Hi there, I'm new to this forum, have got a question regarding a little chick which has been injured by an older sibling. There are five chicks in the nest and they squabble like mad, never came across a bunch quite so agressive (we've been keeping and breeding budgies for about a year now). The eldest caused the second youngest a nasty injury on the head (was bleeding quite badly just above the eye). I could tell who had done it, as they had blood all around their beak. Anyway, I removed the injured baby from the nestbox and have tried feeding it by hand, but not 100% sure this is the right thing to do???? Unforturnately we haven't any hens who I think will be suitable to foster it at the moment (which we have done a couple times successfully in the past) One hen has just chucked a load of eggs out of her nest and another has only got two newborns (and this one is quite a bit older already) Anyway, don't want to write a novel here...... has anyone had a similar experience with a chick and maybe some advice as to what is best to do?

I cant advise you on the raising of a very young chick, but you certainly did the right thing in removing him from the danger. Read this link to see what can happen as a result of attack by other budgies

http://www.daves-forums.co.uk/bbc/index.ph...wtopic=2445&hl=

 

Im sure someone will come in and help you regards hand rearing.

Good luck!

Anne

You should consider removing the aggressor. It may do it again. Once they get the taste of blood.....

i go along with this it could get a taste for this

thanks for the advice, actually found a way round the "problem" by tricking the hen a bit. Placed the injured chick together with it's youngest sibling in a spare nestbox and have been swapping it round with the other one every few hours. Thought I'll give it a try and she either isn't noticing or is just accepting it, but is feeding both lots! :-) I have to say she is my best hen for keeping chickies crops full!

What good mums you both are!

Julie