Kailani and Lucien's first clutch has been a nightmare! okay, so they started off with 5 bubs. One died when it was a few days old because Kailani neglected to feed it (I started to hand feed it but the little guy wasn't strong enough), another left us because it ventured out of the box too early (at about 4 or so weeks) and somehow got itself lodged between the back of the cage and the box and was out there for the whole night upside down... the eldest bub was lost when my brother was handling her and when trying to put her back didn't hold onto her quite tight enough and she flew away (it was her first fly by the way and she wasn't weaned yet) and for the next few night there was ridiculous wind and rain... and now, the last two (still alive... although hardly) They are both pretty much out of the breeding box but still like to go back in a night and are not completely weaned. Yesterday I go to check on them and find the eldest of the two covered in blood, puffed up on a perch. I brought it inside and kept it warm but thought I should put it back in so Lucien could give it a feed... the moment I put it back in it started to make frightened screeching noises and mum (Kailani) pounced on the little one and started to attack it! Without any provocation... And this morning When I went out the same had happened to the other bub and it was sitting down the bottom in the corner of the cage fluffed up, covered in blood and shaking violently. I don't understand it! She was actually a pretty good mum up until this point... I've moved them out of the cage and into George II and Winnie's where they are recovering now. George II has been feeding them (he's a lovely little budgie) as well so hopefully they will be okay...

Does this kind of thing happen to anyone else very often? Or is Kailani just a bit (or a lot) temperamental?

-Shann

This is a normal behavior, your hen is wanting to start a second round and doesn't want the last lot back in her nest now. She doesn't see them as her kids just another bird trying to take over her site. I'm glad you have another that is willing to take over feeding and helping them in this period.

Not often but occasionally. It's not so bad in aviary breeding as there is a lot of room for the little ones to get away from an aggressive parent. But in a small cage they are "sitting ducks". And if the parents have decided they've had enough of parenting that batch of babies they can get very territorial about their nest box and surrounds. They may see the older babies as potential threats to the next clutch. Budgies very rarely have anything to do with their offspring once feeding stops.

 

Sounds like you've done the right thing, putting the babies in with an older bird. Just as long as that pair do not turn on them. Are George II and Winnie a bonded pair? And do they have a nest box? If so be very careful or remove the nest box until the babies are old enough to be removed to their own cage - which should be done as soon as possible anyway.

 

Cheers,

KathyW.

Are George II and Winnie a bonded pair?

 

They are, but they don't have a breeding box and dont breed in general... Winnie has quite severe splayed legs and is crippled so I dont let them breed. George II tried to mate with her for a while but then realised that she would fall off the perch if he tried so he gave it up

Im keeping a close eye on the little ones to make sure that they dont get attacked again, but its not like George II to do something like that, and Winnie wouldnt be able to catch them so Im not too worried...

-Shann

Awwe, you poor thing, you haven't had very much good luck lately have you? Oh well hopefully it will all improve from here.

its not like George II to do something like that, and Winnie wouldnt be able to catch them so Im not too worried...

-Shann

 

It sounds like they may be good foster parents thou, especially if George II is feeding the youngsters. All the best of luck with them all

 

KathyW.

I have box on the bottom of the breeding cage that has holes in it for the chicks to hind. But you must be quick if the hen or cock get aggressive. In my case it was the hen. So I removed her and placed her in another breeding cage. Each night the cock spend some time with her and then the rest of the night and day with the chicks to continue to feed them. Saturady the chicks will be going to the nursary and the hen can return to the breeding cage to continue, unless she starts a new round in the breeding cage she is in and then the cock will move down perminantly.