For the last few days I've been concerned about two of my beautiful (IMHO) blue and white pied chicks. They had not been fed as well as I would have liked. Mum was going out of condition and dad ... well that two timer was having it off with another hen in the aviary!!! And obviously NOT performing his fatherly duties to help feed the chicks.

 

So when the youngsters yet again still only had light feeds in their crops by lunch time I decided it was time for some drastic action. Either I had to supplement with hand feeding or catch the parents and move the entire family to a breeding cage. Fortunately I have not long finished cleaning and renovating the breeding cabinets so there are plenty of empties to spare.

 

I managed to catch mum and stuffed her and babies into the nest box after taping mesh over the hole so she couldn't immediately get out. Then caught dad and put him in the cage and left them alone for a half hour or so. I was pleased to see dad on the perch to the box when I came back to check and take the mesh off. It was also good to hear little feeding noises from the chicks at the same time.

 

When mum eventually came out of the box, she was happily greeted by (the two-timing) dad.

 

This evening when I went to check (with some warm hand rearing mix ready just-in-case) she was back IN the box with the chicks, dad standing guard. Hopefully with no competition (for seed or affection) the chicks will be properly fed, fingers crossed!

 

Now an anxious wait to see what the morning brings ...

 

KathyW.

Edited July 9, 200717 yr by KathyW

Good decision I have a similar situation right now too, but mine are in a breeder cage. I shut off the nestbox entry and put the babies in a box on the floor of the breeder cage. Best of luck with yours.

I am very pleased to report that the relocated family are doing very well. After a sluggish start both babies are sporting full-to-near-bursting crops now, and continuing to feather up nicely. The mum has even started picking up again and is looking much better - her cere is still a bit dull but her plumage and bearing is brilliant. The dad does not seem to miss his bit-on-the-side, and never calls to her although she's in an aviary within ear shot.

 

All in all very pleasing result so far.

 

I might even leave the parents in the cabinet for a while after these chicks fledge to see if they want to have a second clutch in peace.

 

Kaz, I hope your situation worked out too.

 

Cheers,

KathyW.

Edited July 9, 200717 yr by KathyW

great to hear that all ended well with the move.

Wonderful to hear