage alongside hers for some time, I have 4 tiels but Paulie doesn't seem to relate to them at all. Do you think the addition of another "green" bird may be responsible, She climbs down a laddar, looks inside at him and nods her head. Do you think Poco may be responsible for her improved behavior? He is still very frightened, will not allow petting yet so she definately is not mimicing his behavior. She is definately a great role model for him though.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. Bren

maybe its a combination of everything?
I am just so glad everything is working out!!!!
YAAAY I love good news!

I'm with Impy, I think it might just be a combination of it all Either way, it's fabulous news!!!!

I don't have any ideas either, but good for Paulie to be doing so good.