I removed an albino hen from her clutch as most of the babies (6) had fledged, due to the fact this clutch was her second in a row and I wanted to give her a rest and stop her from laying any more eggs. She was fine when I moved her. I left the cock bird in with the babies to keep feeding them and put her straight into the flight. The next day she looked to have had a rough night and since then she has not improved. All the other birds in the flight are fine and happy. This may sound wierd, but she looks very sad. Yesterday, I moved her into a hospital cage yesterday and she was very thin - I suspect she has not been eating much. I put the hospital cage next to the cage I have the cock bird and the babies in (which is next to the fligt). I put some brocolli and corn in the cage and she was eating this and some (but not much) seed. The babies are now all fledged, so I have moved the cock bird into the hospital cage with her.

 

A few questions:

 

Has anyone else had this problem?

Do you think she may've been missing the cock bird and her babies?

Has she gotten so used to having the cock bird feed her that she's just not fed herself?

Have I done the right thing in putting the cock bird back in with her?

Should I have put her in a separate cage prior to putting her back in the flight?

Never ever put a hen who has been raising babies straight back into a flight. She must be rested and regain lost bodyweight in a seperate cage for around two weeks.

okay - thanks Kaz. So should I leave the cock bird in with her or take him out?

You should have the hen in a cage resting on her own. Give her the best of food. The cock is meant to be with his babies.

Breeding takes a lot out of birds and that why they need recovery time to build up bodyweight and health before being put back in the aviary.

yep as kaz said moving hen into flight is not good neds 2 weeks or more to adjust cock should stay with chicks either in breeding cabinet with nest tken away or clossed or in babycage till he stops feeding totally

also shes been away for so long ( BREEDING ) and you have birds whom were never with her this two could have been problem with her low immunity due to being tyed

Thanks guys. How long do you normally leave the cock bird in with the babies? I put the last lot of babies in the nursery cage about a week after the last baby fledged, without the cock bird and he and the hen had started their 2nd round. The babies from the 2nd round have all now fledged and are feeding themselves. Do I leave the cock bird in with them, put him back in the flight or put him in a separate cage for a couple of weeks?

Both parents need recovery time from breeding before going back into the aviary. Two weeks should be long enough. Seperate not together. If the babies are eating for themselves he doesnt have to be with them. Babies should stay in a kindie cage for a few weeks before going into the aviary as well.

Thanks Kaz.